How to Land a Remote Job with Zero Experience
A Guide for First-Time Jobseekers
"Every expert was once a beginner, and every remote job was once a dream waiting for someone brave enough to chase it."
Hi Superstar,
Everyone wants to work remotely, and the truth is that even if you have no experience, there are still ways to make it happen. The reality is that most experience is built, not just acquired. For example, if you’re aiming for a social media manager role, why not start by creating your own social media accounts? You can curate educational content around social media management, showcasing your understanding of the field while building a portfolio. Similarly, if you aspire to be a writer, begin by crafting blog articles or short stories, and sharing them online to hone your skills and gain visibility.
The truth is, you can create your own experience even when all odds seem stacked against you. However, the journey may feel overwhelming without a clear plan or guidance. That’s where this article comes in offering you a roadmap to navigate the remote job landscape and land your first position, no matter your starting point.
1. Embrace Transferable Skills: You Have More Experience Than You Think
Let’s start by reframing the word “experience.” Just because you haven’t had a formal job doesn’t mean you’re inexperienced. Think about all the skills you’ve developed through internships, school projects, volunteering, or even hobbies.
Soft Skills Matter: Remote employers highly value skills like communication, time management, and problem-solving. These are things you’ve probably been practicing for years, whether through organizing a school event, working part-time in retail, or leading group projects.
Technical Skills You Might Overlook: If you’ve ever used platforms like Google Drive, Zoom, or Slack, you’re already familiar with some of the tools that remote teams use. Highlight these in your resume, even if you used them for schoolwork.
Example: You can say, “Successfully managed and communicated with a project team of five using Google Drive and Zoom to complete a semester-long research project.” See how that now sounds like real-world experience?
2. Build an Online Presence That Screams “Hire Me”
Your digital footprint matters a lot. Before employers even consider hiring you, they will likely Google your name or check out your LinkedIn profile. So, why not make it shine?
Craft a Standout LinkedIn Profile: Write a compelling summary that shows your passion for remote work and highlights any relevant skills. Even if you don’t have work experience, mention personal projects, coursework, or extracurriculars that relate to the field you want to work in.
Example LinkedIn Summary Line: “A detail-oriented problem solver passionate about project management and ready to bring a fresh perspective to remote teams.”
Create Your Own Experience: If you're eyeing a role as a social media manager, consider starting your own social media accounts or even a blog. Create content, engage with your audience, and showcase your ability to grow a following. This hands-on experience can provide you with practical knowledge and concrete results to share with potential employers.
Example: You might say, “Developed and managed a personal Instagram account that grew from zero to 1,000 followers in six months by creating engaging content and utilizing effective hashtags.” This demonstrates not just your skills but also your initiative and dedication.
Personal Branding on Social Media: Consider creating content related to the industry you want to work in. Posting about your learning journey or engaging with industry leaders on platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn can help build credibility.
3. Apply For Volunteer Projects Even the Unpaid Ones
When you're just starting out in your career, gaining experience can feel like a catch-22: you need experience to get a job, but you need a job to gain experience. This is where volunteer projects come in, providing a practical solution that allows you to build your skills and network without the need for formal employment.
Why Volunteer? Participating in volunteer projects can help you develop valuable skills that are directly transferable to paid positions. Nonprofits and community organizations often need assistance with various tasks—everything from social media management to event planning. These roles give you real-world experience and a chance to showcase your commitment and work ethic.
Unpaid Does Not Mean Invaluable: Even unpaid volunteer work can be an excellent way to build your resume. You might think that unpaid roles aren’t worth your time, but they can provide experiences that set you apart from other candidates. Many employers recognize and value volunteer work, especially when it demonstrates skills relevant to the position you’re applying for.
Network and Build Connections: Volunteering can also help you meet professionals in your desired field. The connections you make can lead to future job opportunities or mentorships. When you actively engage and contribute, you leave a positive impression, which can lead to job referrals down the line.
Example: “I volunteered as a social media coordinator for a local nonprofit, where I developed content strategies that increased their online donations by 30%. This role not only honed my marketing skills but also expanded my professional network.”
Highlight Your Volunteer Experience: When applying for jobs, treat your volunteer experience like any other job on your resume. Be sure to include the organization, your role, and the impact you made. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your contributions.
Example Line for Resume: “Managed social media accounts for [Nonprofit Name], resulting in a 25% increase in engagement and a successful fundraising campaign.”
4. Take Advantage of Free Online Courses
One of the perks of starting your career in the digital age is access to a wealth of free learning resources. You don’t need formal experience when you have the knowledge and skills to back it up.
Certificates Are Your Best Friend: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and HubSpot offer free courses with certifications in areas like digital marketing, customer service, coding, and more. Add these certificates to your resume to demonstrate your commitment to learning.
Specialize in Remote-Friendly Skills: Focus on skills that are in demand for remote roles, such as digital marketing, content writing, data analysis, or customer support.
5. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Remote Jobs
Most people send the same resume for every job application, but if you want to stand out as a first-time jobseeker, your resume and cover letter need to be customized for remote positions.
Highlight Remote Skills: When applying for remote jobs, show you can thrive in a remote environment. Mention any experience with remote tools (Google Suite, Slack, Zoom), self-motivation, or your ability to work independently.
Focus on Skills, Not Job Titles: Instead of worrying about not having formal job titles, emphasize your skills and the results you’ve achieved.
Example: “Developed social media marketing strategies that increased engagement by 20% during a volunteer position.”
Write a Cover Letter That Tells Your Story: Use your cover letter to explain why you want to work remotely and how your unique perspective as a first-time job seeker brings fresh ideas to the table. Be authentic and show passion.
Your first remote job is just the beginning. Landing your first remote job is like finding a key to a door you didn’t know existed. Turn it, and you’ll discover a world of possibilities. Lastly, alaways remember, every expert was once a beginner. So you are on the right track!
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Resources to Help in Your Remote Career Journey
Our Resume Templates: Each template is accompanied by a comprehensive customization guide to assist you in tailoring your own resumes. Additionally, editable versions of the templates are provided for your convenience. Link
Our Social Media Handles: For daily tips on navigating your remote work career or tips to corporate success, check out our social media handles here Link
Introduction to Remote Work: Access our free ebook on what remote work is and how you can get remote jobs, especially other platforms to check out. Link
The ABC of a Successful Remote Job Application: Access our free ebook on how to tailor your resume and apply to remote jobs. I have tailored a resume template you can use as well as cold mail messages in drafting your cover letter. Link
The Remote Salary Handbook: This is the first published guide on remote work. Having been a remote worker from Africa, I know the struggles of getting good pay, I have been paid less countless times. This ebook lays down tips as well as templates to ensure no one gets to be like me. It’s currently on sale and would go a long way in your career journey. Link
Yours truly,
Your Career Cheerleader,
Mary-Esther Anele
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