A Guide to Finding and Evaluating Remote Job Opportunities in 2022

Do you know that 77% of remote workers find themselves more productive at home? Given the flexibility of working hours, comfort of home, and cost-cutting opportunities, it’s no wonder why online work is becoming a norm. Plus, don’t forget about the pandemic. What other options did the companies have other than going online? However, all that glitters is not gold. There are certain complexities in finding and evaluating remote jobs. But worry not, the following post guides you to the “new normal” and aids you in finding and assessing remote job opportunities.

Finding Remote Job Opportunities

Figure Out Your Areas of Interest

While remote work has a lot of pros, there are a few downsides to count as well. You will be missing out on the busy office environment and the drive to remain a competitive member among your teammates. So to keep yourself motivated, you will require a job that ignites a passion in you.

While remote work offers you a plethora of fields to choose from, not every option is your calling. So, don’t rush. Take your time, and decide which field(s) inspires you the most. The next step is to learn about the key areas of your interest. And bingo! You are all good to step into this “new normal” market.

Find Out the Right Platforms

Once you have finalized what fields you’ll be pursuing, questions like “where will you hunt for the job?”, “are conventional job searching resources helpful?” etc., will emerge.

Though you may find some remote job postings on specific online resources, invest your time in platforms exclusively designed for work-from-home enthusiasts. This increases your chances of successfully landing a legit remote job.

Assessing the Job Descriptions

Loyalty and devotion are the two critical aspects on which remote companies base their hiring. The reason is simple – they have to rely on their faraway workers to run their company.

So, to earn the employer’s trust, start with reading the job description over and over again. Note even the slightest details, respond to those requirements in your cover letter, and always fulfill what you’ve promised.

Moreover, reading the descriptions will help you learn whether the job is befitting for you or not.

The Cover Letter Should Say It All

Here comes the time to present yourself to your prospective employers. Your cover letter or resume for online jobs should be well-crafted. Try answering every requirement of the employer thoughtfully.

Tell them how skillful and experienced you are in this field and how you can play your part in the company’s success. Only then you can qualify in this emerging yet highly competitive market.

Evaluating Remote Job Opportunities

Never Trade Your Skills for Chump Change

Deciding on your rate might be real stress especially if this is your first remote job. But don’t let this challenge turn into desperation. Search about the current market rates and set your standards accordingly. Going for a job offering a fraction of the standard wages amounts to undermining your skills.

Nonetheless, if you are a newbie, discuss the scope of promotions with the employer before signing the deal. This will help in gaining experience along with reaching your salary expectations soon.

Finally, do not hesitate to turn down the offer if you feel like it is way below your level. It might be scary but this is the right thing to do.

Some employers are taking advantage of people who are just starting their remote job journeys and offering them lower rates than they actually deserve. This is why we once again emphasize the need to check the average rates in your field on trusted websites like Indeed or Glassdoor.

There’s a Lot to Negotiate

In addition to your salary, several factors need to be considered while negotiating. The most important among them are:

• Flexible vs. fixed working hours
• Promotions and bonuses
• Retirement plans
• Location — 100% remote or hybrid
• Other benefits — health insurance, childcare allowance, memberships, etc.

Consider these and all other factors that matter to you. All in all, don’t look at the salary alone; instead, focus on the overall package.

Beware of the Scammers

Scammers are everywhere, and remote job opportunities have somehow paved the way for them. So, don’t fall for any offer easily, and do your part of the research. Here are a few preventive guidelines:

• Check the background of the job offer
• Check the hiring company’s health with the help of social media, Better Business Bureau ratings, and review platforms like Glassdoor
• Look for red flags like on-the-spot jobs and fancy offers
• Don’t trust those asking to transfer funds before hiring
• Never provide personal information or bank details

Compatibility is Important

Even though you are not supposed to meet your colleagues in person, compatibility is still needed. See if you go well along with the company’s culture, management protocols, and values. Otherwise, any problem in the future can lead to frustration which will directly influence your performance.

Wondering how you will inquire about all this? Well, reviewing sites and social media are the go-to options in this case.

Take your time

It might be tempting to rush and accept the first job offer you received to secure yourself. However, we recommend going for a few interviews at least to see how different remote companies are working.

Do not be in a rush, read some books to let your brain rest, go for a few walks, and definitely have a good night’s sleep before making any decision.

Keep Growing!

Landing a job is undoubtedly an outstanding achievement. But don’t consider it your final destination. There’s always room for learning and growing. Keep looking for opportunities to remain competitive and updated in this continually evolving market.