How to Stand Out and Succeed in a Remote-First Workplace
Back in the day, remote work was never on the agenda. Then along came Covid, and remote work became a temporary fix. Fast-forward to today, and it has become a defining feature of the modern workforce. Or has it?
The fact is that not all remote jobs are equal. Not all employers are the same when it comes to prioritizing the work/life balance of their employees. If you seek a remote role that allows you to achieve your career goals while simultaneously allowing for your personal wellbeing, there are three key elements to consider:
- Which industries are still embracing remote work
- What it takes to land a remote-friendly role
- How to find the ideal remote job for you
Let’s crack this nut open, shall we?
Is Remote Work Here to Stay?
In a word, yes – and recent studies confirm this:
- Though many companies are trying to enforce a return to office (RTO) policy, research from Stanford University has found that around 1-in-5 of all paid workdays are accounted for by remote work. Of the firms that have remote or hybrid workers on their payroll, only 1-in-8 are planning to implement RTO.
- Pew Research found that a third of workers who can work from home do so full-time.
- The American Opportunity Survey by McKinsey & Company concludes that hybrid work is here to stay, with workers attending the office only 3.5 days each week.
Offering flexible work arrangements is no longer seen as a perk by many companies. Yes, some are recalling employees to the office, but others are actively hiring for remote jobs. They believe it gives them a competitive edge – access to a wider pool of talented employees who appreciate the opportunity to work from home, and are more likely to stay with the company because of this flexibility.
So, yes, remote work is now a permanent feature of the jobs market. Candidates who understand how to position themselves for remote/hybrid work will be able to take full advantage of this.
Industries and Roles in Which Remote Work Thrives
There are several sectors where you’ll find work-from-home roles are thriving, especially those that rely on digital tools and client interaction more than physical presence. The industries in which employers are most actively seeking remote workers include:
- Tech and IT – from software developers to systems analysts
- Healthcare administration and telehealth – billing, coding, scheduling, and virtual care
- Customer support – helpdesk roles, client services, and call center positions
- HR, recruiting, and people operations – particularly for national or global teams
- Marketing and content creation – writers, strategists, and social media specialists
- Finance and accounting – remote bookkeeping, payroll, and analyst roles
The Bureau of Labor Statistics found that industries that hired greater numbers of remote employees between 2019 and 2022 had the largest increases in output. The takeaway? Remote work is good for both employees and their employers.
Here at Lakeshore Talent, we’ve seen a steady demand for fully remote and hybrid roles across many of the sectors in which we specialize. The key for candidates is knowing where to look and how to stand out.
What Employers Want in Remote Candidates
Remote work isn’t simply about being able to work from home. It’s about being able to work well without constant oversight. Our experience is that companies hiring remote workers tend to look for a combination of hard (technical) and soft (interpersonal) skills, including:
- Clear, professional communication skills
- Proven self-motivation and time management
- Comfort with tools like Zoom, Slack, and project management platforms
- A focus on output, outcomes, and personal accountability
Tip: If you can demonstrate that you’re proactive, organized, and effective without someone looking over your shoulder, you’re already ahead of the pack.
How to Position Yourself for Remote Work
Positioning yourself as the standout candidate for a remote job begins with telling the right story. It’s crucial to demonstrate that you thrive on independence, being able to communicate effectively and work well with minimal supervision.
Begin by tailoring your resume and LinkedIn profile to highlight any experience you have working remotely or managing projects. Emphasize soft skills such as adaptability, initiative, and digital communication. Even if you feel these traits are obvious, articulating them clearly will reinforce your capabilities.
When describing previous roles, focus on results. Hiring managers want to see a record of positive outcomes. The most effective way to provide this evidence is to quantify your achievements – rather than ‘Under my watch, my team boosted its productivity,’ say, ‘My team increased its output by 25% while reducing absenteeism from an average of 5 days per employee to only 2 days’.
You should expect a virtual interview, but the onus will be on you to ensure it goes smoothly. Take the time to test your technology, adjust your lighting, and choose a background that’s clean and free of distractions. Also be prepared for questions targeted at assessing your fitness for remote work. A hiring manager will want to know how you stay productive and organized at home. You’ll be expected to describe how you structure your time and how you remain focused on your work.
Tip: Take time to reflect on your personal and professional goals. Our recruiters take a candidate-first approach, getting to know you, your lifestyle, and your career ambitions to connect you with the best role in the right company.
Maintaining Work/Life Balance in a Remote Job
The beauty of a remote role is its ability to offer you the opportunity to shape your work around your life. However, many remote workers find that the boundaries between work and life become even more blurred than when they were in the office.
Here’s how to stay grounded and in control of work/life balance:
- Set boundaries. Choose a clear ‘end of work’ time and stick to it.
- Designate a workspace. If you can, set up a home office where you can close the door to keep disruptions at bay and work separate from your home life.
- Take breaks. Walk, stretch, and eat lunch away from your desk.
- Vet company culture. Ask about expectations for availability and off-hours communication.
Tip: Apply to companies that walk the walk as well as talk the talk. Review what existing remote employees say about the culture and if those employees feel supported to work flexibly.
Make Your Next Remote Job Work For You
Remote work is here to stay, and for those who understand how to navigate the opportunities, it can be life-changing.
Perhaps you’re considering remote work for the first time, or you currently hold a hybrid role that isn’t giving you what you thought it would. Whether you’re exploring a career shift or you crave a better work/life balance, there are remote jobs waiting for you.
You don’t have to choose between earning a living and living your life. Submit your resume to Lakeshore Talent today, and we’ll find you a role that gives you both.