The modern world has continued to unravel a series of evolutions in different spheres of life. So many industries have undergone a massive overhaul regarding how things are done. Several things have been discontinued, while others have been refurbished. One such industry is the labour industry. The industry has gotten a facelift that has improved the relationship between employers and employees of labour. Employers can now procure services of labour, regardless of thousands of miles separating the parties. This is known as remote work. 


This has brought ease to the industry, as this has helped cut costs for employers and offer comfort and relaxation to employees while working. This arrangement works in the favour of a lot of people, as it is becoming rapidly saturated. 


Remote work is particularly advantageous for stay-at-home moms because they can earn a decent living from the comfort of their houses while managing the home. However, the competition in the remote sector is stiff, because a lot of people are angling for jobs. 


Therefore, it is pertinent to stand out of the crowd to guarantee a (remote) job. This article will arm you with the information that will make you find your next remote job quicker than you expected.


Table of Contents

  1. Preparing to find a remote job

  2. Common mistakes while Job-hunting

  3. How to boost your chances of landing a remote job

  4. Top 12 sites to find a remote job


Preparing to find a Remote Job

  • Learn a skill and upskill: The basis of the labour market is the fact that something is being offered either services or goods. Having a skill is one step to employability. To begin the journey of finding a remote job, a skill must be learned. The labour industry is a broad one, and this offers a lot of liberty to job seekers. There are a plethora of fields to choose from and thousands of services to offer. However, some fields are more saturated than others. As a SAHM, you can learn and attain mastery of a lot of skills like virtual assistance, web development, content writing, Copywriting, Content marketing, Digital marketing, Tech Sales, Project management, Product management and a lot more.


It is not enough to just learn these skills. To remain relevant and more employable, you have to keep your foot in the door. You might have been out of the career scene for a while but you still need to know what is happening, take courses in your free time. It’s a lot of work but it’s not impossible work.


  • Revamp your resumé: A resumé serves the same purpose as a product label. We have at one point or the other purchased an item because the packing was shiny and colourful, therefore irresistible. Your resumé should possess this same quality—the ability to captivate at first glance. The crux of the matter isn't to colour your resumé but to meticulously craft one that stands you out of the competition. 


Certain industries require several keywords in applications. If your resumé does not possess this, you have invariably lost the opportunity. A good way to prevent this pitfall is to thoroughly research your industry and identify best practices during applications. Use strong descriptive adjectives that put you in a good light and remember your skill raising your children, running your home are also transferable into the working environment. 


  • Develop your online presence: Social Media is currently the rage of the moment. The advent of social media has made information transmissible in a matter of nanoseconds while reducing the distance between the next person to a mere click and prompt. A lot of people have learnt to use this to their advantage, to promote their businesses or services they offer. As a remote job seeker, an online presence would be instrumental in landing your first or next job. 


Learn to put yourself out there. Create content around the things you do. You never can tell, your employer might be on your radar. There are a lot of social media platforms to choose from. It can be TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X, Pinterest etc. There's also professional media like LinkedIn that consists of professionals from all over the world. To be successful on each platform, you have to learn how it works: algorithms, metrics and the like.

  • Send cold emails: A cold email is an email sent to a receiver without prior contact, used to make enquiries, solicit for a job etc. It is one of the items of email marketing. Cold mailing requires several skills. The email had to get to the right person to get considered. You have to contact the hiring manager or the person directly in charge of the team you are looking to join. You can find the emails of some of the company staff on LinkedIn or their website. 


When sending a cold email, you have to be concise and straight to the point. Use an email Subject that explicitly describes what you want. After you've sent the cold email without a reply, send a follow-up email reinforcing your interest.


Sample of a Cold Email

Email Subject: Experienced [job title] seeking opportunities at [company name]


Dear [hiring Manager's name],

I hope you are doing well.

My name is[mention your name]. I am reaching out to you to express my passion for joining your company as a[Job Title].


My [X] years of experience in [your industry] has enriched me with a broad understanding of [specific skills and expertise] to perform excellently. I have the conviction that my skills and experience in[mention specific skills, qualifications, achievements] make me the best fit for [company name].


I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to [company name]'s success and equally collaborate with other talented members of the team. I have attached my resume and a link to my portfolio [link to your portfolio] for your review. It highlights all my achievements.


I would be thrilled to be given a chance to discuss potential opportunities further and learn more about [company name]'s goals and visions.


Please let me know if there is a convenient time for a call or if you prefer to arrange an in-person meeting.


Thank you for considering my application.


I look forward to the possibility of working together and contributing to [company name]'s continued success.


Sincerely,

[Your name],

[Contact information]


  • Volunteer/Intern: It is not enough to acquire knowledge of skills to get employed. A practical application of what has been learnt is what makes the difference. No one would employ you if you've only finished learning a skill without experience. To gain this experience, a volunteer work or internship would suffice. Reach out to companies in your field and offer your services for free. If you get lucky, you will be paid stipends from time to time. Use this opportunity to learn the ropes of the profession. You can look for internship/volunteer opportunities on LinkedIn. Connect with the people in your industry and pitch your services to them.

