In today's world, remote work is becoming more and more popular. Many people are eager to reap the benefits of working from home, including better work-life balance, flexibility, and, of course, the opportunity to work in their pajamas. But what if you have no firsthand experience in remote positions or a particular field?
Can a person with no prior experience get a remote job?
After reading a job advertisement for your ideal employment, you could become quite enthusiastic, only to become extremely disappointed when you realize you might not even be eligible to apply.
Fortunately, all hope is not lost. Don't fret; it's still possible to land a remote job without prior experience.
This blog post provides useful tips to help you break into remote work.
Jobs that are relatively easier to take up remotely
1. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs manage their day-to-day tasks, from managing calendars to conducting research and providing administrative support. While prior experience may be helpful, many employers are willing to train motivated and organized individuals with excellent communication skills.
2. Customer Service Representative
Many companies in the e-commerce, technology, and travel industries seek customer service representatives to handle customer inquiries and resolve issues remotely. This role generally requires patience, empathy, and strong communication skills – qualities that can outweigh the need for extensive professional experience.
3. Data Entry Clerk
Data entry roles involve updating databases, inputting information from various sources, and ensuring data accuracy. These positions typically require basic computer skills and attention to detail but do not necessitate specialized prior experience.
4. Content Writer
If you have an aptitude for words and a solid understanding of grammar, starting a career as a content writer may be your calling. Whether blogging, writing articles, or crafting compelling social media posts, harnessing your creativity can lead to work opportunities with minimal experience.
5. Online Tutor
Do you excel at specific subjects? Offering your expertise as an online tutor can be rewarding. As long as you have a robust understanding and knowledge of the subject matter, teaching others through virtual platforms can be an excellent entry point in the education industry.
6. Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists convert audio recordings into written text – an imperative task across multiple healthcare, legal services, and media sectors. Strong typing and listening skills are vital for success in this role, but extensive experience is not necessarily a prerequisite.
7. Social Media Manager
Are you a social media enthusiast? If so, managing social media profiles for businesses or individual clients may be an ideal remote role for you. Familiarity with various social media platforms, creativity, and excellent communication skills can pave the way to success in this rapidly growing field.
8. Graphic Designer
Every company wants to present its website, logo, and social media posts in the best light. The finest work-at-home jobs for people with no experience is graphic design work that can be done remotely.
You'll require a solid aesthetic sense, familiarity with various color schemes and design formats, and the ability to translate ideas into graphics using design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, CorelDraw, Canva, etc.
For graphic designing, you can search jobs on AllRemote, Dribbble, DesignHill, and Krop.
9. Proofreading
Proofreaders working online are well paid, and it's a fantastic opportunity for people searching for entry-level remote employment. Authors, corporations, and bloggers all desire faultless work. Businesses require proofreaders to review the copy on their websites, social media accounts, brochures, and other brand-related materials.
This is a fantastic work-from-home opportunity to pick if you have strong grammatical skills.
Opportunities to work as an online proofreader are plentiful. Many opportunities are available, from remote employment sites to professional networking sites.
10. Personal Instructor
In today's health-conscious society, coaches who can aid clients in reaching their physical fitness objectives are in high demand. Fitness instructors embraced the trend of healthcare occupations that emerged with the growth in remote work. More people now have the time to dedicate to leading healthy lives. This is a fantastic work-from-home job for those without expertise. Becoming a personal instructor is a terrific method to make money.
Everyone prioritizes fitness, including senior citizens, working professionals, and expectant mothers.
You should become an instructor if you have a basic understanding of fitness and can provide instruction through online lessons.
You can join a gym that offers online classes or establish an independent gym. Promote your course on reputable social media platforms.
11. Virtual Event Planner
Businesses worldwide use virtual event planners to plan and carry out virtual events like webinars and online conferences. To be a virtual event planner, you must be able to work alone and be organized and meticulous.
Being a virtual event planner doesn't require any prior remote job experience, but you must be available to work throughout the company's regular business hours.
12. Software Developer/Programmer
Software development and programming can be done almost entirely using a computer and an internet connection. The work primarily revolves around writing code, testing, debugging, and deploying applications, which can all be accomplished remotely without needing a physical presence in an office.
The demand for skilled software developers and programmers is consistently high, and many companies are open to hiring remote talent.
As a remote software developer have the advantage of accessing job opportunities globally. They are not limited to the local job market and can explore positions in different countries, industries, and organizations that align with their interests and career goals.
Things you need to get a remote job without experience
1. A reliable internet connection.
2. A solid work ethic and the capacity to maintain motivation and organization.
3. An engaging CV. Make a unique CV by taking your time.
4. Solid verbal and written communication abilities.
5. Excellent problem-solving abilities.
6. The capacity for initiative and independent effort.
7. Organizational and time management abilities.
8. A professional online presence.
9. Positivity and an eagerness to learn.
10. Software expertise is crucial. As a remote worker, you must use several collaboration and communication platforms, like Slack, Basecamp, and Zoom.
Also read: Must have tools for digital nomads in 2023
How to get a remote job with no experience
1. Identify your transferable skills
Before diving into the job search, take some time to evaluate your current skill set. Think about the talents and abilities that could apply to various professional settings. Examples include communication, time management, problem-solving abilities, and computer literacy. Show these transferable skills on your resume and in interviews when applying for remote positions.
