 |
Although there are still labor shortages even in professional roles due to the Great Resignation, there is stiff competition among job seekers looking for remote job opportunities. More companies are now offering remote work. But, those opportunities make up only 20% of the current job openings, while 52% of all job applications are for remote jobs, according to a new analysis from LinkedIn.
If you’re in the market specifically for a remote job, you need to stand out above the competition.
How to compete for remote job opportunities
1. Network
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, you probably knew I was going to suggest you network your way to remote opportunities. Networking remains (and will always remain) the number one way to find any kind of job, including remote jobs. But how we network has changed a lot since the pandemic.
We’ve grown accustomed to networking virtually, which is still helpful when it’s more convenient or not feasible to meet in person. And now we’re able to get out more to network like we used to. Therefore, we have more options for networking than ever before, so there’s no excuse not to do it!
Now is a good time to brush up on your networking skills, and to incorporate some new networking etiquette based on what we learned from the pandemic. Here are some resources to help you:
- Blog post – LinkedIn Etiquette You Need to Know When Networking Remotely
- Blog post – 5 Ways to Network Effectively in a Post-COVID Job Market
- On-demand course – The Secret to Successful Networking: How to Do It Naturally and Effectively
2. Show your productivity
If you prefer working remotely and have been more productive in doing so, then market it! Include the results of your productivity on your résumé and LinkedIn profile as part of your accomplishments.
If you have a significant amount of results to show for working remotely, create an addendum to include with your résumé.
Discuss in interviews how your results support the fact that you’re a good fit for remote jobs, citing specific examples. Here are some resources to assist you:
- Blog post – Do You Want to Keep Working Remotely?
- On-demand course – Résumés That Get You the Interview
- On-demand course – Steps to Acing the Interview and Reducing Your Interview Anxiety
3. Show how you can solve relevant problems
I’ve previously written on the importance of not waiting until the interview to ask about the specific challenges an employer wants a new employee to take on in the position they’re filling. Asking before the interview helps you come into it prepared with possible solutions.
Showing how you can solve such challenges while working remotely will make you stand out head and shoulders above the rest. For more information on how to do this, check out these resources:
- Blog post – Modern Interview Advice to Make You Stand Out From the Competition
- On-demand course – The Three Super Powers of Successful Job Seekers
Negotiate for remote job opportunities
Even if you’re not finding enough remote work opportunities, this doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate a remote role or a hybrid role, either once you have a job offer, or after you’ve been in the job for a short time. I’ve worked with several clients recently on how to negotiate this perk.
If you’d also like some personalized coaching in this area, click here to schedule a complimentary initial consultation.
