4 Remote Job Search Mistakes You’re Probably Making
It often feels like everybody and their dog is searching for that true remote job that allows you to work from anywhere in the world. The type of location freedom that allows you to pack up your bags, lie in a hammock with a laptop in one hand and a cocktail in the other. The sad reality is that for most, it will forever remain an elusive dream. The main factor that holds people back from purchasing that one way ticket is that even though work from anywhere seems easy and like the best option but does anyone actually know how to nail down a truly remote job? Landing a work-from-anywhere gig shouldn’t be about shooting out as many applications as you can to every vacancy available (it won’t work anyway), but instead, you need to craft a deliberate and strategic approach. If you’re finding yourself stuck on this journey to freedom, you’re not alone. The key lies in recognising and rectifying specific common issues that may be blocking you from success. Here are five critical mistakes you might be making and actionable ways to overcome them.
1. You’re Looking in the Wrong Places
Many job seekers ready to move abroad fall into the trap of solely relying on online job boards. These platforms, while convenient, are saturated with applicants, each competing fiercely for the same positions. The ease of access makes them a common first stop, but this simplicity is deceptive; the competition can be overwhelming. Moreover, many of their advertised “remote” roles aren’t truly work-from-anywhere opportunities. They often have hidden location restrictions that mean you have to stay in your home country/city or require you to come into the office once a month, and the supposed remote work dream fizzles into a hybrid expectation.
Also, the fact remains that over 70% of jobs are never publicly advertised. They exist within hidden networks, shared only through connections and word of mouth. Relying solely on job boards means that you are missing out on a huge pool of opportunities and you’re only reducing your chances of landing a genuine work from anywhere job. And I know this from first-hand experience. My current Legal Assistant role was never advertised. I secured this job through my husband’s network. The lawyer I work with said that she didn’t want to put the job on Indeed and have to sift through 100s of applicants. Imagine how many other employers feel the same way.
Actionable Step: Transition your focus from these oversaturated platforms to building a robust professional network. Engage actively in online communities, attend industry webinars, and seek out professionals in your desired field. Learn about and engage with companies that match your values and trust you to do your best work regardless of where you live in the world. Genuine relationships can lead you to hidden job opportunities that align perfectly with your aspirations. Additionally, you can use curated resources like my list of over 500 companies that truly allow you to work from anywhere in the world to guide your search.
2. You’re Applying To Every Job You See
When you’re desperate to find a remote job, it’s easy to adopt a scattergun approach, applying to any and every available role. However, this type of route will leave you exhausted and it rarely works. An unplanned and haphazard approach scatters your efforts, making it difficult to create the tailored and thoughtful applications needed to stand out. Without a strategy, you spread yourself too thin, making it difficult to craft compelling applications for roles that best suit your skills and ambitions.
Actionable Step: You need a clear and focused job search strategy. You need to be more intentional about the roles that you are applying to and you must ensure that you tailor your CV (resume) and cover letter to each application. This strategic approach increases your chances of standing out and securing the interviews that matter.
3. You’re Using an Old CV (Resume)
Speaking of CV’s, too many of us are still using documents that we created 10 years ago and if that’s the case, I know for a fact that the application you are sending is unlikely to be effective. In the past, your résumé was basically seen as just a list of past jobs showing who you’ve worked for. These days, it’s a dynamic, visual representation of who you are as a professional. An outdated CV that resembles the ones from 10 or even 20 years ago will never highlight just how amazing you are. The job market has evolved, and an old-fashioned résumé can portray you as out of touch with modern industry standards and technological advancements, diminishing your appeal to potential employers.
Actionable Step: Refresh your CV using a modern template that highlights your skills and achievements in a clear, impactful manner. Include quantifiable achievements and relevant skills that align with the role you’re applying for. Keep it clean, simple and to the point, it’s highly likely that a lot of the information you have listed isn’t even relevant anymore. If you need a template, I can recommend this one that I used created by our amazing Career Coach. My CV was 8 years old and was in desperate need of a touch up. Using Rachel’s template completely transformed my CV and truly highlighted my experience in a way that I do believe was helpful in allowing me to showcase my transferable skills so I could switch from teaching English online to being a Legal Virtual Assistant.
