6 Practical Tips To Help You Land Your First Remote Job

Sep 1

Feeling discouraged from all the rejections you’ve been getting lately?

You’re not alone.

When I was starting out, I sent hundreds of applications on Odesk (now Upwork). I got rejected for every one of them. 😅

Thankfully, after many years of being a remote employee — and now as an employer myself — I’ve learned important lessons on how beginners can increase their chances of getting hired.

Here are some of my best tips:

1. Play to your strengths

Let’s go back to my Odesk experience.

Back then, I was so desperate to land a remote job that I applied for every single one that I encountered.

I didn’t focus on a specific skill or target market. Basta apply lang nang apply. Ang ending, I got rejected for all of them.

Looking back at it now, I’ve come to realize that those rejections happened because I was not strategic about my job hunt.

First, I came from a place of scarcity and desperation. Second, I tried being a jack of all trades. And in doing so, I ended up being a master of none.

So my first tip is this: play to your strengths.

Instead of trying to be a jack of all trades, start your remote work journey by focusing on a specific skill or market. Ask yourself:

What marketable skills do I currently have?
What job experiences can I leverage?
What projects do I enjoy doing?

Whichever it is, start with one — and then stick to it.

Remember, the world of remote work is vast. There are lots of opportunities out there and they will come at the right time. But for you to start, play to your strengths and find a niche that complements it.

Tailor your resume to the role you’re applying for

Next, make sure that your resume matches the job that you’re applying for.

Filipino applicants have lots of marketable skills. The problem is that most of us submit the same generic CV to multiple jobs, regardless of the role’s requirements. We end up failing because our resume doesn’t stand out from everyone else’s.

So instead of just sending the same generic resume to all your prospects, tailor them to the role you’re applying for.

Start by reviewing the job description.

What skills are they looking for?
What tools do you need to be familiar with?
What kind of experience do you need to have?

If you meet most of those requirements, create a resume that showcases why you’re the best fit. Put your qualifications front and center.

For example, if you’re applying for a graphic design role, highlight your design experience first. You can also add your portfolio and even create a sample design for the client.

Tailoring your CV based on the job helps you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of moving on to the next stage of the hiring process.

PRO TIP

If you’ve worked in a business process outsourcing (BPO) company, put the specific account you’ve worked in instead of the call center. This will give your resume an extra boost, especially for employers who want to hire folks who have worked with US-based companies.

Keep your resume clear and simple

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to use fancy fonts or trendy formats in your resume. In fact, recruiters and employers prefer clear, simple resumes that are uploaded using the correct format.

At Shepherd, we love seeing resumes that clearly outline your years of experience, the tools you use, and the companies you’ve worked for in the past. That’s really it.

Instead of super sophisticated resumes, create a clear, concise one by:

Using consistent fonts throughout the document.
Putting standard headings to separate each section of your resume.
Using keywords that are relevant to the role.
Keeping it free from any spelling or grammatical errors.
Uploading using the correct format

Show your eagerness

Not having enough experience is a huge roadblock for both beginners and career shifters. But did you know that you can turn your “inexperience” into an advantage?

Yes, some clients require certain years of experience, but there are others who want to take a chance on applicants who are:

Highly trainable
Eager to learn
Happy to help
Looking to grow with their company

That’s why I encourage you to show your eagerness whenever possible.

Start by being prepared. Research about the client’s business and the role.

Then, explain how you can help them solve their problem in your cover letter or application form.

Lastly, show them how you can be a valuable asset to their company during your interview. Cite specific examples of how you can help them.

And when you get hired, don’t forget to treat the client’s business as if it’s your own. Not only will you secure a job, but you’ll also open yourself up to more opportunities for long-term growth.

Follow application instructions

Sometimes, it’s not even about skill or experience. Lots of applicants fail to get the job because they simply fail to follow the employer’s instructions.

Before you send in your application, make sure that you follow directions to a T.

For example, if the employer wants a PDF copy of your resume, don’t send it in a docx format.

At Shepherd, we request everyone to send in one job application at a time so that our system can match candidates efficiently.

The bottom line is that following application instructions shows employers that you pay attention to detail. Make sure to do this to increase your chances of getting hired!

Communicate clearly

Let’s say you make it past the first round of screening. Great work!

Now, focus on staying consistent throughout the entire hiring process. I know this sounds cliche, but communication truly is key during this stage.

Keep your lines open for followup calls from the hiring manager. If they send you an email, respond promptly and professionally. I’m sure that the hiring team will appreciate your response. This will also speed up the application process.

For paid tests, turn in your work on or before the deadline. If you have questions, let the employer or recruiter know so that they can clarify ASAP.

Lastly, be transparent. Unforeseen events like natural calamities and health issues can get in the way of the application process. When this happens, be upfront and give your point-of-contact a heads up. Again, communicate professionally instead of ghosting them. A little transparency goes a long way.

Rejection = redirection

Finally, treat rejections as redirections.

I know first-hand how rejection feels. It’s a huge blow to your self-esteem and confidence. But like many things in life, they’re an inevitable part of the hiring process.

Allow yourself to feel emotions like sadness and disappointment. And when you’re ready, pick yourself back up. Lots of opportunities await people who come from a place of abundance.

Use your “rejections” as opportunities to do better on your next try. Ask yourself:

What went well on the previous application?
What could I have done better?
What was the employer’s feedback?
How can I use it to improve my next applications?

By taking on a more objective point of view, you can come back stronger than ever before.

Your dream job could be just one click away

Job hunting can be stressful, especially when you’re facing rejections. But I want to remind you that it takes courage to step out of one’s comfort zone. Doing this is already a huge deal. I’m proud of you for taking the first step towards a better future for yourself and your family.

In closing, I hope that these tips will help you land your remote dream job. Keep working in the right direction. Remember, your dream job — and your dream life — could be just one click away.

Joemer Ernn Embernate