In today's job market, remote work is extremely attractive. The flexibility to manage personal responsibilities, the savings from not having to commute, and the comfort of one's own home are just a few reasons there is an overwhelming number of job seekers aiming for remote positions. But with such high demand comes stiffer competition and more significant challenges. In this blog post, we'll explore why landing that dream remote job can feel like it will never happen and provide some practical strategies to increase your chances.
High Demand, High Competition
Everyone Wants In: Statistics suggest that a staggering 80-95% of jobseekers are looking for remote opportunities. The pandemic has only accelerated this trend, making remote work the new normal for many. However, now that we are past quarantine it doesn't help that many employers are doing away with this workplace perk.
A Sea of Applicants: Remote positions often attract a higher volume of applicants. With no geographical constraints, companies are seeing up to seven times more applications for remote roles compared to traditional in-office positions.
Overqualification and Skill Mismatch
The Qualification Race: Remote jobs typically have a more robust set of requirements. Employers look for highly skilled individuals who not only fit the job description but also demonstrate a proven ability to work independently.
Skill set Scrutiny: Your skills and experiences are under intenser scrutiny when you're one among hundreds or thousands. Being just a good fit isn't enough; being the best fit is what it takes.
The Resume Gap
Lack of Remote Experience: For many hiring managers, prior remote work experience on your resume can be a deciding factor. Without it, passing the first round of selection becomes significantly harder.
Adapting Your Resume: Reflecting your self-management, digital communication, and time-management skills on your resume is vital for standing out.
Looking in the Wrong Places
Use Remote Work Job Boards: If you want different results try a different method. Remote job boards will help save time and narrow down your search. You will also increase your chances of not getting dubbed by jobs that aren’t really remote. Unfortunately, many employers have turned to the sneaky and unethical practice of posting a job as remote to garner more applicants.
Tailoring Your Application
Here’s what you can do to boost your remote job applications:
Tailor Your Resume for Remote Roles
Remote Work Keywords: Integrate 'remote work' into your resume to pass automated systems and show relevancy. If you do not have actual remote work, think about self-managed projects you have done. Do you have you freelance or volunteer work? Use qualifications required for remote work to describe these experiences.
Highlight Relevant Skills: When you are searching for a remote job, only take time on the roles you are especially qualified at. Because there are so many more applicants, you want to be sure you will rise to the top. Look for roles that you are a strong contender for.
Expand Your Skill Set
Take Online Courses: If you have gaps in your knowledge base, get proactive. Develop new skills that are desirable for remote work, like digital literacy or project management tools. If you come across jobs that really suite your needs, but perhaps you are lacking, take the courses that will give you the experience you need and add the finished courses to your resume.
Get Certified: Along the same frame of though, pursue certifications in your field to bolster your qualifications.
Use Your Network
Online Networking: You will need to start thinking outside the box to get really competitive. Over 50 percent of available jobs are not listed online. Rather, they are shared internally in hopes of landing a vetted candidate. Build professional connections through platforms like LinkedIn. Reach out to your connections and let them know you are looking for a new remote job.
Referrals: Ask for referrals from peers who can vouch for your remote work readiness. When you are up against a sea of applicants, every little bit will work towards your advantage.
Customize Your Approach
Application Quality Over Quantity: Spend more time customizing applications for roles that truly fit your skills.
Research the Company: Understand the company culture and how they handle remote work to tailor your approach accordingly.
In the pursuit of remote work, it's crucial to not only be qualified but to also effectively communicate your remote work readiness in your applications. By following these suggestions and optimizing your resume for remote roles, especially if seeking help from a professional resume writer in El Paso, you can increase your visibility to potential employers. Remember, while the demand for remote work remains high, with the right strategies and mindset, you can make yourself stand out from the crowd.
Are you looking to transition to remote work but struggling to get your foot in the (virtual) door? Enhance your chances with a razor-sharp resume that speaks to the needs of today's remote employers. Reach out to a resume writer in El Paso to craft an application that shines.