Mastering Remote Work: 7 Must-Have Skills That Will Get You Hired
We’ve all had the “So, tell us about yourself” conversation with companies. But do you know what this actually means?
When employers ask you to share something about yourself, they’re not just asking for your name or where you come from. They already know that. What they want to know is if you’re the right fit for the job and a great addition to the team.
As smart machines and AI become a big part of the workplace, the demand for soft skills in remote workers is beginning to surge to support hard skills.
Instead of repeating what’s on your resumé — this is your opportunity to show that you’ve got the skills of the ideal remote work candidate. So, what do companies look for in a remote work superstar?
What are hard skills and soft skills?
First, let's clear up a little jargon. You've probably heard about soft skills and hard skills, but what do they really mean?
Hard skills are your concrete, practical abilities. These are the technical skills required to get the job done.
Soft skills, on the other hand, are your interpersonal, emotional, and behavioral skills. They're about how you navigate challenges, communicate with your team, and handle yourself in the digital realm.
While hard skills get your foot in the door, it's often your soft skills that determine how far you can go.
You might be a brilliant coder (hard skill), but if you can't communicate your ideas clearly or collaborate effectively (soft skills), your contributions may not shine as brightly. And that’s why you need to strike a balance between the two to help you stand out.
What skills do remote companies look for in the ideal candidate?
Let’s dive into must-have remote skills and how they play out.
1. Communication skills
What people think it is: Sending memos and doing announcements
What it actually is: Tailoring your message based on the medium and audience
Picture this 👇
You're a content writer collaborating with a team spread across different time zones. Companies want someone who can:
Clearly articulate content ideas via video calls.
Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for quick queries and feedback.
Write concise and informative emails to clients, explaining project progress and addressing questions.
Communication is not just about talking the talk. It's about nailing the art of getting your ideas, thoughts, and questions across clearly and without a glitch. Great communicators understand that different situations call for different approaches.
2. Time management
What people think it is: Multitasking
What it actually is: Prioritizing tasks, setting boundaries, and allocating focused time for each
Picture this 👇
You’re a remote sales rep responsible for lead generation, client meetings, and follow-ups. Companies want someone who can:
Schedule and prioritize tasks using digital calendars, allocating specific times for outreach and client calls.
Avoid multitasking and focus on one prospect or client interaction at a time to provide personalized attention.
Use time-tracking apps to ensure you're dedicating enough time to nurturing leads and closing deals.
There's a myth that remote work is about juggling a million tasks at once. Nope, that's not how we do things. While multitasking may seem like a productivity booster, it often leads to reduced efficiency and increased errors.
Time management is about structuring your day, setting clear boundaries between work and personal life, and dedicating focused time to specific tasks. In other words, it's about quality, not quantity.
3. Resourcefulness and research
What people think it is: Finding quick fixes and hacks
What it actually is: Proactively seeking out information and providing game-changing support
Picture this 👇
You’re an executive assistant supporting the CEO of a tech company dealing with clients from all over the world. Companies want someone who can:
Independently find solutions to tech issues during a virtual meeting.
Conduct research to prepare comprehensive reports, briefs, or presentations despite not having immediate access to office resources.
Adapt to the ever-changing digital landscape by staying up-to-date with new software and tools that can enhance your efficiency.
You won't have your boss's office down the hall or your colleague's expertise a desk away. Troubleshooting on the spot is fantastic but it also helps when you’ve done your homework beforehand. That's where resourcefulness and research come into play.
4. Trustworthiness
What people think it is: Meeting deadlines
What it actually is: Being honest, transparent, and communicating openly about progress and challenges
Picture this 👇
You’re a customer service rep dealing with customers all day. Companies want someone who can:
Maintain transparency with customers when there are service disruptions or delays, providing honest updates and setting realistic expectations.
Deliver on your promises consistently, such as following up on customer issues and ensuring resolutions.
Be proactive in addressing customer concerns, showing that their satisfaction is your top priority.
In remote work, trust is everything. Your team needs to know they can count on you, even if they can't see you in action. It’s not just about hitting deadlines. It’s about managing expectations and being true to your word. Being upfront and taking responsibility for your work goes a long way.
5. Basic knowledge of online tools
What people think it is: Knowing how to check emails
What it actually is: Familiarity with a range of online tools for effective remote collaboration
Picture this 👇
You’re a graphic designer collaborating with multiple brands across different channels. Companies want someone who can:
Leverage design software like Adobe Creative Cloud to create stunning visuals.
Collaborate seamlessly with clients and colleagues using online design collaboration platforms like Figma or Adobe XD.
Use cloud storage solutions to securely store and share design files, ensuring easy access for all stakeholders.
Remote work thrives on technology, and you'll be dealing with a bunch of online tools. You don't need to be a tech wizard, but you should get cozy with these digital platforms to deliver your work properly beyond emails. By exploring how various platforms work, you and your teams can stay connected, organized, and on top of your game.
6. Progress reporting
What people think it is: Providing updates on completed tasks
What it actually is: Consistently tracking progress and forecasting potential roadblocks
Picture this 👇
You’re a social media manager engaging with a diverse audience. Companies want someone who can:
Use analytics tools to track engagement, reach, and conversions, and then compile this data into detailed reports for clients or upper management.
Give regular updates on campaign performance, highlighting successful strategies and proposing adjustments when needed.
Demonstrate transparency and accountability by providing insights and explaining the impact of social media efforts.
More than just another piece of documentation, great progress reports outline opportunities, and keep tabs on trends and potential factors that could impact the work that you do. This helps the team create a game plan that works and adapts to whatever lies ahead.
7. Willingness to learn and adapt
What people think it is: Underestimating your existing skills
What it actually is: Embracing change and being open to challenges
Picture this 👇
You’re a data entry specialist dealing with multiple sources and kinds of information. Companies want someone who can:
Embrace new data entry software or automation tools that enhance your accuracy and speed.
Adapt to changes in data entry requirements, such as learning new data formatting standards or quality control processes.
Seek out online courses or tutorials to improve your data entry skills and stay competitive in the field.
Remote work often throws curveballs like new tech, diverse teams, and shifting priorities. Instead of dodging them, see them as chances for personal and professional growth. You need to be a curious explorer who takes pride in your skills but also challenges your comfort zone with a growth mindset.
So, tell us about yourself
Whether you’re a beginner, a career shifter, or want to get better remote work opportunities — your skills are your ticket to success.
I’ll be honest — refining my skills didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it took me 10 years to develop my skills before starting my own remote work journey and co-founding Shepherd into the fully remote, seven-figure headhunting agency that it is today.
In between then and now was a lot of learning and pivoting but I wouldn’t have it any other way. By investing in both hard and soft skills, you set yourself up for a remote work adventure unlike any other.
As someone who matches North American companies with top Filipino talents for a living — it’s refreshing to find someone who knows what they can bring to the table and finds growth in the process.
As you embark on your remote work journey, remember that it's not just about having an impressive CV filled with hard skills. It's also about cultivating those soft skills that make you a fantastic teammate, a superb communicator, and an adaptable problem solver.
Keep that in mind when you’re polishing your resumé or getting ready for an interview. So the next time an employer or a client at Shepherd asks you about yourself, you know exactly how to make the most of the moment. Good luck!
