Remote Work: Definition, Pros and Cons, and How to Get One

Remote work has become increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered nationwide workplaces. During that time, these circumstances compelled the adoption of this work arrangement to sustain industry operations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the pandemic has led to approximately 60% of organizations expanding their telework options.

Following this period, remote work has transformed into more than just a consequence of the pandemic. It has emerged as a new working norm that is likely to shape the future of the modern working world. Many organizations have adapted by implementing hybrid working systems, allowing employees to work outside the office for several days a week.

However, not all individuals have been given the opportunity to work remotely, despite their desire to do so. If you haven't experienced remote work and are wondering how to secure a remote job, you better follow this discussion carefully.

Remote working is a practice where employees carry out their job responsibilities from a location other than the traditional office setting, whether it be from home or another remote location. This work arrangement is garnering much interest as it promotes flexibility in working, thereby providing employees with the opportunity to better balance their personal and professional lives.

Remote work can be implemented for workers in all kinds of jobs, regardless of the country. This is what makes this working norm unique. Working remotely allows individuals to work without borders, unrestricted by geography or the local job market.

In other words, incorporating remote work into your job search will open many doors that you might not have had access to previously. This includes opportunities to collaborate with overseas companies from different continents.

Also read: 8 steps to land your dream remote job

Employers seek remote employees who can perform their work at an alternative worksite. This arrangement can be temporary or permanent, full-time or part-time, occasional or frequent. There are several jobs that can typically be done remotely, including:

Programmer: Coding and programming tasks can often be completed remotely as long as the necessary software and tools are accessible. If you have a related background, there's good news for you because there are many remote job openings in the IT sector.

Content writer: Content creation and editing are highly conducive to remote work. Writers can collaborate with clients or team members remotely using email, messaging apps, or project management tools.

Graphic designer: Graphic design work, including creating visual content such as logos, advertisements, and website graphics, can be effectively done remotely. Typically, the workflow involves designers sharing drafts and receiving feedback online.

Customer success specialist: Providing customer support or managing customer success remotely is feasible with the use of online communication tools, customer relationship management (CRM) systems, and remote desktop software.

Virtual assistant: Virtual assistants provide administrative support remotely, handling tasks such as email management, scheduling appointments, and conducting research for clients.

Also read: 20 best work from home jobs in Singapore

As WFH has become a new trend in the industry, many people are looking forward to an opportunity to switch to this working arrangement. Some of the benefits offered by remote working include:

• Fewer interruptions due to the freedom that employees have to set up their own workplace
• More flexibility to handle responsibilities, appointments, and errands
• Reduced expenses on wardrobe and commute
• Greater freedom in choosing the place where you want to reside
• More time spent with family

However, in reality, remote work, just like traditional working arrangements comes with cons, such as:

• Less in-person contact with coworkers
• Blurred separation between work and leisure time
• The need for extra motivation to remain consistent
• Typically offering fewer benefits than onsite employment
• A tendency to become overwhelming due to reliance on electronic communication

To assist you in securing a remote job, we've outlined a series of steps to guide you. Let's break it down one by one.

1. Research jobs and companies/clients

First, start by conducting research for remote job opportunities and companies that offer remote positions. Gather information across various industries and roles to identify potential opportunities. Shortlist those that match your skills and background.

2. Prepare your professional assets

Equip yourself with the necessary assets for remote jobs. After reviewing the opportunities and spread of remote job openings, you can determine which areas you want to explore. Based on this, update your resume to highlight relevant experience and skills required. To position yourself as a potential remote worker, emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively.

In addition to the resume, a professional portfolio is important to showcase your work and accomplishments. Create a visually appealing portfolio in a digital format that is easily accessible online. Alternatively, you can share your portfolio through various forms of content creation, such as blog posts, videos, or infographics.

3. Use a remote job board to find openings and hiring pages on company websites

Utilize remote job boards and platforms dedicated to listing remote job openings. You can use job search websites like Epicareer to gather information about remote job openings. By using Epicareer Smart Job Finder, you can filter job results based on your location, skills, industry sector, and remote work arrangement.

Additionally, explore other resources to browse online jobs, such as:

• We Work Remotely
• UpWork
• Epicareer
• FlexJobs
• Remote.co

4. Look via your networks

Networking can uncover broader opportunities for remote jobs. Tap into your professional network by connecting with industry peers, mentors, or former colleagues. Networking can also provide referrals, allowing you to receive recommendations from your connections.

5. Take part-time or freelance projects to gain experience

Consider taking on part-time or freelance projects to gain experience, build your portfolio, and establish credibility in the remote work space. Freelancing can also help sustain you financially while searching for full-time remote employment and enhance your skills for remote work.

6. Practice your online job interviewing skills

Working remotely doesn't exempt you from the interview stage. Even though interviews are conducted online, it's essential to be prepared by practicing your online interviewing skills. Familiarize yourself with video conferencing platforms, dress professionally, and rehearse answering common interview questions concisely and confidently.

To excel in remote working, it's essential to strengthen certain skills that are crucial in a virtual environment. Here are key skills to focus on:

1. Communication

It’s important to excel in effective communication when you work remotely since the virtual environment limits face-to-face interactions. To sharpen this skill, here's what you can do:

• Practice conveying ideas clearly through written and verbal communication.
• Train yourself to listen actively when your colleagues are talking.
• Learn to adapt to communicating through different platforms.
• Establish routine communication with team members.

2. Accountability

Although working from home, it’s possible that you still have deadlines to meet within office hours. This requires a high level of self-discipline. To strengthen your accountability, you can:

• Set clear goals.
• Learn to prioritize tasks to allocate sufficient time for each of them.

3. Resourcefulness

Since you’re working away from coworkers and supervision, you have to be resourceful in solving problems and addressing challenges independently. To sharpen this skill, you need to continue learning and cultivate a solution-oriented mindset.

As we're now on the verge of a completely digital world, it's highly possible that there will be more remote job openings in the future.

Be prepared and check the current market demand for remote roles through our job finder.

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