Remote work is increasingly popular with employees and employers alike. When companies do remote work the right way, it can be a positive experience for all involved, boosting productivity, engagement and staff satisfaction.
However, not every organisation allows it, preferring instead for employees to be at the workplace as much as possible. Collaboration is often cited as the reason for this, even though teamwork and flexibility aren’t mutually exclusive.
If you’re struggling to land a work-from-home job, here are five tips that could help.
1. Turn your regular job into remote work
If you do most of your work on computers and mobile devices, you can probably do your job from home. You just need to convince your boss to let you try it. The best way to do this is to suggest a trial arrangement for a set period.
But first, lay the groundwork. Get a sense of how your boss feels about flexible work arrangements. Then, prepare a telecommuting proposal. Anticipate and address any objections, demonstrating your successful track record and ability to manage your own time.
Suggest measurable goals and check-in times to assess your progress. Be specific about how you’ll keep in touch during the day.
Above all, be flexible and willing to adapt based on your manager’s input.
2. Consult or freelance
You don’t have to find an entirely new role to make the leap into remote work. Freelancing and consulting can give you a chance to try it without leaving a secure employment situation.
You might even find you like working for yourself so much, you’ll opt to build your own business instead of looking for another job.
The best thing about freelancing or consulting is you can start with just a few hours a week. Find freelance job listings online or network your way into gigs via word of mouth.
3. Make use of LinkedIn
Many people have a LinkedIn profile but don’t take full advantage of it. Highlight your skills and experiences while announcing your desire for remote work. Visit the profiles of those who are working from home in roles similar to what you are looking for.
What skills, experience and qualifications do they have that you don’t? Identify what you’re missing and fill the gaps by upskilling yourself as necessary. You might be just a class or bootcamp away from your dream career.
That said, you don’t have to go back to school to switch to a new career. Find work for which your existing skills are transferable. Don’t forget the soft skills you have developed over the years are also invaluable.
4. Use job search websites
Job search websites are a great way to find work-from-home jobs. Refine your search using keywords such as “remote” and “work from home”. Certain websites have search options that let jobseekers filter roles that are remote.
Beware, however, of scams. Warning signs include promises of big earnings for not much work, or requests for money or personal information.
5. Talk to people
Social networking is a solid approach for finding a work-from-home job, and there’s no substitute for talking to people and asking around for remote employment opportunities.
Casual conversations with others who are already working from home, or formal interviews with prospective employers, will help you explore options that work for you.
Too introverted, shy, or busy to set up in-person meetings? Ask to talk on the phone or via video chat, which are fundamental elements of working from home anyway.
This article first appeared in jobstore.com.
Jobstore is an online job site that specialises in providing jobseekers with the latest job opportunities by matching talented individuals with reputable companies in Malaysia. Find your dream job with over 40,000 job vacancies in Malaysia.