How to Locate Your Ideal Remote Work Role

The last few years have been far from what we consider normal. Even though a lot of progress has been made since the start of the pandemic, its lasting effects are still being felt. While the pandemic brought plenty of hardships, one positive post-pandemic result has been the spike in remote work options — generally viewed favorably by the modern workforce. The popularity of remote work is growing rapidly, with an estimated 36.2 million American employees expected to be working entirely from home by 2025.

Many employers have changed their policies and are now offering opportunities to work remotely, or in a hybrid format. You can address the possibility of a remote work option and identify the ideal situation for you by understanding the benefits of working remotely, what to look for in job postings, and how to advocate for yourself in an interview.

How to Locate Remote Work Opportunities

This may feel obvious, but make sure to check the job description before applying. Many current postings will state their position on remote work upfront given the increased popularity of remote work. Many places will share if it is fully remote or a hybrid role. Regardless, if there is an option for some remote work, you will have this information before applying or having an interview. 

Now that you know the position is remote, you can apply and interview with confidence. Knowing the position is remote will also let you prepare questions specific to remote work to get a better idea of what your future role could look like.

How Do I Know if a Role is Remote?

While clear indicators are convenient, they’re not always as obvious as they should be. If you’re unsure about whether the job is remote or not, a little digging can go a long way. If you’re working with a recruiter, ask them specifically about remote opportunities. This way, you will know before the interview whether or not the position aligns with your interest and the recruiter will understand your work preferences.

If you cannot get any information before your interview, do not stress, your interview is a great time to ask questions that weren’t initially answered in the job posting. Have questions prepared about working remotely while outlining your intentions to pursue a remote position. If an employer asks why you want to work remotely or how it will benefit them, here are some reasons you can bring up:

• Higher productivity

• Less time spent traveling to work

• Increased flexibility

• Heightened job satisfaction

• Greater work-life balance

Oh No, They Said “No” — Now What?

Now that we have covered how to look for remote work and how to ask for it during an interview, what happens if they do not allow it? This is when you will need to reflect on yourself and evaluate the overall benefits of the job. Would the lack of remote work be a deal breaker or not? While increasingly desirable, remote work is not the only factor to consider. Are the salary, benefits, and other perks of the job outweighed by the requirement for in-person work? Are you okay with continuing to seek out remote options, knowing that they are becoming more competitive as flexibility becomes more popular?

The pandemic left its mark on us in many ways, and the idea of what work is supposed to look like is one lasting effect. We are working in a new era of employees who feel comfortable speaking up about the environment they want to work in and employers who are more willing to adjust past requirements if it means a happier, more productive workforce.   Remember, you have the power to identify and land your dream remote job, and now is the best time to start looking.