  • Create a portfolio: For you to get hired, the employer(s) have to see your skills in action. You can only convince people to employ you with what you've done. If you are a newbie, you have to spontaneously create works about your industry. When you have done this, cull them together. A collection of previous works is what is known as a portfolio. Some platforms are dedicated to creating portfolios eg: WordPress, Canva, Journo Portfolio, and Clippings.me, Adobe portfolio, Muck Rack etc.

  • Sign up on Freelance platforms: A freelancer is a person who works independently and on a short-term basis for employers. Most freelancers work remotely. There are so many platforms dedicated to freelancers that connect the freelancer and employer. To get started, you have to sign up on these freelance platforms. Some freelance platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, Toogit, Toogle etc.


Common mistakes while Job-hunting


  1. Untailored resumés/cover letters: Working in a particular industry comes with similar demands from most employers. However, job descriptions often have one or more things that differentiate them. For example, a person can be seeking to employ a writer in a specific niche with unique qualities. In this case, the Writer has to tailor their resumé to that niche in demand. Most job seekers often make the mistake of using their template resumés/cover letters to apply for jobs with specific demands, without tweaking them to fit that standard. Of course, your application would be rejected. 

  2. Applying for the wrong jobs with the right skills: You are probably unemployed because you've been applying for the wrong jobs with the right skills. This often happens when you gloss over job requirements hurriedly and turn in your application without a second thought. A job can have two different roles embedded in it. You can properly do one but not the other. In this case, do not bother applying, if you do not possess at least eighty per cent of the job requirements. Your ability to do a smaller part of the job is not enough to get you employed. To avoid this, thoroughly read job descriptions and requirements.

  3. Failure to adhere to instructions: Some job advertisements come with specific instructions for application. It could be a particular format of submission, prompts to follow, or tasks to do. A good number of applicants often flout these instructions. This automatically earns you a rejection spot. To prevent this, go over the job ad at least twice. When you are about to submit your application, go over it once more and confirm that it tallies everything the requirements listed.

  4. Dishonesty: It is difficult to not get desperate while seeking for job. Desperation can make you take the wrong approach. For instance, you've found your dream job, but you have insufficient years of experience required. You want to get this job and you end up falsifying your claims on your resumé. You will most likely get caught with a reference check. Be honest in your job applications. If your experience is insufficient, highlight your abilities in a captivating manner, in your resumé

  5. Unpreparedness for interviews: Interviews are a crucial part of recruitment. At the interview stage, you will get to meet the hiring team or team lead of the department you're looking to join. Getting to the interview stage does not guarantee getting the job. Unpreparedness for the interview can prevent you from landing the job. Therefore, do not leave anything to chance. Prepare like you would for an examination, for interviews. Research the company and reach out to employees of the company. Most companies usually have standard interview tests peculiar to them. If possible, strive to get a hold of previous interview questions. Once you ace the interview stage, there's a ninety per cent chance you'll be hired.


How to Boost your chances of landing a remote job


  1. Have the right skills: Every job requires certain skills. You'll land a job quicker than you can imagine when you have all it takes to do the job. Research the field you want to work in and all the skills required for it and constantly develop yourself.

  2. Tailoring your resume: It is important to tailor your resumé to match the job requirements. Do not just apply for jobs blindly. Read the requirements thoroughly, then tweak your application to match the job description.

  3. Strategic cold mailing: Cold emails sent randomly won't produce any results. Rather, research the company and reach out to people in specific departments that you're looking to work in. Use strong, descriptive language to highlight your skills and exude confidence. If you don't get a reply after one week, send a follow-up email.

  4. Relevant work experience: The years of experience of a job seeker serve as proof of expertise. Having relevant work experience increases your chances of landing a job. You can gain experience through volunteering or internship.

  5. Social Media Visibility: Social Media visibility can be instrumental to landing your dream job. Employers are on the constant lookout for talent on social media. If you are on social media and you create content around the things you do or your expertise, you will land a job in no time.

  6. Networking: The importance of networking cannot be overemphasized while Job-hunting. Endeavour to join the community of professionals in your field. This way, you will build meaningful relationships and possibly get recommendations to your future employer. Do not be dormant in such associations. Take active steps to form relationships and exchange ideas. Through this, you'd boost your chances of getting a job.


Top 12 Sites To Find a Remote Job


There is an ever-increasing pool of job seekers. This further toughens the competition. It is not out of place to encounter multiple rejections. When this happens, do not give up. Make sure you have adequate skills and keep applying. Sooner or later, you will land that dream job of yours.


Get a FREE chapter of my book Free to fly: How to thrive as a stay-at-home mum here. You can also place your order Here