This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on 10th Nov 2022.

Rowena Hennigan moderated this webinar with contributions from Louis Demetroulakos from Playroll, Fabrizia Zanca from SettleMint, Jordan Carroll, The Remote Coach, and Nadia Harris from Remote Work Advocate. This group of remote work experts shared tips on where to find the best remote jobs in this interactive webinar, hosted by SafetyWing.

Where to start?

If you are the type of job seeker, who only searches on Google and job boards, this is a big No No. 

As Jordan Carroll explained, 

“What remote means to one company doesn't mean remote to another company.”

Therefore, job boards can tend to have MISCLASSIFICATION of some jobs roles. Go to the source and find the relevant company website. 

Keep reading to learn about better remote job search practices >>>

1. Don’t start with just a Google search!

Louis elaborates:

"If you just start with Google, you're going to end up with all this disparate information, and you might end up with the companies paying for SEO for remote jobs, for example." 

This is an excellent point considering that brands and companies use SEO to better position themselves. Also, supplement this with your immediate network of contacts to further validate information and details. 

2. Leverage your community and network

Think that there could be a job position in your community that you haven't noticed yet? Enhance your networking skills by following these strategies from Fabrizia and Louis. 

Fabrizia shares:

"One thing I've always recommended with my clients was networking, joining events, following leaders, engaging in communication within the remote workspace." 

Louis validates this approach:

"No matter whether you went to a top school in London or you are somewhere in a developing country. Potentially, you might be able to start without an immediate network. Call some people, have some conversations, and then expand that network by joining webinars like this one as a participant and then send LinkedIn messages. Get in touch with people you have some connection with now, and you've learned something from them. I think that can be a really good way to start.”

3. Companies' websites can give you BETTER information 

Jordan recommends:  

"Start finding the companies within the industries you're targeting that will already give you the lifestyle you're looking for.”

If you are the type of person who wants to be able to travel and work remotely, then you need a company that suits these requirements. A job board with limited information will only answer some of your questions compared to the company's websites that explain their remote work benefits, such as their PTO, health insurance, parental leave, flexibility terms, and individual benefits. 

4. Explore target company culture further

Just a job description won’t tell you about the daily routine of a job role; instead, look for the cultural fit for YOU and your needs - of any target companies. 

Nadia suggests:

“I always say that we look for the cultural fit. I know what I am looking for and  what the company can give me." 

Nadia agreed with Jordan that the companies' websites can be the best places to learn about the work culture, including company history, team profiles, events and retreats, career development opportunities, collaboration tools, and activities that can match your professional and personal goals.

5. Identify your job search strategies by understanding your own personal needs

Fabrizia argues that understanding yourself and your desired job can help you stay on track. 

She invites you to answer the following:

"What is it that you want? What is a must? What are you not going to negotiate on? How can you be more flexible? What is your industry? What are your strengths? What are your skills?”

Having the answers to these questions - will help you understand the kind of strategy to find the companies and jobs that fit.

Finally, consider the impact of your Linkedin profile. Rowena Hennigan emphasizes your LinkedIn profile's impact on employers. 

“I often get remote job candidates who ask me to look at their LinkedIn profile. And apart from it not being up to date, I'm so surprised when they have wonderful experiences in their CV, but they don't have any recommendations included there! LinkedIn can also be used to network with contacts, peers, and key targets, to further enhance your remote job search.”

Work on polishing your Linkedin profile with quality recommendations and ensure previous job descriptions are updated. Furthermore, connecting and networking with key contacts who can support your job search efforts is always worthwhile.

Digest these excellent tips shared here and stay positive in your remote job search. Remember "fortune favours the brave!"

You can watch the full webinar playback here. 

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 This article was originally posted on LinkedIn on 10th Nov 2022.