7 Ways to Strengthen Your Application for a Remote Job Position

Since the global COVID-19 pandemic, remote jobs have become the norm for some industries. However, while the opportunities for remote work are on the rise, the same can be said for the number of jobseekers applying for these coveted positions.

 

In a competitive job market where talents abound, you’ll need to strengthen your own application to ensure that you get that dream remote job you’ve got your eye on. Luckily, in terms of work from home jobs in the Philippines jobseekers find ideal, you’ll have a lot of choices for what kind of position to apply to. It all comes down to making a strong impression through your resume and cover letter and being sufficiently prepared for your online interviews. 

Here are some tips to craft a compelling application and improve your chances of success at scoring a remote job:

 

1) Assemble a Portfolio

Are you applying for a creative position like that of a content writer, web designer, or graphics designer? If the answer is yes, a professional-looking portfolio can go a long way in helping you stand out from a huge sea of hopeful applicants.

 

Even if the application doesn’t ask for one, a portfolio can help you showcase your skills, your work on previous projects, and achievements that make you stand out as a candidate. Plus, you have several easy options at your disposal for putting together a smart-looking digital portfolio. 

 

To create your portfolio, you don’t need to pay for a domain name or web hosting, although they certainly add value in terms of your professional image. Give a link to a free website, online drive, or consolidated file saved in a format like .PDF to showcase relevant work samples, case studies, and testimonials to your potential employers. Your selection of pieces should grant them a comprehensive overview of your capabilities and your suitability for the job.

 

2) Do Your Research on the Company before Applying

 

Before hitting the "apply" button, take the time to do some thorough research on the company you’re applying to. You wouldn’t want to apply to a company that’s not legitimate or that has values that are contrary to your own.

 

Check out their reviews on platforms such as GlassDoor and LinkedIn. Then, visit their website to learn more about their culture and their business. In addition, you can look through their social media profiles to make sure that their work culture is something you would want to be a part of. Companies also think highly of remote job applicants who can prove that they’ve done their research and that they’re not treating the job application process as a generic, one-size-fits-all kind of thing. 

 

3)  Tailor Your Resume to the Job

Speaking of blanket approaches, one-size-fits-all resumes are a thing of the past. If you want to make a strong impression on the company you’re applying to, you have to customize your resume according to what they’re asking for and what you think they’d be interested in. 

 

Using information from your research, familiarize yourself with the company’s mission, values, and remote work policies. Then, tailor your application to show how you fit into the company’s work culture. For instance, you can mention the company values that resonate with you in your cover letter. Moreover, you can include testimonials from clients or co-workers in your portfolio link, website, or file, highlighting specific qualities that the company is looking for.

 

4)  Highlight Your Remote Experience

 

Companies hiring for remote jobs would naturally prefer someone who’s already familiar with a work-from-home setup. As remote work requires a certain level of self-discipline, independent thinking, and communication skills, companies would want to hire individuals who already have these attributes.

 

If you have previous experience working remotely, make sure to highlight it prominently in your application. In your resume, include specific projects and tasks that show your ability to fulfill your responsibilities and collaborate with teams remotely.

 

5)  Present a Professional Work Environment to Your Interviewers

 

Again, first impressions matter, even in a virtual setting. If you’ve made it all the way to the interview stage of your application, before the interview, make sure you have a professional-looking workspace that you can use for video calls and that your environment is quiet and free of distractions for audio calls. 

 

Take a critical look at your background for your video call, ensuring that no distracting objects or background clutter are visible. Next, pay attention to your lighting and camera angle. Do you have enough light on your face? Do you need to adjust the camera for a more flattering angle? To ensure you are seen in the best possible light, turn on the meeting camera and check your appearance before the interview starts.

 

If you’re only being asked for an audio call, be sure to take the same care about your surroundings. Go to a quiet place where you’re assured of a strong telecommunications signal or internet connection so that you won’t have a hard time articulating yourself or getting info from your interviewer during the call. 

 

6) Avoid Technical Glitches

 

Speaking of technical glitches, few things can derail a virtual interview faster. As such, test your equipment, internet connection, and video conferencing software well in advance to avoid any last-minute surprises. 

 

In case of any unforeseen technical issues, have a backup plan in place. For example, have a second laptop or tablet on hand with the video conferencing app installed. You should also have a smartphone with mobile data on standby in case your main internet connection fails.

 

7) Maintain a Professional Attitude

Approach the interview with a positive and professional attitude, no matter who it is you’ll be speaking to. During the interview, practice active listening and maintain good posture. In addition, engage with the interviewer enthusiastically (just don’t get carried away). It’s one thing to share task details about a project and quite another to gossip about the company or about people who didn’t seem to do their job.

 

Finally, remember to convey your interest in the role and company throughout the interview. Ask personalized questions about the role, the company culture, and what a day in the life of a remote employee will look like. Interviewers often find this type of job applicant the most memorable. 

 

Successfully landing your ideal remote job is a matter of preparation, strategy, and professionalism. Use the tips above as your guide to scoring an advantage over other remote candidates and getting the most competitive WFH job.