2. Invest in relevant training or certification
Even if you don't have specific job experience, investing in relevant training or certifications can make you a more attractive candidate. For example, consider taking an online course or getting certified in a sought-after skill like project management or digital marketing. This added expertise could make all the difference when applying for remote jobs.
3. Tailor your resume and cover letter
When applying for remote jobs without experience, you must customize your resume and cover letter for each position you apply for. Highlight your transferable skills and mention any relevant training or courses you've completed. Do emphasize your ability to work independently and thrive remotely.
4. Look for remote job platforms
After finishing your efficient CV online, select the best platform to submit your remote job applications. The most popular websites for applying for remote jobs are LinkedIn, Indeed, and AllRemote.
You can search for remote job postings on numerous social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram. You can also use certain popular hashtags to identify hiring postings to apply for. You can also search websites like Freelancer and Upwork to locate freelance or work-from-home jobs.
5. Create your LinkedIn profile
LinkedIn is a popular tool that helps you create your professional network. It allows you to show your education, talents, qualifications, and more. Don't forget to add a LinkedIn banner to the platform and your professional photo to make your profile stand out.
You can also use LinkedIn Premium Subscription to get information about the business for which you are applying, job ads, and other things that can help you prepare for job interviews in advance. Moreover, you can update your profile and add new skills using the LinkedIn Learning platform.
6. Start with entry-level opportunities
It's essential to set realistic expectations when starting your remote job search. While it's normal to aim high, consider also applying for entry-level positions. These roles can be an excellent stepping stone into more advanced remote work. Plus, they provide valuable experience that can make you a stronger candidate in future applications.
7. Network within your industry
Networking is crucial in landing a remote job, just like traditional job searches. Connect with professionals in your desired field on social media platforms such as LinkedIn or join relevant online forums. You might uncover job opportunities that aren't widely advertised or make connections that lead to future employment.
8. Be prepared to ace a remote interview
Once you land an interview, you must prepare for the unique challenges of remote interviewing. Test your technology (e.g., webcam and microphone) beforehand, and ensure you have a quiet, professional-looking backdrop for video calls. Additionally, practice responding to common interview questions while highlighting your adaptability to remote work.
9. Become familiar with remote collaboration tools
You can stand apart from other candidates by knowing about remote collaboration tools. Additionally, having knowledge of remote communication tools will streamline your workflow once you get the job. It will increase your productivity during the early years of your remote career.
You can start by learning various popular remote communication applications like Zoom, Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, and others. Additionally, you could grow familiar with the best tools for collaboration, including Asana and Trello. They will help you to accomplish team objectives and make working from home simple.
10. Stay persistent and keep improving your skills
Finally, persistence is key when searching for a remote job without experience. Keep applying for positions, refining your resume, and networking within your industry. As you gain more knowledge and improve your skills, you'll boost your chances of landing the perfect remote position.
11. Virtual internships
Before applying for any remote job, internships are the ideal approach. They help you put your academic knowledge from college, university, and courses to use in developing practical work skills.
With a virtual internship, you can work from any location and select whether to apply for a part- or full-time position. As a result, if you're a student, you can manage your coursework and start working immediately.
12. Be flexible and open to different opportunities
Remote jobs come in various forms, including full-time, part-time, contract-based, and freelance positions. Be open to different types of remote work and consider starting with part-time or freelance roles to gain experience and build your reputation.
13. Showcase your remote work setup
Consider sharing images or mentioning them during the interview if you have a dedicated home office or a well-organized workspace. This demonstrates your commitment to remote work and your ability to create an effective environment.
14. Follow-up after interviews
After your interview is over, send a thank-you note or email to express your gratitude and reiterate your interest in the position. This simple gesture of following up can help you stand out. Follow-up after your interview will leave a positive impression.
Dos/don'ts when applying for types of remote jobs with no experience
Dos | Don'ts |
Do highlight relevant transferable skills: Even if you don't have direct remote work experience, highlight transferable skills applicable to the remote job you're applying for. These skills may include effective communication, time management, self-motivation, adaptability, problem-solving, and collaboration. | Don't undersell your skills and achievements: Avoid downplaying your skills or achievements, even if you don't have direct remote work experience. Focus on highlighting the skills and accomplishments relevant to the job you're applying for. |
Do showcase relevant personal projects or freelance work: Include them in your application if you've worked on personal projects or completed freelance work related to the job you're applying for. Highlight the skills you developed, the challenges you faced, and the results you achieved. | Don't skip the research: Tailor your application materials to demonstrate your knowledge of the company's values and industry and how you can contribute to their remote team. Don’t submit generic applications. |
Do research the company and role: Thoroughly research the company you're applying to and understand the requirements of the remote job. Tailor your application materials to align with the company's values, mission, and the specific responsibilities of the role. | Don't forget to address potential concerns: If you anticipate that your lack of remote work experience may raise concerns, address them proactively. In your cover letter or during interviews, discuss your adaptability, willingness to learn, and commitment to the remote work environment. |
Craft a compelling cover letter: Use your cover letter to tell a compelling story about your passion for the industry, your enthusiasm for remote work, and how your skills and qualities make you a strong candidate. | Don't neglect the importance of soft skills: Highlight soft skills such as communication, stress management, teamwork, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. |
Do leverage your network: Reach out to your network for referrals, recommendations, or connections to remote job opportunities. Networking can help you gain visibility. | Don't give up on gaining experience: If you don't secure a remote job immediately, consider gaining experience through volunteering, internships, or freelance opportunities. |
