Until 2020, when Covid halted the world, remote jobs weren’t as popular as they are right now. Many employers didn’t see the possibility of having their employees work from home and be productive - until now.

The best part of remote work is the flexibility and benefits for both employers and employees. Following the pandemic in 2020, several companies shifted to a more flexible work system, allowing a large percentage of their employees to work from the comfort of their homes. 

The result, according to research, was an increase in productivity for employees and companies alike, and this was because employees experienced some form of work-life balance.

However, the hunt for a remote job can be challenging. The workplace keeps transitioning, and some skills are in higher demand in the tech industry than others, especially for remote workers. 

In-demand skills for remote workers

These skills include but are not limited to:

• Blockchain development: As the world continues to expand digitally, career paths such as blockchain developer, blockchain quality engineer, blockchain solution architect will be in abundance. 
• Brand + UX/UI Design: This is another high-demand skill within web development. Brands need to ensure a user-friendly experience and create experiences that increase demand for their products and service.

Some non-tech roles include:

• Content marketing: This is a high-demand skill because there is a rise in brands wanting to reach a broader and more diverse market. In content marketing, career paths include content strategist, brand storyteller, content manager, content writer, and search engine optimization specialist. 
• Video Marketing: Just as content marketing is in high demand, video marketing could also be termed a gold mine with opportunities in content creation, video production, and video editing.
• Data Analytics: According to the world data science site, data analytics is hot right now, with about 80% of companies across the globe investing a large part of their earnings into skilful data analytics divisions.   
• People and Culture: This skill is needed to help remote workers function effectively. Effective communication helps keep the worker and the brand in constant check.

You have acquired the skills and competency to thrive in your field of choice and are ready to find that remote job of your dreams.

How do you get a remote job?

IDENTIFY WHY:

It is necessary to ask yourself, "Why do I need a remote job?" 

People who choose remote jobs do so for varied reasons like commuting or career change. Whatever your reasons are, once you identify why you want to work remotely, 20% of your search will have been completed. 

TAILOR YOUR SEARCH:

Once you have decided why you need a remote job, you can tailor your search accordingly. Search for remote-friendly companies that hire remote workers or websites that hire freelancers. This simplifies your job search and saves you time by directing you only to companies that accept such work conditions.

Some  great places to start your search for remote work are:

• Linkedin
• Fiverr
• Upwork
• Remote.co
• Flexjobs
• Twitter
• Braintrust

Read also: 7 Mistakes You're Making As a Remote Worker

GET CREATIVE AND INNOVATIVE: 

After you have identified why and tailored your search. Once you have found interesting places to work, the next step is to get creative and innovative in preparing for the interview. 

Put together cover letters, CVs, and portfolios that reflect the roles you are applying for. Remember to highlight the skills, qualities, and unique attributes that make you suitable for remote work.

Tools you need to work from home:

1. Designated workstation: Remote working requires some level of discipline and dedication. Having a designated workstation is necessary to ensure productivity. 
2.  Reliable internet connection: Data is life, and for your effectiveness as a remote worker, you might be required to use two data providers to avoid downtime.   
3. Foreign bank accounts: Most freelance and remote jobs come from foreign brands and organizations, so payments are in foreign currency. Easy at first, until you have to receive payments. Luckily, Grey exists to make receiving payment from abroad easy for anyone. When you create a Grey account, you can get virtual USD, GBP, or EUR foreign accounts instantly and start getting paid without stress. In addition to receiving foreign funds through Grey, you can easily convert to Naira and withdraw to your local bank account. 

Now that you know this, you need to show the recruiter that you are ready for the work ahead. You should get familiar with management, communication, and productivity tools that provide a seamless work-from-home experience. 

Read also: Different Types of Banking: Pros and Cons