How To Get A Remote Job (No Experience)
Tired of the commute? Want work-from-home freedom, but without settling for a dead-end job? There’s a RIGHT way to break into a remote job (no experience), even if you’re starting from scratch.
I’ve helped people land remote jobs (no experience) and still continue it from this day. Here’s the truth about what works, and what’s just hype. Remote careers are amazing, but it’s not about the “job” alone. It’s your skills, approach, and playing the long game. I’ll show you how.
Why “Remote” Isn’t Enough
With the pandemic’s shift to work-from-home, everyone wants a remote job (no experience) these days. The allure is obvious – no commute, living anywhere, flexibility with family time.Â
However, the problem is that people focus too narrowly on the “remote” aspect as the solution, rather than cultivating what it truly takes to thrive in that setting long-term.
This is why so many fail when chasing those listicles promising “25 Easy Remote Jobs!” They get overly excited about short-term gigs that don’t translate to sustainable careers.
While those may seem appealing on the surface, real freedom comes from developing valued skills that companies will pay for again and again.
The 3 Types of People Best Suited for Remote Success
Not everyone is equally suited to remote work’s unique demands. In my experience, those who fare best fall into one of three categories:
Type 1: The Tech-Adjacent Wannabe – You have minimal experience with technical skills so far, but a voracious desire to learn and join the digital workforce. If this is you, you’ll need to get scrappy about acquiring those abilities.
Type 2: The Ambitious Side-Hustler – For you, remote work isn’t the end goal itself; rather, you crave flexible income streams to build your own business or pursue a passion project. Fair warning, this road is intense!
Type 3: The Lifestyle Seeker – While you care about meaningful work, what matters most is the ability to live life on your terms, travel, and achieve work-life balance. Let’s ensure your priorities align with jobs allowing for that.
Be honest with yourself about which category you occupy. I’ll tell each type what they NEED to hear for remote success, not just what they want.
Your Career is Your Vehicle
Too often, we’re told to “follow our passion” into a dream career. While passion has its place, the fastest route to a thriving remote income involves a smarter approach: going where the opportunity is already hot.
What does that mean? Rather than fixating on personal interests from the start, identify booming industries and job roles that companies are ravenously hiring for.
Look at job posting after job posting – what skills are in blistering demand? Whatever those are, adding them to your toolkit grants you immense leverage.
Why are employers so hungry to hire for these roles? Simple – those skills directly impact their bottom line. That’s why remote workers possessing them can practically write their own checks.
After all, if you can deliver disproportionate value remotely, why wouldn’t a company pay a premium for that convenience and cost savings?
The Action Plan (Beyond the Basic Resume Stuff)
Step 1: Get an MVP Resume Out There – Don’t obsess over perfection from Day 1. Use a simple, clean template to stake your claim for remote roles ASAP.
Step 2: Learn by Doing – Rather than burying yourself in courses, subscribe to the 80/20 rule.
Pinpoint the few skills comprising the bulk of the value for your target roles, then actually start putting them into practice via projects, freelancing, etc. Hands-on experience beats theoretical knowledge every time.
Step 3: Build a Creative Portfolio – Now it’s time to separate yourself from other applicants.
Use your portfolio to showcase your talents in unique ways. Brainstorm ideas like building sample websites for mock businesses, coding passion projects, designing sleek presentations to showcase copywriting flair, etc.
Step 4: Networking Isn’t Optional – Instead of resuming into black holes, focus networking efforts on LinkedIn.
Connect with decision-makers, engage with their content, provide value first through comments, and then take conversations deeper. Consistent, low-effort activities like this can rapidly accelerate your entire job search.
It’s a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Even with the best resume, skills, portfolio and networking in place, there will inevitably be rejection along the way. Manage your expectations accordingly.
Rather than letting that demotivate you, recognize that building a thriving remote career is a marathon, not a sprint.
Every “no” contains seeds of progress – maybe your skills need sharpening, your portfolio needs bolstering, you’re targeting the wrong roles, etc. Viewed through that lens, each rejection provides useful feedback to refine your approach.
Circling back to the opening – your career is your vehicle for the freedom-filled life you desire. The right skills are your engine, grinding away relentlessly until you arrive at that destination. Nothing worthwhile was ever attained without persistence and grit, so embrace that mindset from the start.
Land your First Remote Job (No Experience) Today
Feeling pumped to set out on this fulfilling journey, but unsure about your first steps? I know this road intimidatingly well. That’s why I made several videos about remote jobs that you can apply for on my YouTube channel.
It’s not a sales pitch, but rather a real-time walkthrough to set you up for remote job success from Day 1. Let me share the exact blueprint I’ll be teaching – subscribe to get notified as soon as I upload a new remote job video!
Frequently Asked Questions About a Remote Job (No Experience)
Yes, it’s definitely possible! While previous remote work experience can be an advantage, it’s not a dealbreaker. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of diverse skill sets and adaptability. Focus on highlighting your transferable skills, emphasizing self-discipline, communication, and time management abilities. Showcase your eagerness to learn and embrace the remote work environment. With the right preparation and approach, you can successfully make the transition.
Several industries are actively hiring remote workers, even those without prior experience. Some prominent sectors include:
Tech: Customer support, technical writing, web development (entry-level), and quality assurance.
Creative: Graphic design, content writing, social media management, and virtual assisting.
Education: Online tutoring, course creation, instructional design, and language teaching.
Healthcare: Medical transcription, telemedicine support, patient scheduling, and health coaching.
Business: Administrative support, data entry, project management (entry-level), and sales.
Remember, these are just a few examples, and opportunities exist across various industries. Research and identify sectors that align with your interests and skills.
Don’t worry if you don’t have formal work references. You can showcase your abilities through alternative methods. Consider:
Personal Projects: Create a portfolio website or online profile to showcase relevant projects, volunteer work, or freelance gigs.
Certifications: Pursue online courses or certifications in your desired field to demonstrate your commitment to learning.
Testimonials: Gather testimonials from professors, mentors, or colleagues who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.
Social Proof: Highlight your online presence, such as active participation in relevant forums or communities.
These alternatives can effectively demonstrate your capabilities and potential to potential employers.
The best approach depends on your career goals and personal preferences. Specializing in a niche skill can make you a highly sought-after expert in that area, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities. On the other hand, being a generalist with diverse skills can open up a wider range of job possibilities and allow for more flexibility in your career path. Ultimately, choose the path that aligns with your interests and long-term objectives.
Here are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:
Generic Applications: Tailor your resume and cover letter to each specific job posting, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.
Neglecting Networking: Actively network with professionals in your desired field, both online and offline.
Underestimating Soft Skills: Emphasize your communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities, as these are crucial for remote work.
Ignoring Company Culture: Research the company’s values and culture to ensure a good fit.
Giving Up Too Easily: Rejection is part of the job search process. Stay persistent and learn from each experience.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase your chances of landing a fulfilling remote job.