10 Tips for Finding Remote Jobs Worldwide

Have you ever thought about the idea of working remotely and felt like it’s a dream come true?

You’re not alone! Many of us crave the freedom and flexibility that remote work can offer. But sometimes, getting started can feel like a puzzle, right? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

Today, we’re chatting about remote jobs worldwide, and I’ll be your go-to resource on how to find remote jobs. So, without further ado, let me share some super practical tips I’ve picked up during my years as a digital nomad.

What Does Remote Jobs Mean?

Let’s start with the basics: What are remote jobs?

Remote jobs (often called work-from-home jobs) are like having the best of both worlds. They let you work from anywhere you please, be it your cozy home, a trendy co-working space, or your favorite local coffee shop – as long as you’ve got a reliable internet connection.

Here’s why they’re so fantastic:

• Location Independence: Imagine having the freedom to work from anywhere you choose—whether it’s on a pristine beach in Koh Phangan, amidst the wilderness of Costa Rica, or in the heart of a bustling European capital.

• Tech Connects Us: Say goodbye to office cubicles and hello to email, video calls, and instant messaging. Communication tech keeps us all connected, no matter where we are.
• Flexibility Rules: You still have deadlines, but the schedule is often up to you. Perfect for fitting work around your life.
• Commute? What’s That? Remote jobs save you from the daily grind of commuting, freeing up time and reducing stress.
• More Savings: No commuting means savings on gas or public transport, not to mention less spending on work attire or dining out.
• The World’s Your Oyster: Employers can tap into a global talent pool, so you’re not limited to local job opportunities.
• Work-Life Balance: Remote work helps you balance your job and personal life, making both better.

10 Steps on How to Get a Remote Job

Now that we know what remote jobs are, let’s have a look at how to find remote jobs worldwide. Here are 10 practical steps to help you in that quest. While some may seem obvious, it’s always great to start on solid ground, isn’t?

1. Self-Assessment

Before diving into your remote job search, it’s time to uncover what makes you unique and what you bring to the table.

• Skills

If you wonder how to find remote jobs, start by taking inventory of your skills. These come in two flavours: hard skills and soft skills.

Hard skills are the technical abilities and knowledge. It could be your proficiency in programming languages, design software or data analysis tools.

On the other hand, soft skills are your interpersonal and personal qualities. Here are some examples: communication, problem-solving, time management, team work, adaptability and attention to detail.

For instance, if you’re a writer, your hard skills might revolve around exceptional writing abilities, grammar and spelling proficiency, versatility in different writing styles, and familiarity with content management systems like WordPress. Your soft skills could include creativity in content creation, consistent adherence to deadlines, adaptability to various topics, and effective communication with editors.

• Interests

Take a moment to think about what truly excites you and makes you tick. With remote work, you have the amazing opportunity to shape your career around your passions.

Let’s imagine you’re passionate about environmental causes (well, we all should be) and are looking at how to get a remote job. You could explore remote roles like sustainability consulting, crafting engaging content for eco-friendly brands, or even contributing remotely to environmental organizations.

But don’t stop there—consider your long-term career aspirations and the kind of life you want to lead. Remote work is all about flexibility, allowing you to craft a job that aligns perfectly with your dreams. If your dream involves exploring new places while working, picture yourself as a remote digital marketer or a travel-savvy writer. For more ideas, check out the best travel jobs to work and travel here.

2. Polish Your Resume and Online Presence

In today’s digital age, your resume and online professional profiles are often the first impression you make on potential employers. Here’s how to optimize them for remote job hunting:

• Highlight Remote-Friendly Skills: We’re talking time management, self-discipline, remote collaboration tools (like Slack and Zoom), and your mastery of relevant software or tools.
• Quantify Achievements: How about saying something like, “Steered a remote team of 10 employees across four time zones, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency”.
• Don’t Forget LinkedIn: In your LinkedIn summary and work experience sections, explicitly mention any remote work experience you have. Describe your accomplishments and contributions in a remote setting.
• Remote-Related Keywords: Recruiters scouting for remote talents love their keywords. So, consider terms like “working remotely,” “virtual collaboration,” and “remote project management” to help them find you faster.
• Testimonials: If past remote bosses or clients have given you a virtual thumbs-up, go ahead and share those testimonials on your profiles or resume.

