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Often, the biggest obstacle when looking for Remote Work in the USA is finding them. Luckily, there are online job boards dedicated to remote positions.
But it’s also important to look at traditional job boards too. Many companies that typically hire in specific locations offer remote opportunities as well.
The Rise of Remote Work in the USA
In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, more workers than ever want to work from home. A full 68% of Americans say they would prefer to be fully remote. And many companies are responding, offering a wider range of telecommuting options than they did in 2020.
The flexibility of working from home means that workers can choose where they live and even relocate if they find the right job. Whether they are fleeing expensive cities for cheaper ones or seeking out a better quality of life, many workers can now find a location that suits their lifestyle.
A wide range of occupations allow for remote work, including educational instruction and library jobs (half), healthcare practitioners, clerical roles, technical positions, transportation professionals, food preparation workers and others. However, if you’re a salesperson or require frequent travel for meetings with clients, you may need to be located near your client base.
Despite the growing popularity of remote work, not everyone is a good fit for it. Some people feel more productive at their workplace and find it difficult to focus at home, regardless of the circumstances. These people may be better off with a more traditional in-office job. This is especially true of young people who are still in school, a group that is more likely to want to be physically present at their office.
Benefits of Remote Work for Job Seekers
Working from home offers job seekers a number of benefits. Aside from reducing or eliminating the commute, which reduces stress and increases productivity, there are other advantages. For example, those who work remotely may also be able to spend more time with family. Or get in some exercise before and after the workday. Additionally, remote jobs are more accessible for people with disabilities or those caring for a child, and they offer greater flexibility to those who need it for personal reasons.
When it comes to a successful remote job search, employers want to see that you are self-motivated and dependable. To demonstrate these qualities, it’s helpful to have examples from your past work that show you are a good self-starter, such as articles you have written in your spare time or freelance graphic design projects.
It’s also essential to tailor your resume and cover letter to each application for a remote position. This is because companies often have specific requirements for hiring candidates, such as having a certain time zone or geographical location.
Remote Job Search Strategies and Tips
With COVID-19 disrupting traditional job markets and driving professionals to seek remote work. It’s important for candidates to shift their application strategies. This means preparing for virtual interviews and cleaning up their online footprint, if necessary. It also means focusing on companies that offer flexible working arrangements. As well as those that prioritize the benefits of remote work.
Some of these companies have been operating with remote teams for years, and will likely not put hiring on hold once the pandemic subsides. It’s a good idea to focus on these kinds of industries and roles, such as computer and IT positions, customer service, and education.
If you’re applying to multiple jobs, it’s a good idea to keep track of them in a spreadsheet. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any follow-ups or applications. And it will help you stay organized throughout the process. It’s also a good idea to research the companies you apply to. As this will give you a better sense of whether they have a good or bad reputation for employee relations. It may even help you determine if they’re likely to be a good fit for your professional goals.
Popular Industries and Roles for Remote Work in the USA
In the US, the industries that saw the greatest increase in remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic include tech (with a 40% jump), management and consulting, education, and healthcare. However, a wide variety of roles in many different industries can now be done from home, including customer service, accounting and finance, sales, and marketing.
Depending on the industry, some positions can be full-time or part-time, and they may be employed by an agency or a traditional employer. It’s also possible to find freelance or contract jobs, which are great for those who are new to working remotely or those looking for a more flexible schedule.
When searching for a remote job, it’s important to keep in mind that employers are looking for applicants who can perform their duties independently, without having to be micromanaged. This is especially true for remote management positions, where the person in charge may not be able to see the employee physically. This is why it’s essential for managers to communicate clearly with their employees in order to ensure that all tasks are completed in a timely manner.
Remote Job Listing Websites and Resources
Many job search websites have a dedicated remote work section or offer the option to filter listings for telecommuting roles. Additionally, some companies specifically list their available remote positions on their corporate website.
For example, We Work Remotely categorizes jobs into several areas, such as design, operations, IT/dev, and sales. They also show you the number of available opportunities in each category, so you can streamline your search. They also have a remote-friendly company directory and an extensive resources tab for job seekers.
Other websites such as Skip the Drive and Remotive have a curated selection of available remote roles that can be searched by industry, job title, or even keywords. Each site also has a helpful resources page and blog posts to help with the remote job hunt.
Of course, traditional job boards like Indeed and CareerBuilder are still a good place to find remote jobs as well. Simply use the search filters to select “work from home,” “telecommute,” or “remote” to narrow down your results. You can also try using a remote recruiting agency if you want to speed up your search. And increase your chances of landing a gig that suits your skills and lifestyle.
Crafting a Remote-Friendly Resume and Cover Letter
A well-written resume is a must for job seekers, but it’s even more important when you’re seeking a remote position. Hiring managers need to see that you have the right skills and experience for a work-from-home job—and they want to make sure that you’re able to work independently without the supervision of coworkers.
To showcase your remote work abilities, start by clearly stating that you’re looking for a remote role in your professional summary at the top of your resume. Then, for each of your past jobs in the work experience section, describe how you worked remotely for each employer.
In the skills section, focus on soft skills that are critical for remote work, such as time management, teamwork, and communication. These are a must for any remote job, and hiring managers will notice when you emphasize them in your resume.
You can also use your cover letter to highlight your remote work experience. But you should be sure that you customize each one for the job for which you’re applying. Avoid using templates that may sound generic, and be sure to proofread your letter for spelling and grammatical errors. A good idea is to have a friend or colleague read it as well.