With remote work on the rise, securing a remote employment position has become a top priority for many, including those who have already been working in the gig economy as contractors. The idea of working from home while getting a regular paycheck is highly appealing, but there's a lot of fierce competition out there. Whether you're new to remote work or you're just looking for ways to increase your value to employers, up-leveling your skills is the best place to start.
Learn how to use popular mobile apps and tools.
Maybe you don't have any reason to use tools like Apple Intelligence (AI) or apps like TikTok, but you might need to use them for your employer. For instance, a large number of businesses are using TikTok for marketing and brand-building purposes, and you can't create videos with sound and overlays from the web version. If you get hired and are asked to do some social media marketing, knowing your way around the TikTok app will be helpful.
When you get hired by a remote employer, there's a chance you'll be issued a company smartphone, and when this happens, you'll be ready to handle whatever miscellaneous tasks they give you. If you don't get issued a smartphone and have to use your own, just make sure to protect it with a durable phone case because you'll be on the hook if it breaks.
Get familiar with multiple applications.
Every business will have one preferred tool in each category, and when you learn your way around the most popular options, your value will increase. For example, some employers use Slack for team communication, while others use Discord.
Remote employers should always be willing to train and provide a grace period for adapting to new software, but they prefer it when candidates are already familiar with their tools. It will help you integrate into the flow more easily.
Improve your time management skills.
Time management skills hold more value than you may think. It's not just about being on time but also planning out your daily tasks and meeting deadlines and goals.
Everyone is late at least a few times in their life, but if chronic lateness is an issue for you, it will probably interfere with your ability to land a remote job. Even though you won't need to show up to an office, you will be expected to show up for work at a certain time and clock in remotely. Depending on the company, you might even need to show your face briefly on your webcam in a morning meeting.
If you're late to any of your interviews or don't get your test assignments or paperwork submitted on time, that will be a red flag to your employer. They will see you as far more valuable when you show up on time and don't miss a beat.
So, before you start applying for all kinds of remote positions, take some time to work on your time management skills. There are a variety of systems that work for most people, like setting alarms for important tasks and time-blocking appointments in your calendar. It also helps to develop the habit of being at least ten minutes early because that will give you time to manage any breakdowns that may occur, like extra traffic on the freeway or random things that may happen in your home.
Learn how to be a team player.
There are many times when working as a lone wolf is ideal. For instance, if you're a software developer or website developer, you need to work in isolation for long periods of time; otherwise, you'll never get anything done. However, even lone wolf positions need to meet with other team members to integrate their tasks into the overall project.
The better you are at being a team player, the more valuable you'll be perceived by remote employers. Even if you have no in-depth experience collaborating with a team, it's not hard to learn. In fact, you can read about how to develop this skill and then form a conscious intention to implement what you learn as you work.
It's all about your value.
Positioning yourself as a high-value remote employee involves several factors, but bringing amazing skills to the table is one of the most impactful. The more value you can offer to an employer, the higher your chances are of landing your dream remote job.