→ But what if you’re chasing remote jobs worldwide and your remote experience is kind of like a blank canvas? No worries, here’s how to find remote jobs WITH NO EXPERIENCE.

• Highlight Your Transferable Skills: Even if you haven’t worked remotely before, you possess a range of skills and attributes that are highly valuable in remote roles. These may include time management, organization, adaptability, excellent written communication, proficiency with relevant software, self-motivation and the ability to work independently. Ensure these strengths shine through in your resume and cover letter.
• Talk About Relevant Experiences: Maybe your past doesn’t scream “remote work,” but it can certainly whisper it. Think about those times when you collaborated with colleagues scattered across different locations to achieve project goals; that showcases your ability to thrive in remote teams. Or perhaps you’ve been the go-to person for client interactions, demonstrating your ability in managing client relationships. If you’ve handled projects or assignments independently, showing self-motivation and time management, it’s definitely worth mentioning.

And let’s not forget any experience with remote learning or online courses, as they show you’re familiar with using technology for learning independently.

3. Explore Job Boards

Now that your resume and online presence are in top shape, it’s time to dive headfirst into your job search and discover how to find remote jobs worldwide.

• Remote Job Boards

There are several job boards that specialize in remote work opportunities. These platforms bring together remote job listings from all corners of the internet, making your job search a breeze.

Here are some of the popular remote job boards that you should definitely check out if you are wondering how to get a remote job:

• • We Work Remotely: Known far and wide for its extensive list of remote jobs worldwide spanning various industries.

• • Remote.co: Offers carefully curated remote job opportunities, ensuring you’re sifting through quality listings.
  • FlexJobs: Famous for its meticulous screening process, guaranteeing a higher level of job legitimacy.
  • Remote OK: Your go-to spot for remote jobs in tech, design, marketing, and beyond.
  • Remotive: Not only does it hook you up with remote jobs worldwide, but it also serves up articles and resources to support remote workers like you.

And here’s a tip: Don’t forget to set up job alerts based on specific criteria, such as job type, location, and keywords. These alerts will shoot you an email or ping you within the platform when new positions matching your criteria pop up. This will save you time and ensure you never miss out on the perfect opportunity.

• General Job Boards

Another tip you don’t want to miss: Even the big-name job boards offer remote opportunities.

Indeed is like the Google of job search engines, and it’s packed with remote job listings. Just type in your keywords (e.g. “remote writer”, “remote designer” in the search bar. Then, use filters to fine-tune your search—like choosing “Remote” or “Work from Home” for location.

LinkedIn has got a bunch of remote job listings too. To make your life easier, there’s a “Remote” filter hiding under the “On-site/Remote” option.

• Freelancing Platforms

Now, if you’re open to freelancing or gig work, platforms like Upwork (that’s where I started), Freelancer, and Fiverr can be your golden tickets to remote job opportunities.

Here’s how to find remote jobs on these platforms:

♦ Think of your profile as your digital resume and portfolio combined. It’s where you shine. So, load it up with your skills, experience, and expertise. Show off any remote work or projects you’ve completed. Don’t forget a professional photo, a well-written bio, and a clear description of the services you offer.

♦ Use search filters to hunt down remote projects within your area of expertise. Review client reviews and ratings to assess the reputation of potential clients and projects.

♦ When you spot a project that matches your skills, submit a tailored proposal to the client. Show them you’re the one they’ve been waiting for. Address their specific needs, and explain how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate.

Keep it pro all the way. Deliver top-notch work, and maintain clear communication with clients. The more projects you complete and the more positive reviews you accumulate, the bigger your reputation and client base will grow!

4. Build your Network

Networking isn’t just for in-person events; it’s a powerful tool for uncovering remote jobs worldwide.

Start by linking up with colleagues, mentors, and professionals you know in your field. Don’t hesitate to reach out to those who work remotely or have experience in your dream domain.

You can also use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Reddit. Get chatty, ask questions, and share your insights. These online communities are often where you can find job leads and get valuable advice.

5. Research Remote-Friendly Companies and Industries

When it comes to unearthing remote job opportunities, a little company and industry research can go a long way.

