10+ Impactful Tips to Successfully Work From Home [2023 Remote Work Guide]

by Kelsey Arrington on Jan 10, 2023

As more companies transition to remote work or expand their hybrid work policies; it is becoming increasingly important to be equipped to work from home. Remote jobs offer employees greater flexibility in their careers, along with many other benefits including autonomy and improved work-life balance. However, remote work can also come with its fair share of challenges such as distractions, isolation, and difficulties communicating with colleagues. In this article, we’ll provide a variety of tips and best practices to help you make the most out of the remote work opportunities that come your way.

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10 Practical Tips to Get a Remote Job

Landing your dream remote job is no small feat. And we won’t pretend that this list will guarantee that you do. However, if you apply these practical tips, you’ll likely be one step closer to ending your job search and embracing the remote work lifestyle.

Here are 10 tips to help you land a remote work position:

1. Don’t underestimate the power of networking.

We’ve talked about the importance of networking before. But it’s worth repeating, especially for those looking for remote work. One of the most effective ways to find a remote job is to network with others in your industry. Attend events, join professional organizations, and reach out to mentors and former classmates. Networking as much as possible – doing so can help you find job leads and establish professional connections with others.

2. Keep your resume up-to-date.

Practice good housekeeping when it comes to your resume and Linkedin profile. After all, potential employers may do a bit of research on you. So, it’s important that your resume and Linkedin profile accurately reflect your skill set and professional work experiences.

3. Create job-specific cover letters.

In addition to keeping your resume up-to-date while on the job search, it may be a good idea to create job-specific cover letters as well. Be sure to highlight relevant skills and work experience, along with explaining why you are a good candidate for the position. After all, a great cover letter can go a long way for a candidate.

4. Strategically search for remote jobs.

If you’re certain that you want to work from home, stay consistent in your search for a remote job! These days, many companies offer remote and hybrid work opportunities. Keep your eyes out for anything flagged as ‘remote’ or ‘virtual’ and be sure to follow jobs that have a history of hiring remote workers.

In addition to conducting your own research, try finding remote jobs on job boards like Authentic Jobs.

5. Highlight your relevant experience.

If you have experience working with remote companies or fulfilling a hybrid work position, be sure to highlight that in your resume and cover letter. Potential employers may be delighted to see that you are already comfortable working remotely and have prior experience communicating with others who are not physically present with you.

6. Emphasize your ability to be self-driven.

Working remotely requires a certain level of autonomy, independence, and self-motivation. So, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to take initiative and work independently

7. Be adaptable.

Remote work comes with its fair share of challenges. Thus, it requires a high level of flexibility. So, throughout the interview process, emphasize that you are able to easily adapt to new technologies and methods of working.

8. Highlight essential soft skills.

When talking with prospective employers, be sure to emphasize any skills that may be relevant to remote work, such as virtual collaboration and experience working with folks in varying time zones.

9. Be enthusiastic and highly engaged.

During your interview process, make sure you exude enthusiasm about the opportunity to work remotely. Be engaged and willing to go the extra mile to leave a positive impact on the remote work environment.

10. Follow up about a desired remote position.

After applying to a remote job, don’t be afraid to follow up to inquire about the status of your application. Doing so will demonstrate that you are interested in the position and may keep you at the top of the employer’s mind as they make hiring decisions.

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Essential Equipment to Effectively Work from Home

“Remote work is the future, and it’s important for companies to adapt to meet the needs of the modern workforce.”

-GitHub

Remote work tools vary depending on your job position and what it requires. However, the following list covers tools that are essential to many remote jobs.

Laptop or desktop computer.

Remote workers rely on technology to handle the demands of their jobs. So, you’ll need a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet capable of running the necessary software that your tasks require.

Access to the internet.

Much like a laptop, wifi is essential to remote work. So, make sure you have a stable connection, access to a location with consistent internet, or a hotspot to ensure that you stay connected.

Webcam and headset.

In addition to your computing needs, a headset (preferably with a microphone) and a webcam will come in handy while working remotely.

Security tools.

Remote work can be risky in terms of cybersecurity. However, installing VPNs and antivirus software can help to combat security threats such as hacking and data breaches.

Other tools that may come in handy include:

A second monitor to increase productivity.
A scanner and printer to manage documents.
A backup power source to stay connected during power outages.

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Best Practices for Communicating Across Time Zones

Communicating with colleagues in different time zones can be quite a challenge. However, with a little planning and a bit of effort, it is possible to master. Here are some tips to help you effectively discuss work matters with folks in different time zones:

Check the time differences.

Before scheduling a meeting or giving someone a call, check the time difference between your location and theirs. Doing so can help you avoid scheduling meetings during inconvenient times for either party.

Use scheduling tools.

Many scheduling apps and tools allow you to see when the other person has availability in their schedule. Some may even take time zone differences into account. For instance, apps like Calendly send automatic meeting invites in the recipient’s time zone – which helps to eliminate confusion.

Avoid urgent requests as much as possible.

When you work remotely and with colleagues in other time zones, making urgent requests can present quite a hassle. So, try to avoid sending sensitive information during late or extremely early hours. Do your best to plan ahead and give folks advanced notice whenever possible.

Be flexible in your communication style.

Remote work often employs the use of many different communication tools. Be mindful of that and patient with colleagues as they try to reach you in a variety of ways (i.e. via work chat channels, email, phone, video conferences, etc).

Be mindful of cultural practices.

Working remotely may mean working with others of various backgrounds. Get to know your coworkers, their customs, communication styles, and their work hours – as they may all differ from your own. As a general rule of thumb, be respectful during the process of getting to know colleagues and be flexible in your approach to communication with them.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to effectively communicate with your coworkers who work in different time zones and ensure that you all are on the same page. Remember, patience, respect and flexibility go a long way in the remote work environment.