Is Remote Work Really Better?
Career Tips for Remote Jobseekers this November
Hi Superstar,
Be honest, do you truly like working remotely?
Remote work is amazing… but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. While many people thrive in remote settings, others struggle to make it work despite their best efforts. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Remote work isn’t the universal key to professional success; rather, it’s an option that may or may not align with individual needs and work styles.
For those who flourish remotely, the benefits are clear: flexible hours, a personalized workspace, and the ability to blend work with life in a way that feels seamless. But for others, remote work comes with challenges that can be hard to overcome. Maybe they find it difficult to communicate online with colleagues because they aren’t the “online type.” While video calls and chat tools make collaboration possible, they miss the in-person connections, quick brainstorming sessions, and spontaneous conversations that an office setting provides. Moreover, they may struggle to stay focused without the external structure of a traditional workplace, finding it difficult to set boundaries and keep distractions at bay.
So, is remote work really better? Read the article below on the pros and cons to help you decide.
Career Advice for Remote Jobseekers this November
Build a Public Work Diary on Social Media: Share brief posts or insights about your work, recent projects, or skills you're developing. It’s a way to subtly highlight your expertise and attract attention from recruiters or hiring managers, who often scout platforms like LinkedIn for remote-ready talent.
Engage in Remote Work Communities: Participate in online communities like Slack channels, LinkedIn groups, or Discord servers focused on remote work. Engaging in conversations, sharing insights, or helping others can lead to unexpected job leads and networking opportunities.
Monitor Seasonal Remote Hiring Trends: Companies often ramp up hiring toward the end of the year to fill open roles before budgets reset. Watch for increased activity on job boards and company websites, especially in fields that tend to recruit heavily in Q4, like customer service and project management.
Use Short Video Intros with Applications: Including a brief (30-60 seconds) video introduction with your application can make you memorable to hiring managers. It shows you’re comfortable on camera, a plus for remote work, and lets you convey your personality.
Optimize Your Work-from-Home Routine for Interviews: Schedule interviews during your most productive time of day, if possible, to reflect your best self. It’s also a chance to subtly showcase your remote workspace and demonstrate professionalism.
Focus on Virtual Team Building Skills: Remote employers value those who can help foster culture online. Mention any experience with team-building in virtual environments or hosting remote team activities, showing you’re proactive in maintaining team morale.
Build Connections with Remote-Specific Recruiters: Seek out recruiters who specialize in remote placements, as they’re often aware of roles before they go public. Engaging with them on LinkedIn or email keeps you top-of-mind when roles open up.
Audit Your Digital Presence for SEO: If you're open to being found by recruiters, update keywords across your LinkedIn, personal website, and resume to match job titles and skills in demand, like “remote customer success manager” or “virtual project coordinator.”
Experiment with Work Samples and Case Studies: Include a small portfolio or link to case studies with your applications. Tailor these to highlight projects managed remotely, giving employers concrete examples of your skills and ability to deliver results from a distance.
Latest Fully Remote Jobs that Support Parents and Women
Remote Work Podcast Recommendations
The Bright Method Podcast: Focusing on realistic time management for working women and mothers, this podcast offers strategies to balance career and personal life effectively.
Long-Distance Worklife: Hosted by Wayne Turmel and Marisa Eikenberry, this podcast delves into the nuances of working in hybrid and remote teams, offering discussions on mastering remote work, technology, and leadership skills
About Abroad by Chase Warrington: Chase Warrington explores the lives of expats and digital nomads, discussing topics related to living and working internationally, and offering tips for those considering a location-independent lifestyle
The Remote Show: Produced by We Work Remotely, this podcast features interviews with CEOs, founders, and remote workers, sharing insights on productivity and collaboration in a remote setting.
Digital Nomad Stories: Hosted by Anne Claessen, she has a knack for bringing out the most captivating stories from digital nomads, freelancers, and solopreneurs who have successfully navigated remote careers, and taken their work abroad.
21st Century Work Life: This podcast explores modern work practices, focusing on remote work, online collaboration, and managing distributed teams, providing practical advice for navigating the evolving workplace.
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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