Remote Work for Newbies: 8 In-Demand Jobs to Kickstart Your Virtual Career

Ready to try remote work but don’t know where to start?

Now that almost half of jobs can be done remotely, most businesses expect work form home arrangements to triple after the pandemic. Meaning, there’s work for you if you know where and how to find it. 

The best part is that there’s room for everyone online. Did you know that 29% of full-time remote workers are folks who had just gotten out of high school or spent a bit of time in college? There are also remote job positions across every industry all over the world.

So imagine what a reliable laptop, great internet connection, awesome skills, and lots of confidence can do for you in the remote work industry.

Let’s find out together, shall we?

Are these in-demand remote jobs perfect for you?

Kickstart your digital nomad journey with these positions:

1. Executive Assistant

If you're the go-to person for planning and coordination in the friend group, this role could be for you. Executive assistants thrive in dynamic environments — so it’s important that you know how to keep your cool under pressure.

As an executive assistant, you’ll be the backbone of your team.

You’ll be expected to take care of admin tasks like:

• Managing schedules

• Organizing meetings

• Handling emails

Companies may look for relevant experiences like previous administrative roles, customer service experience, and familiarity with software like Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. 

But really, they just want someone with a knack for task management and problem-solving. If you show off your excellent organizational skills, strong communication, attention to detail, time management, and proficiency in using productivity tools — you’ll be just fine.

2. Customer service rep

This is for people who genuinely enjoy solving problems. Customers will come to you with all kinds of questions so it’s important to keep a positive attitude even in challenging conversations.

As a customer service rep, your main focus will be: 

• Assisting customers via various communication channels like email, chat, or phone

• Troubleshooting issues

• Answering questions

• Providing top-notch support to ensure customer satisfaction

It helps if you have retail or hospitality experience, call center roles, or any customer-facing job.

But at the end of the day, companies love someone who can turn frustrated customers into happy clients. So be sure to make those communication and people skills shine. Empathy, patience, problem-solving abilities, and handling irate customers diplomatically are a plus!

3. Sales rep

Think you’re competitive? How about persuasive?  If you've ever convinced your friends to try a new restaurant, and aren’t afraid of rejection — this could be the role you were born for!

As a sales rep, your goal is: 

• Connecting with potential clients

• Showcasing products or services

• Closing deals

• Retaining clients

Companies might look for previous sales roles, customer service experience, or even participation in clubs or activities that involve convincing or promoting ideas.

Still, you’ll be surprised how far strong interpersonal and persuasion skills will get you. Companies want someone who can build relationships and drive revenue. So be sure to show off what a good listener you are and how well you understand the product or service you're selling to get in.

4. Bookkeeper

Have a keen eye for detail? If you’re someone who appreciates structure, finds satisfaction in balancing the books, and has a meticulous eye for spotting numerical errors — this is your lane.

As a bookkeeper, you play a crucial role in:

• Maintaining financial records

• Tracking expenses

• Invoicing

• Ensuring financial accuracy for businesses

Don’t be surprised if employers ask about previous experience in accounting, finance, or roles that involve managing budgets and expenses.

Just know that they want someone they can trust. Remember to show off your numerical proficiency, attention to detail, organizational skills, familiarity with accounting software, and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

5. Content writer

So, you love playing with words. If you have a passion for storytelling and can adapt to different tones and subjects — content writing might be your thing.

As a content writer, you’ll be in charge of:

• Creating engaging and informative written material for websites, blogs, social media

• Researching, writing, and editing content

• Engaging audiences 

• Planning content strategy

Companies will look for blogging experience. But writing for school projects, your personal blog, or any experience that demonstrates your writing prowess works too.

That’s because all they need is someone who knows how to convey messages. Highlight your creativity, research abilities, grammar proficiency, and adaptability in writing styles if you want to make the cut.

6. Graphic designer

Do you see the world through a creative lens? If you enjoy transforming ideas into visuals, then this is your time to shine.

As a graphic designer, you’ll be:

• Bringing visual concepts to life through images, illustrations, and layouts

• Designing logos

• Creating social media graphics

• Executing website visuals

Employers may look into art creations, design projects, or any experience that showcases your eye for aesthetics. But really, what they need is someone who can capture the essence of a brand through design.

Make sure to show off your graphic design software skills with the Adobe Creative Suite or Canva. Don’t forget to sharpen that attention to detail, and show off your understanding of design principles, too.

7. Social media manager

Can’t get enough of the digital world? If you enjoy crafting engaging online narratives, and can seamlessly adapt your tone to suit different online platforms — this could be for you!

As a social media manager, your role involves:

• Curating and managing an organization's online presence

• Creating content 

• Scheduling post

• Engaging with followers

• Analyzing social media metrics to optimize strategies

Companies may look for previous experiences in managing personal or business social media accounts. Involvement in online communities or any experience that demonstrates your understanding of various social platforms counts too.

They want someone social media savvy. So make sure to show off your communication skills, creativity, data analysis, and your ability to stay updated on social media trends.

8. Data entry specialist

Have a knack for meticulous tasks? If you enjoy bringing order to chaos, and have a knack for spotting discrepancies in data — you may have just found your new job.

As a data entry specialist, you’re responsible for:

• Collecting reliable data

• Inputting data into databases, spreadsheets, or systems

• Maintaining accurate information

Companies may ask about any role that involves dealing with data — whether it's organizing personal information or managing spreadsheets. At the end of the day, they want someone with amazing attention to detail and accuracy.

Don’t forget to highlight your strong typing skills, organizational abilities, familiarity with spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets), and accuracy in data handling.

Worried about your skills and experience? 

Transition to remote work as a beginner or career shifter by:

• Highlighting transferable skills – Show off soft skills like problem-solving, time management, adaptability, and teamwork. 

• Leveraging online courses and certifications – Enroll in online courses or certifications to show your commitment to learning and upskilling.

• Creating a stellar resume — Focus on what you can bring to the table rather than just your work history.

• Creating a strong portfolio – Highlight your best projects to prove your skills.

• Networking actively – Connect with people and get them to recommend you.

• Being open to entry-level roles – We all have to start somewhere. Use this as a launching pad for your career.

• Acing the virtual interview – Put your best foot forward and win people over with your passion.

Ready to explore your options?

It can be tough to wrap your head around something new or start your career from scratch. But, you never know until you give it a shot.

Ten years. That’s how long I’ve dreamed of starting my own business. In those years, I did operations and customer support for BPO companies. That meant years of long commutes, shared workspaces, extended hours, and limited time off.

Then, my co-founder Marshall and I joined forces. Together, we built Shepherd into the fully-remote, seven-figure company that it is today.

Now, with over 100 team members, Shepherd has grown into a headhunting agency that matches North American companies with top Filipino talents. At the same time, we help Filipinos (close to 2,500 now!) find amazing remote jobs with reputable US teams. If that’s not a win-win, then I don’t know what is.

Ever since taking the leap, I get to spend more time with family. I also have more energy to work on passion projects on the side. I’ve taken my family to Singapore and Malaysia. I’ve even visited destinations like Batangas, Palawan, Siargao, and Zambales with the rest of the Shepherd team. 

Like I said — it’s never too late to write your own digital nomad story. Now, are you ready to send those applications?