Likely, you’re selective about a lot of things—from the people you spend time with, to the food you eat for lunch. Life is about checking what’s available and making choices. If you let others decide for you or you do everything randomly, you have less control over your activities.

Apply this same mindset when you’re looking for a job, especially a remote role. Some may think that it’s fine to work at whichever company hires them first, but that will be detrimental to you as an employee in the long run.

Why choose jobs wisely

When you’re desperate for a new role, it’s hard to decline opportunities that fall into your lap. Regardless if you want a change or are out of work, be mindful when applying for or accepting jobs. Getting a job for the sake of having one is something you mustn’t do.

Rather, take your time to find the right role for you. This will put you in a better situation so you won’t want to switch jobs again soon. Think about what you want from your job, why you’re looking for one, and where you want to go in your career.

How to find the right remote work

Chances are, there are plenty of virtual positions that you’re qualified for. The application process takes a lot of effort, so being selective from the start will save you time. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your search for home-based professions:

See if remote is right for you

Understand that virtual work isn’t for everyone; some people excel in an office setting while others succeed in a remote one. Evaluate yourself to determine what kind of employee you are. Only you know if it suits your present lifestyle and work style.

Ask yourself if you prefer performing tasks alone or with other people. Also, think about what you dread most in your next role, be it a toxic environment or fast-paced atmosphere. Then, consider if these are factors that are avoidable when you’re working remotely.

Get to know the community

It used to be difficult to find remote work in traditional job sites since there wasn’t a filter for it then. This has changed over the past several years with more websites listing virtual roles exclusively. Two examples of which are Upwork and Remote Workmate.

You must know the difference between partially and fully distributed employers so you’re aware what you’re getting into. The former offers hybrid work arrangements that require employees to come into the office a few times per week or month. The latter is where everyone in the company works remotely.

Know what employers want

The most important trait that companies are looking for in remote candidates is trustworthiness. They want people who truly love their work and are willing to be held accountable for their output. They prefer individuals who require minimal supervision but are able to deliver quality results.

It makes sense when you consider that they need to trust each worker to do their job outside of the office. When you’re not motivated to work, you won’t succeed unless someone is looking over your shoulder. Show the remote recruiter that you have the drive to work from home.

Tailor for each application

To get an interview, you must customise your resume and cover letter according to each company you’re applying to. Start by listing all of the tools that you’re familiar with using and are related to the posting. Some examples are Zoom, Slack, Teamwork, and so on.

Next, make sure to mention your communication skills, especially in emails or chat messages. These are the channels that virtual companies use frequently, after all. Lastly, emphasise any time you worked with minimal to zero supervision so recruiters know you have experience in that area.

Consider the differences

As exciting it might be to become a remote assistant, take a close look at the working schedule before accepting the offer. Some organisations allow complete flexibility with their office hours so you only have to think about their time zone for team meetings.

Other companies require your online presence for the entirety of their working hours though. In that case, check the country they’re based in and compute the time difference to know if you’re comfortable with it. Remote staff in the Philippines prefer Australia or UK-based companies over US-based ones, normally.

Should you apply to multiple jobs?

You might think it increases your chances of getting hired but it may lead to the opposite. When you’re applying for many jobs per week, you may fail to tailor your resume and cover letter based on their posting. Or, you might constantly make mistakes on your documents and forms.

Plus, the activity eventually turns monotonous rather than exciting. You lose the enthusiasm you had when you started as it becomes a checklist exercise. You might also find yourself applying for roles that you aren’t really suited for so you meet your quota of applications per week.

Get help to get the right virtual job

For your productivity and happiness, it’s important to find the best role for you. You’ll be spending around 40 hours per week at work, so it makes sense to find a job you actually enjoy. The tips above will guide you in selecting vacant positions that are worth applying to.

For further guidance, Remote Workmate is ready to look at your resume and advise you on your next steps. We’re connected to a wide network of global employers who are looking for virtual professionals to add to their team. If we believe you’d be a good fit for them, we’re more than happy to endorse you.