Coronavirus has turned the table on the typical nine-to-five workday, proving to employers that staff can be trusted to work from home productively and efficiently.
According to Forbes, 68% of US workers say that they expect to work remotely in the future.
No stressful commute and no office distractions. Instead, more family time, and the ability to work where you want, when you want.
5 essential skills you need to get that job:
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Self-organisation
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Tech-savvy
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Communication
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Initiative
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Self-motivation
Working from home means you have to be far more disciplined about how you schedule your day. At the beginning of each week, set up goals or write a to-do list so you can keep track of your progress. Demonstrate these skills in an interview by explaining a time when you effectively and independently managed your time to complete a project on time.
As a remote worker, your computer will be your best friend – and you need to know how to use it. Remote employers will look for candidates familiar with video conferencing and communication tools so they can jump straight into work.
“Instant messaging, video and web conferencing, project collaboration, and document sharing tools are the most common,” explains Brie Weiler Reynolds, Career Development Manager and Career Coach for job sites Remote.co and FlexJobs.
Read the job ad carefully and ensure you have at least a basic working knowledge of the computer applications and programs listed as a requirement. And if your initial interview is via Skype or Zoom, try and avoid any technical mishaps on your end.
Communication is the cornerstone of a successful team and business. But, take away the ease of face-to-face meetings with colleagues and clients, and it can be tricky. In your interview, explain how you would connect and collaborate with a team that is geographically dispersed. And when you land the job, be sure to follow through.
Keep your team updated on your progress, present ideas, ask questions and stay up to date with daily or weekly check-ins. However, this doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to send a million emails. If you have something substantial to say, or it’s a topic that’s open to discussion, schedule a phone call or organise a video chat.
Without any physical face time with your co-workers or managers, it can be easy to fall off their radar. Show your manager you’re passionate about your job and that you’re eager to learn by starting new projects and offering your time and expertise, where possible.
Working from home offers myriad wonderful distractions – TV, pets, your bed and the fridge. If you’re not motivated to work, you likely won’t work if no-one is looking over your shoulder. Remote workers need to be independent self-starters who genuinely love what they do. In your interview, demonstrate your motivation by including the methods and systems you’ll use to structure a task and prioritise important work.