4. You’re Too Scared To Change Careers
I get it, you’ve worked in this industry for decades and besides, you don’t even have any experience in this new field. However, the fear of career change often stems from misconceptions about the rigidity of job roles and industries. This apprehension can hold you back, anchoring you to roles that no longer serve your ambitions or potential. However, it’s important to recognise that many skills are transferable across industries, and the capacity for growth and learning often outweighs specific industry experience. It’s exactly what I did. I’d spent almost 5 years teaching English and I had begun to wonder if I was stuck. I’ve heard so many times that it’s hard to switch careers after teaching and well for me, it took only a few days. I still can’t believe it sometimes. I never ever considered entering the legal field. I’m still very new to this but here I am as your proof to say that it’s possible. Take a bold step into a new world, who knows what you may stumble upon.
Actionable Step: Reframe your existing skills and experiences to fit the narrative of the role you aspire to. Identify areas where your skills can transfer, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership. You don’t have to but you may want to consider professional development opportunities that can bridge any skill gaps, such as online courses or certifications. By presenting yourself as adaptable and eager to learn, you can open doors to new opportunities that align more closely with your career aspirations.
Bonus: Misusing AI
Generative AI, like ChatGPT, can be a powerful ally in your job search, yet many job seekers abuse it and rely too heavily on it and will often use prompts like “rewrite my resume”. A basic prompt like this will often lead to copy & paste unoriginal CVs that will lead hiring managers bored and uninterested. People can still tell if you are heavily relying on ChatGPT so use it yes but ensure that you still leave some room for creativity and originality in anything you produce.
Actionable Step: Use AI to brainstorm ideas. Why not maximise the technology at your disposal? You can sharpen your applications and enhance your engagement with prospective employers but just be careful not to overuse it and rely on it so much that you lose yourself to it.
Your True Remote Job Success Plan
To transform your job search and secure that ideal work-from-anywhere position, here are your essential action steps:
- Network Strategically: Build authentic connections within your industry.
- Search and apply with intent: Target your applications with a well-defined strategy.
- Revamp Your CV: Ensure it is up to date and reflects your current skills and experience.
- Be Moldable: Identify and leverage transferable skills if you’re pursuing a career change.
- Optimise Technology: Employ AI tools effectively to enhance your application process.
If you have no clue where to start or would appreciate some expert guidance in securing your work from anywhere job then you should watch the 5 webinars curated by Careers Coach Rachel Hall, just for us.
In these 5 webinars, she breaks down into 2 hour webinars, step by step with everything you need to do to secure a remote job. Rachel is an absolute beast at what she does. She has a 100% track record of securing interviews for her 1 to 1 clients so of course, I had to bring her in to guide my people in navigating how to create and land remote work. When we ran these webinars live, attendees were seeing new connections being made within days of her suggested changes and using her resume templates have been able to land jobs that allow them to work from home.
You are only a few steps away from creating a new life that you’ve been dreaming about. I’m not gonna lie, it’s not as easy as social media may make out, but with a clear focus, dedication and strategy, you’ll create something special that could turn your entire life into something out of a movie.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Jobs
1. How can I effectively start networking if I don’t have any existing connections?
Begin by joining professional communities on platforms like LinkedIn. Attend virtual events, engage in discussions, and offer your insights and skills. Building a network is about creating genuine relationships based on mutual interests and goals.
2. What should I include in my resume?
Highlight your accomplishments using bullet points and relevant metrics. Incorporate keywords that make your skills and achievements stand out. Ensure your CV reflects the latest trends and technologies relevant to your field.
3. How can I use ChatGPT to improve my job applications?
ChatGPT can assist you by generating ideas for personalised cover letters, creating potential interview questions, and refining your answers. Just be careful not to overuse it.
4. Is transitioning to a work-from-anywhere job in a different industry even feasible?
Yes, it is. Focus on the transferable skills that position you as a valuable asset to a new industry. Remember to present yourself as adaptable and eager to learn.
