how to get a remote job

9 Tips to Land a Remote Job Without Experience [Guide & Resources]

Staff

• 4 min read
9 Tips to Land a Remote Job Without Experience [Guide & Resources]

Yes, remote jobs have become a thing after Covid 19 but getting one is not any easier. Getting remote jobs without significant work experience is even tougher. It will require dedication and some perseverance.

This article outline nine straight forward tips to help anyone land a remote job with limited experience. If you really want to get a remote job following the steps outlined will help a lot. Hopefully you succeed soon.

Focus

Pick the remote career that works for you. Things to consider - demand, your skills/affinity, etc. Some careers are naturally going to be easier finding a remote job than others. Choosing a career with high demand will noticeably make your remote job search easier. If your skills fall within those then you have greater chances.

Identify What You Need to be Employable

Determine what you need to be employable - the skills employers always list in the type of job you are looking for. Analyse dozens of job descriptions in that field to understand the top requirements and skills. List out those key or common requirements, check the ones you have.

What is Your Employability Ratio?

Measure your employability, matching what you have (skills, experience etc) against the requirements usually wanted by employers for the type of job you are looking for. Generally if you have at least 50/60% of the major requirements you can start applying to those jobs while you upgrade your employability

What to Do If Your Employability is Low

If after you have analysed several job descriptions you find that you are deficit on the requirements, how do you quickly brush up on your employability?

  • Take quality courses: find and take highly recommended courses in that field
  • Learn the tools: Practice on using the digital tools and software you don’t know how to use
  • Take on practical projects: Whether you are a designer, writer, data analyst, programmer etc you can always do personal projects that you can include in your profile. Doing actual projects improve your skill. Make sure the projects you do can be found online. There are several platforms to host your project and work free of charge. 

To increase your chances of getting a remote job you may have to employ several tactics instead of just relying on one. These are some of the ways you can look for and find remote jobs;

  • Niche Remote Job Sites: Join niche remote job sites that focus on listing remote jobs for your region (eg as an African you can join Remote4africa.com) 
  • General Job sites with remote offerings: Sometimes general job sites list remote openings. Find the ones suitable for your need and search for remote listings
  • Social: Get active on social media like LinkedIn and X (Twitter). These are were you will likely find recruiters or hiring managers. Follow them, engage with posts. Learn to search for remote jobs on LinkedIn and X 
  • Cold Outreach: This may sound tough but people have got remote jobs by focusing on companies in their preferred niche, finding the right information of the hiring managers/recruiters and sending high quality short pitches about their suitability (via email, DMs). Your pitch should try to project the value you’d bring and let them know you can be considered whenever they have a suitable opening while attaching your resume

Build a Great CV

A Great CV does one thing - impresses the employer making them consider talking to you further. We have written several pieces on writing a good CV. You can use a CV builder like cvhack.com to choose professional templates and create a great CV in minutes. The builder outlines the key sections of your CV and make it easier for you to project your skills and experience better.

Build a Solid Profile (even without experience)  

For many types of remote jobs you should have an online profile that showcases your skills, projects and accomplishments. Even if you don’t have formal work experience you can build a profile by doing personal projects, doing some work for small businesses in your area, doing volunteer work etc

Hacking Remote Job Applications

Usually most remote jobs will require to apply via any of the following;

  • Applicant tracking systems (ATS)
  • Application forms 
  • Email

The simple trick is to read the job details and make sure you understand how to apply. Each job may differ on the specific application actions the employer requires. While some will ask for a short video to be included in your application, others may require you fill forms, respond to questions instead of just sending your CV. 

The key is to follow the application instructions for any job you apply for.

Prepare for High Performance in Interviews

To do great in interviews you need the following;

  • Know all you can about the company/employer before the interview
  • Find out all you can about the interview process of the prospect employer
  • Research likely questions and test they may ask for the job you’re interviewing for
  • Be sure you have a comfortable, reliable setting for the interview. You don’t want to be distracted during the interview

Prepare thoroughly for any interview and your chances will be better.

Following the above tips and strategies will significantly improve your chances of getting a remote job, despite the challenges of getting one.

Guides and Resources to Help You Get a Remote Job