Working Remotely

[Enda Goodwin]

Working from home may seem like a dream come true – while it does require a lot of discipline, it also eliminates a commute, offers flexibility, and could be a great option for some candidates. Remote jobs or work-from-home opportunities do exist, but use caution when looking for them. Unfortunately, scams in this area are rampant, and if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Finding roles that are opening advertised as remote or virtual can be difficult. Many companies may not be forthcoming with this information because the role may involve travel, location changes based on the needs of the organization, or changes to the role when leadership changes. Many job postings will list remote positions by including the words "remote" or "virtual" in the title of the job listing. Use 'remote or virtual' in front of the job title you are seeking. Also, add it as a key word in the job searches you set up.

A company's Applicant Tracking System, ATS, is not 'set up' to recognize a position as completely remote or virtual. The ATS forces the posting to include a geography as a set location, so many times, the posting will include a geography, but the words 'Virtual or Remote' will be embedded in the language of the posting. When you find a remote or virtual role, apply to it directly on the company’s website and attempt to find a networking contact within the organization to confirm that the position truly is a virtual role.

For advice on working from home, take a look at the following:

• How to Land a Remote Job This Weekend, by Ryan Robinson
• 40+ Companies Share Their Secrets to Remote Work Success, by Sean Falconer
• 7 Companies That Let Your Work from Home, The Muse
• Remote Companies Q&A

For remote opportunity job postings, see:

• Flexjobs
• Angel List
• HubStaffTalent
• Pangian
• Remote.com
• Remote.co
• We Work Remotely
• UpWork
• Nexxt
• Virtual Vocations
• Article from FlexJobs Blog