If you’re trying to work out how to find remote jobs, it’s important to know that there’s a bit of a knack to it.
There’s no doubt that remote working is becoming more widespread. The statistics speak for themselves. However, that doesn’t mean that remote roles are always easy to find. Some companies still prefer to stick to traditional ways of working, and others may allow remote working, but only on a case-by-case basis once they’ve built up trust in a specific employee.
As such, the key thing to know about how to find remote jobs is that you’re going to have to do some research and “leg work.” That perfect home working job won’t just fall into your lap. However, it’s worth the effort if – after that effort – you land up with the lifestyle you want.
This article will teach you some valuable tricks for uncovering remote and home working opportunities. They’re often just there – hidden in plain sight.
Important Differences Between Remote Working and Freelancing
HomeWorkingClub supports both freelancers and people who wish to work from home for a single company.
Sometimes I’m asked to explain the difference, so that’s what this short section is about.
The key thing is that freelancers are self-employed people who work for clients. Some may only work for one client on an “independent contractor” basis, but this is still completely different to working as an employee. Remote employees typically enjoy all the same benefits as office-based staff, as well as the obligations, such as sticking to an agreed shift schedule and having to request holiday or sick days.
As a general rule, an employee has more job security while a freelancer has more freedom. However, the freelancer also has to weather the peaks and troughs of freelance income and the lack of employee insurances and benefits.
This particular article is aimed at those who want to know how to find remote jobs with a single company. If you find freelancing more appealing, this beginner’s guide is a good place to start.
Let’s move on to the job search tips.
Learn HOW to Search the Traditional Job Boards
Some people don’t realise that companies list plenty of remote working jobs on the normal mainstream job boards – places like Indeed and Monster.
Whilst writing this article, a quick search on Indeed for the term “home based,” found us over 35,000 job listings from our search location. And while it’s important to always look out for potential scams, the majority were perfectly legit jobs. A few different searches brought up home jobs with well-known companies including Enterprise Car Rental, American Express and Shell.
(If you’re in any doubt about how many companies employ home workers, take a look at this huge list, which includes lots of big names).
The key thing here is to learn how to refine your searches. For starters, you need to use the right search terms. You can search for things like:
- Home based.
- 100% remote.
- Teleworking.
- Remote position.
- Home working.
- Home worker.
- Remote worker.
You can’t rely on every result being perfect. Typically these searches will bring up some jobs that only allow occasional home working. Also, there are often plenty of field-based positions where you are based at home but actually doing a lot of travelling to customers. However, even after taking those away, there are still an awful lot of options.
Find Some Fully Remote Companies
There’s currently quite a trend for companies to operate on a 100% remote basis, with no “HQ,” and all of their employees working from home, or a remote location. If this kind of lifestyle appeals to you, it’s well worth familiarising yourself with these firms.
Google is your friend here – just search for things like “100% remote companies,” “virtual companies” and “remote first companies.”
A few companies that operate in this way include:
Automattic – The tech firm who make the WordPress blogging platform. They have roles in everything from software development to marketing and design.
TimeDoctor – A software house that makes – ironically – time tracking software for remote workers. They are 100% remote and employ over 70 people worldwide.
AirTrek – A business travel planning firm with a fully remote workforce.
There are plenty more, you just need to put some time into finding them.
Think About Firms you’d LOVE to Work For
If there’s a company out there you’d absolutely LOVE to work for, do some research to find out if they employ any home workers.
The company that always springs to mind for me in this scenario is Apple. I’m a big fan of their products and the idea of working for them would be very appealing (if, course, I wasn’t happily self-employed already!)
Well, it only takes a little research to find out that Apple DOES employ home workers under its “At Home Advisor” program. And it’s not just Apple. Dell is well-known for employing remote workers too, as are other big names like Amazon and Philips.
Just because you want to work remotely, don’t assume you won’t find a dream role with a firm you particularly admire. If in doubt, pick up the phone or send an email – the worst that can happen is that somebody will say “no.”
Consider your Existing Employer
While you’re thinking about how to find remote jobs, it’s wise not to overlook your existing employer, especially if you’re fortunate enough to already be doing a job you love.
Some companies can be persuaded to let proven and well-respected staff work remotely, even if home working isn’t something the business routinely offers.
Obviously companies won’t always say “yes” to such proposals. Sometimes they may have operational reasons for turning you down, or will simply be too wary of setting a precedent. However, if you have a good relationship with your employer, you may be surprised how flexible they’re willing to be if they’re faced with the prospect of losing your expertise.
Just be careful how you tackle such negotiations, and don’t overestimate your indispensability!
Think of Some Compromises
Your eventual aim may be to work full time from home, but would doing so part time still be a good start? If this is the case, you can always think about a compromise position that eases you closer to what you really want.
This is worth some consideration whether you’re talking about your current job, or a role you’re thinking of applying for. Even working remotely for two or three days per week can represent a significant improvement to your lifestyle.
Furthermore, companies tend to be more amenable to home working arrangements when an employee has already proven themselves. If they know you work to full capacity and get results when you’re at home, the powers that be will probably be quite easy-going about you spending more time there. Sometimes it’s just a case of showing your capabilities.
Think About a Subscription Service
As this article shows, there are lots of ways to uncover home working jobs – it just takes some research and effort.
If you’re willing to throw a few Dollars at making things easier, sites like Virtual Vocations (review here) andย FlexJobsย (review here) specialise in finding remote working opportunities from all over the web and putting them all in place. If you’re willing to invest a bit in finding the perfect remote role, it might be worth putting your hand in your pocket.
There’s no big secret to how to find remote jobs. Like most things in life, you’ll be rewarded according to the level of effort you put in. Successful job hunters treat looking for a job JUST like DOING a professional job. They send out lots of carefully crafted applications to jobs they are a good fit for, and do so regularly and persistently.
With over half of hiring managers saying they expect to take on more remote employees, the jobs are most certainly out there. They will inevitably go to the people who put most the most time and effort into finding them, applying for them, and performing well at interview.
Founder of HomeWorkingClub.com – Ben has worked freelance for nearly 20 years. As well as being a freelance writer and blogger, he is also a technical consultant with Microsoft and Apple certifications. He loves supporting new home workers but is prone to outbursts of bluntness and realism.