Look for companies that are no strangers to remote work. Think big names like GitLab, Buffer, Airbnb, Adobe, Amazon, Deutsche Bank, Microsoft —they’ve got the remote work game down pat. Visit their career pages for open remote positions. Also, subscribe to their job alerts or newsletters, so you’re the first to know when they’re on the hunt for remote talent.

Besides, not all industries are created equal when it comes to remote opportunities. Some just have that remote-friendly vibe.

• Tech: Software development, web development, and IT roles.
• Marketing: Digital marketing, content marketing, email marketing and social media management.
• Writing and Content Creation: Copywriting, proofreading, editing, and content creation.
• Customer Service: Remote customer support and virtual call center roles.

6. Utilize Social Media

Social media isn’t just for sharing cat videos and vacation pics; it’s a goldmine for remote job opportunities.

Start by following companies and job boards on Twitter and other social platforms. Use hashtags like #RemoteJobs, #RemoteWork, or #WorkFromHome to uncover opportunities. If you’re a pro in a specific field like tech or marketing, add some niche flavor to your search. Try hashtags like #TechJobs or #MarketingJobs, paired with remote-related ones.

Don’t just passively scroll through your social media feeds. Engage with posts about remote work, job openings, and industry gossip. Leave thoughtful comments, and share relevant content. It’s not just about staying informed; it’s about building connections and stay visible within your professional network.

Feeling bold? Shoot direct messages to companies or recruiters to express your interest in remote work. Keep it pro, concise, and focused on your skills and goals.

7. Master Remote Work Tools

9. Prepare for Remote Interviews

When it comes to remote interviews, a little prep goes a long way. Here are a few tips on how to find remotes jobs and get ready for interviews:

• Familiarize yourself with video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Microsoft Teams.
• Make sure your camera, microphone, and internet are top-notch. Test everything in advance to guarantee clear audio and video.
• Choose a clean and clutter-free background for your video interviews. You can easily find that by searching on websites like Unsplash, Pexels, or Shutterstock. Simply download the image you like and use it as your virtual background during video calls.

We all remember that viral video of someone on a call with his babies opening the door in the background and entering the room during the call. It’s funny in hindsight, but it’s best to avoid such surprises during your interviews!

• Dress as you would for an in-person interview. Wear professional attire to convey a serious image. Oh, and wear the bottom half too please!

10. Be Cautious of Scams

This is the last tip on how to find remote jobs worldwide. Unfortunately, job scams are prevalent, and remote job seekers need to be especially vigilant.

• Trust Your Instincts: If a job offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of listings that promise high earnings with minimal effort.
• Avoid Upfront Payments: Legitimate employers won’t ask job candidates for upfront payments, deposits, or fees as a condition of employment. Be on your guard against any opportunity that demands payment for training, materials, or equipment.
• Research Companies: Before accepting any job offer, take the time to thoroughly research the company. Visit their official website, read online reviews, and watch out for red flags or negative feedback.
• Request an Employment Agreement: For added security, ask for a formal employment agreement or contract. This document should outline the terms and conditions of your remote work, including payment details, job responsibilities, and expectations. If you’re using a freelance platform like Upwork, note that these platforms often have built-in safeguards and contract management features, such as escrow and dispute resolution services.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you come across a job listing or employer that you suspect is a scam, report it to the job board where you found it. Most platforms have reporting mechanisms in place.

Final Thoughts on How to Find Remote Jobs Worldwide

To sum it up, remote work is a great option for those who want more flexibility and a better work-life balance. The way we work has changed a lot, and remote jobs break free from the old idea of a 9-to-5 office job.

By following the steps and tips on how to get a remote job, you’re not just finding a job; you’re creating a career that fits your values and dreams. Remote work lets you shape a professional path that matches your goals. Whether you dream of working from anywhere, exploring new places, or setting your own work hours, remote work makes it possible.

And if you’re interested in working while traveling, you might want to explore the digital nomad lifestyle – it’s something I really love!

Disclaimer: While I make an effort to snap my own photos, some folks out there are just naturally better with a camera (hint for a potential job idea). So, in this article, you’ll see that most of the pictures are thanks to the talented Unsplash community.