The Power of Adaptability in Remote Work
Transitioning from an Onsite Role to Remote Work
Hi Superstars,
Last week, we laid the foundation with the ABC of remote work. As promised, I'll be delving deeper into each aspect to help you navigate the remote work frontier, especially if you're new to this exciting realm. Today, we begin with the letter "A" - Adaptability, a quality as crucial as it is complex, much like a sailor bravely setting sail to discover an unexplored island.
Remote work undeniably holds the key to the future of employment, unlocking possibilities of flexibility and freedom for the modern workforce. However, for many of us, this new world was not the starting point of our professional journey. We once cut our teeth in the traditional realms of the 9-5 grind, enduring bustling commutes and hurriedly gulping down breakfasts in a rush to catch the earliest public transportation.
But as more companies embrace the boundless potential of remote work, we too must find ways to adapt, lest we get left behind. To thrive as remote workers, we must embrace adaptability as an indispensable skill.
Picture this adaptation like a butterfly breaking free from its cocoon. The process of metamorphosis is not without its struggles; the caterpillar must undergo a complete transformation before it can embrace the skies with its newly acquired wings. Similarly, transitioning from an onsite role to remote work demands a willingness to shed old habits, embrace change, and emerge with a newfound sense of flexibility.
The first step in this journey of adaptation is acknowledging that it won't be a walk in the park. Change, even when it holds promises of a better future, can be daunting. However, by focusing on the benefits of remote work—such as reclaiming lost commuting hours, creating a personalized workspace, and achieving a better work-life balance—we can pave the way for a smoother transition.
Now, let's dive into the practical steps that will help you successfully transition from an onsite role to remote work and secure those coveted remote opportunities:
Assess Your Skills and Preferences: Start by evaluating your current skills and strengths. Identify areas where you can excel in a remote setting. Consider the type of remote work that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle. Remote work comes in various forms, such as full-time remote employment, freelancing, or starting your own online business. For example, If you're a marketing professional with strong writing and social media management skills, you might consider remote opportunities in content marketing, social media management, or digital marketing, where your skills can be utilized effectively in a virtual setting.
Research Remote Job Opportunities: Begin your search for remote job opportunities by exploring online job boards, freelancing platforms, and company websites that offer remote positions. Many companies now embrace remote work, so look for organizations that have a remote-friendly culture. For instance, you can use our Job board, Inclusivelyremote to find remote job listings in your field or Remote.io which has listings from startups and leading companies. Explore the websites of remote-friendly companies that align with your career goals.
Update Your Resume and Online Presence: Tailor your resume to highlight relevant remote work skills, such as self-discipline, time management, and virtual communication abilities. Enhance your online presence, particularly on professional networking platforms like LinkedIn, to attract potential employers or clients. On your resume, highlight your experience in working independently, managing projects remotely, and collaborating virtually with team members. On LinkedIn, include keywords related to remote work in your profile summary and headline.
Network and Seek Referrals: Leverage your existing professional network to find remote work opportunities. Inform friends, colleagues, and acquaintances about your desire to work remotely, and they might refer you to remote job openings or projects.
Freelancing and Gig Platforms: If you're considering freelancing, sign up on freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal. These platforms offer a wide range of remote projects across various industries.
Online Learning and Certifications: Invest in online courses or certifications to upskill or acquire new remote-specific abilities. Demonstrating a commitment to learning and staying relevant in remote work will make you a more attractive candidate.
Prepare for Remote Interviews: Remote job interviews may involve video calls or virtual assessments. Ensure you have the necessary technology, a stable internet connection, and a suitable backdrop for video interviews. Practice answering common remote work-related questions to boost your confidence. Moreover, familiarize yourself with tools like Sparkhire, E-skill, HackerRank and HireVue
Highlight Remote Work Experience: If you have any prior experience working remotely, emphasize it during interviews. Showcase how you excelled in a remote environment and the strategies you employed to overcome challenges. Example: During an interview, mention how you managed a virtual team during a project or proactively coordinated meetings across different time zones.
Demonstrate Remote Work Readiness: Employers often seek candidates who can seamlessly transition to remote work. Showcase your ability to adapt to remote work by explaining how you've managed time effectively, communicated with remote teams, and stayed productive while working remotely. For instance, you can demonstrate how you maintained open communication with team members through Slack or Microsoft Teams, ensuring that everyone was on the same page despite being in different locations.
Be Persistent and Patient: Securing remote work opportunities may take time, especially if you are new to the remote job market. Be patient, persistent, and continue refining your approach based on feedback and experience.
Consider Remote-Friendly Companies: Research companies that have a remote-first or remote-friendly culture. These organizations are more likely to embrace remote talent and offer a supportive work environment for remote employees.
Freelance-to-Remote Transition: If you're already a freelancer, consider transitioning some of your existing clients into ongoing remote partnerships. Long-term relationships with clients can provide stability and a steady income stream.
Adaptability is the bridge that connects our past experiences to the promising future of remote work. Keep in mind that the 12-letter word is not just a trait; it's a journey of growth and self-discovery. Embrace change, and like a sailor navigating uncharted waters, you'll chart a course to success in the remote work frontier.
How to Build Your Mindset Towards Remote Interviews
Mastering the art of building a positive mindset towards remote interviews is a crucial step to ensuring a successful interview experience. To help you prepare and shine in your virtual meeting, here are some valuable tips:
Get Comfortable with Technology: Familiarize yourself with the video conferencing platform that will be used for the interview. Take some time to test the software beforehand to avoid any technical hiccups during the actual interview. Being tech-savvy will boost your confidence and allow you to focus on showcasing your skills and qualifications.
Create a Professional Environment: Choose a quiet and well-lit space for the interview. Ensure that the background is tidy and professional, as it reflects your attention to detail. Dress in a manner appropriate for the role you're applying for, just as you would for an in-person interview. Presenting yourself professionally will leave a lasting positive impression.
Be Punctual: Time management is just as critical in remote interviews as it is in face-to-face meetings. Log in a few minutes before the scheduled start time to avoid any last-minute rush or technical issues. Being punctual demonstrates your respect for the interviewer's time and showcases your reliability.
Maintain Eye Contact: Sustaining eye contact during a remote interview can be challenging since you're looking at the camera instead of the interviewer's face. However, it's essential to make an effort to look directly at the camera when speaking, as this conveys engagement and professionalism. Remember, virtual eye contact is the key to building a connection with your interviewer.
Practice Active Listening: Show genuine interest in the conversation by actively listening to the interviewer's questions and comments. Engage in the discussion by asking thoughtful questions and providing relevant information about your experience and qualifications. Active participation demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and your ability to communicate effectively.
Take Notes: During the interview, consider taking notes on key points and any follow-up questions you may have. This helps you stay focused and ensures you don't forget essential details when it's your turn to respond or during future interactions with the company.
Be Yourself: Despite the remote setting, aim to be as authentic and relaxed as possible. The interviewer is still trying to get to know you as a person and assess your fit for the role and the company culture. Let your genuine personality shine through, and don't be afraid to show your passion for the position.
Resources to Help in Your Remote Career Journey
Our Slack community: this is a community built to connect with job seekers and digital nomads around the world. We have monthly free training, resources, and a helpline. Also, you get to make friends with other members. Link
Our job board: The Inclusively Remote job board is tailored to ensure everyone worldwide gets equal opportunities, especially Africans. We have jobs that are inclusive for Africans. 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 remote work and how to 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,
Mary-Esther Anele (Your Career Cheerleader)