Welcome to the era of digital dominance, where remote work is steadily becoming the norm. Today, it’s becoming increasingly common to embark on a new job from the comfort of your home or anywhere in the world with an internet connection. There are many different reasons people might want to work remotely (for instance, check out this article on how remote work has helped employees who are caregivers). So, let’s roll up our sleeves, grab our laptops, and prepare to conquer the virtual realm!
Tips for Finding a Remote Job
So what are some tips for finding a remote job? What websites should you visit? One of my favorite phrases is “Knowledge is Power,” and building a foundation of knowledge should be your first step when looking for a new gig. Before starting your remote job, make it your mission to research and understand the company’s vision, values and culture. Do a deep dive into their website, social media accounts and online presence. Watch video testimonials, read company reviews and see what people on Linkedin, TikTok or Instagram say about the organization. Pay close attention to employee happiness, listen to podcasts or read articles featuring the company’s leadership. By immersing yourself in their world, you’ll be better equipped to align your work with their mission.
Master the tools of the trade
Get familiar with the tools and software commonly used in your field—from project management platforms like Asana and Trello to video conferencing tools like Zoom and Slack. When I started working at Merit America, I had to become a master Google Drive user and learn Notion. Becoming a virtuoso in these digital tools will supercharge your productivity and collaboration.
Establish a rock-solid routine
This is one of the most critical points when transitioning to a fully remote gig. “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.” Without a structured routine, the remote world can quickly become a jungle. Create a schedule that optimizes your productivity, considering your peak energy levels and personal preferences. Start your day by tackling the most challenging tasks, and allocate time for breaks, exercise and personal development. Remember, productivity is a marathon, not a sprint! When I started working remotely, I needed to establish a routine and invest in a home office/ dedicated workspace. This helped me be more productive because it gave me the sense of an office space in my home that was separate from my living space and all the distractions, such as turning on the tv or working from my couch and getting up every 5 minutes to get a snack. It also helped that I broke up my calendar into pockets of productivity and scheduled breaks in between to go on bike rides and walks in the park.
Cultivate Clear Communication
Effective communication is the lifeline of remote work. You must be skilled communicators across different mediums, including email, chat, video calls and project management platforms. Embrace transparency, be concise and always double-check your messages for clarity. Respond promptly and proactively; if you have doubts, ask for clarification. Remember, it’s better to over-communicate than to leave room for ambiguity. Our Talent Acquisition team has a very active Slack channel where we communicate about work tasks and funny things that may happen to us throughout the day, especially with our kids. It’s easy to do a Slack huddle and talk to folks or leave voice notes.
Foster Virtual Relationships
Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to work alone. Embrace the power of building connections in the digital realm. Engage with your colleagues through virtual coffee chats, team-building activities, affinity groups, in-person meetups with people who live in the same city as you, and online forums. I am a part of Somos Meritos, an affinity group at Merit America, where we have a space for our community of Hispanic/Latinx members here at Merit to feel supported and advocated for. Our goal is that this can be a room where we can connect and celebrate one another’s cultures and be a part of the continued diversity initiatives. Join industry-specific communities and networking groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Reddit. These connections can lead to collaborations, mentorship and new opportunities.
Cultivate a Growth Mindset
The remote landscape is evolving, and though change can sometimes be scary, it is also good to embrace change, adapt and constantly seek opportunities to learn and grow. Continue to look for new challenges, take on additional responsibilities and actively seek feedback. Stay on top of industry trends and innovations, attend webinars, and read relevant books and articles. Remember, success favors the nimble and the curious.
There you have it. By building a foundation of knowledge, mastering digital tools, establishing a solid routine, nurturing effective communication, fostering relationships, and cultivating a growth mindset, you’ll position yourself as a force to be reckoned with in the virtual arena.
Remote work is not just about sitting in your pajamas and firing off emails; it’s about leveraging technology, connection, and self-discipline to crush your goals and make an impact.
Interested in joining our team? Check out our current Merit America job openings!