As the world has experimented with remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic, many professionals and employers have learned that they enjoy it and want to continue to do so long term. Remote work can offer greater flexibility, fewer distractions, and more opportunities.
Erich Wuhrman, Head of Talent Acquisition at 20Fathoms, recently served as a panelist on a webinar centering on remote work, hosted by the Center on Rural Innovation. Here are his tips for professionals seeking a new remote work opportunity.
Highlight your ability to successfully work remotely
If you have experience working remotely, be sure to highlight that right out the gate in your cover letter and on your resume. Not everyone can successfully work remotely, so this is something that sets you apart.
Describe your entrepreneurial mindset
Much like entrepreneurs, remote workers need to be self-motivated and highly disciplined individuals who can hold themselves personally accountable. If you have this entrepreneurial mindset, be sure to tell the hiring team about it and how you would take ownership of the role and your work for the company, contribute to customer growth, and add value. An ownership mentality like this is especially important if you’re applying for a job at a company that offers equity (stock options).
Prepare for the interview and questions about remote work
Treat a Zoom interview like you would any other interview. Be well prepared, turn off your phone, and do what you can to avoid distractions. Make sure your environment is set up appropriately including, the background and lighting.
The interview team will likely ask questions to gauge your effectiveness working remotely. These may include:
- Have you worked remotely before? What were the pros and cons?
- Explain your home office environment. How is it set up currently to ensure it’s free from household distractions?
- How do you participate in team engagement and project work?
- Can you explain your experience with video calls and video meetings?
- How do you organize and prioritize your day?
Be strategic in your job search
Start with LinkedIn and make sure your profile is strong. Once you’ve identified a job that you’d like to apply for, check LinkedIn for connections at the company that you already know and ask for an introduction.
Get out there and find opportunities to network both online and offline.
Rather than applying for as many jobs as possible, focus on the ones you’re most interested in and spend the time to try to build a relationship.
Be methodic in your follow-up
You want to stay top-of-mind with hiring managers and the recruiting team. They are reviewing tons of applicants, so it helps when you pop up at the top of the list again.
Create a spreadsheet of the jobs you’ve applied for and document a cadence for following up on your application. Don’t be annoying but stay in touch and remind them that you’re still interested and you’re ready to add value to the company and team in this role.
Take the next steps
20Fathoms offers a job board with remote opportunities for professional in the tech industry. Check it out.
Looking for a new workspace to work remotely? Take a look at the 20Fathoms office, a highly connected, versatile coworking space in Traverse City, Michigan. We’d be happy to give you a tour!