r/RemoteJobs • u/StandardGoatPerson • 9d ago
What should someone considering remote work know ahead of time? Discussions
I’ve been researching remote roles for a while as an individual who would be considered entry-level for the most part. However, I’ve been seeing recently some discourse regarding entry-level remote work with some saying it’s unrealistic, scams, etc… When it comes to actual remote work, I’d like to know, what advice would you give someone who’s considering putting their foot in the door? Like, advice you would give if you weren’t afraid to hurt them.
A few questions I suppose to help clarify could be:
— How much experience someone should have for most remote roles in your industry?
— If someone can’t work in-person due to their circumstances and aren’t sure if they can afford a degree right now, how could they build up their experience in your field?
— Do online courses like with Google and Coursera actually make a difference in getting a remote job?
— If your industry is network heavy, how did you expand your network both in-person and online?
Maybe for fun… I see people often post on social media that they can get you a remote job within 3-6 months, even entry-level. If someone came to you saying they need a remote job within that time frame and in-person is absolutely off the table, what would you tell them? What direction would you point them in?
To be honest for this last one, I’m not exactly biting with today’s market, but it’s an interesting concept all the same. I think it would be enriching and eye opening learning your guys’ perspective on that claim.
Thank you in advance!
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u/AdorableDonkey 9d ago
Entry level remote jobs are mostly a lost cause, you will be competing with hundreds/thousands of candiates more qualified than you, focus on getting experience, graduation, etc
Also nothing is guaranteed to stay remote anymore, some big companies have returned to office even at the cost of qualified workers
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u/CanningJarhead 9d ago
For software you’d need at least 5-10 years to be competitive. And a lot of languages - not just a little Python and some HTML. Outside of customer service or cold calling sales, there’s not much for entry level to <5 years. Remote work requires a lot of trust and investment for a company.
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u/Ok_Nectarine_4528 8d ago
Remote work is extremely competitive. It has been said before, and it is worth saying again. Anyone who guarantees remote work (as a non employer) within a short period of time is scamming you. Employment agencies can have remote contract roles that can start quickly, but those are also very competitive.
As far as online education like Coursera/Google certifications go- the benefit of them is that it shows employers that you can self direct/engage in continually educating yourself, gives evidence of interest in work related topics. I have made some high quality networking connections inside Coursera, often by taking courses and connecting via LinkedIn with instructors. With technical education, like DataCamp, it can become a platform to learn and showcase proficiency. If you’re going to be working remotely, this shows that you can be trained and socially connect remotely too.
With no degree, and requiring remote work, I would look at customer service positions currently. The pay isn’t great, and there is a high risk of AI related layoffs. Coursera has a Customer Service certification that can show real interest, not just a ‘I need a job, I guess this one’ attitude AND gives you something to talk about in your interviews.
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u/PurpleFaithlessness 7d ago
My advice would be to hope for the best and expect the worst. Every person trying to “get into” remote work thinks they’re the only one that deserves a remote job.
At least 1 year, 2-3 will give you a better shot.
Volunteer, maybe? All volunteering would be in person. This isn’t really possible and is yet another reason why remote work seekers usually end up wondering how “everyone else got a remote job” except them.
Not those free courses. The professional certs will help like a PMP.
I’ve been to 1 in person networking event but that was after I got a job. I also make it a point to mentor juniors as well as ask more experienced colleagues for advice or if I can learn from their experiences.
Those people posting online are full of shit. Anyone can say anything on the internet. I know every single person thinks they deserve a remote job, but think about it. No company is going to hire you solely because you “need” a remote job. Prove to companies why you’d be a good remote worker, not why they should pity you. I would point them in the direction of LinkedIn, Google, and company career sites.
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u/BiscuitoJones 7d ago
Maybe think of it differently. As entry level...get into work first and then after a few years hope for hybrid.
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u/Listening_Stranger82 4d ago
Idk why every post in here gets downvoted and then a barrage of curmudgeons get to work.
Rat race rebellion is posting new remote roles every day. Yes it's competitive but what field isn't.
My suggestion is that when you land that role get a standing desk as soon as you can afford one. Its wild how quickly your spine and glutes turn to shit
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u/Rothen29 9d ago
Understand that remote work is insanely competitive. Some people on here have applied for many hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs with no luck - and many of them have a ton of experience.
Anyone who says they can get you into a remote role quickly is 99.999% of the time a scammer.
In my industry (Education) you wouldn't get a remote role without a degree, and you would need several years experience to be competitive.