The year 2020 has brought a paradigm shift in the way people work, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic which has catalyzed remote work culture. Many companies around the world have opted to allow their employees to work from home, in compliance with lockdown and social distancing rules. This has led to an enormous surge in the demand for work from home jobs as millions of people have been left without a stable income. In fact, according to a recent report by Flexjobs, job listings for remote positions have surged by about 50% in the last few months alone. With remote work on the rise, job seekers are now seeking legitimate work from home opportunities. In this article, we will discuss the advantages of working from home and the various industries and job types available for remote work seekers. Additionally, we will provide some tips on how to find legitimate work from home opportunities in 2020, and how to prepare for a remote job interview.
Advantages of Working from Home
There are several advantages to working from home in 2020, including:
- Flexibility: Remote work offers more flexibility to create a schedule that suits you best, which in turn can contribute towards better productivity and life balance.
- Improved work-life balance: No more wasting time on long commutes or rigid work hours that feel exhausting. Remote work saves time and energy, which can be utilized for health, family, travels or any other activity of your choice.
- Savings: Avoid unnecessary expenses related to transportation, parking, and food, dress codes and other work-related needs.
- Career opportunities: Remote work offers wider career opportunities since there are no geographic barriers that candidates would face with a traditional office job.
- Remote work becoming more popular: Many companies now offer work from home positions, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has normalised remote work culture.
If you are looking for a work from home job, now is the perfect time to take that leap, as work from home opportunities are on a rise.
How does remote working increase flexibility?
- Remote working allows employees to work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection, providing flexibility in terms of location.
- Flexible work hours give employees the opportunity to schedule their work around their personal lives and commitments, such as doctor appointments or childcare.
- Remote work options enable employees to better balance their work and personal lives, leading to better overall mental and physical health.
- Remote working reduces commuting time and costs, freeing up time for other activities or work-related tasks.
If you’re interested in learning more about remote working, check out websites like remote.co or products like Zoom or Slack, which are key tools for remote communication and collaboration.
Types of Jobs Available for Work from Home
When it comes to remote work, there are a variety of industries and job titles that offer flexible work options, including:
- Customer Service: Virtual Call Center Agent, Customer Service Representative, Technical Support Specialist
- Information Technology: Web Developer, Software Developer, Network Engineer, IT Support Specialist, Cybersecurity Specialist
- Education: Online Tutor, ESL Teacher, Curriculum Developer, Instructional Designer
- Marketing: Social Media Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Content Writer, SEO Specialist
- Sales: Inside Sales Representative, Account Manager, Business Development Consultant
- Healthcare: Medical Coder, Telehealth Nurse, Pharmacist, Medical Writer
Moreover, some of the biggest companies in the world have remote work vacancies available. For example, Amazon, Dell, Google, Apple and IBM all have remote work opportunities. The demand for remote work has surged, and both small and large-scale businesses are offering such opportunities to job seekers.
What kind of work can be done from home?
There are numerous job opportunities that can be done from home, such as:
- Virtual Assistant
- Freelance Writer
- Graphic Designer
- Web Developer
- Online Tutor
- Social Media Manager
- Transcriptionist
- Data Entry Clerk
- Customer Service Representative
Several job portals like Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr, and Remote.co offer legitimate work-from-home opportunities. You can also explore websites like Indeed, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and FlexJobs to find remote jobs.
Tips for Finding Legitimate Work from Home Opportunities in 2020
Looking for a work from home job can be a daunting task, but there are things you can do to ensure you find legitimate opportunities. Here are some tips:
- Do your research: Before you apply for any remote job, research the company that is offering the position. Check their website, reviews on Glassdoor, and other online resources to ensure that the company is legitimate.
- Utilize legitimate job search websites: There are several employment websites that explicitly focus on work from home job opportunities. Look for viable job openings on platforms such as FlexJobs, Remote.co, We Work Remotely, LinkedIn and Upwork.
- Expand your skill set: Remote work opportunities may require a specific skill set, but also offer the chance to explore different industries. Invest time in developing your skill set and improving your qualifications to appeal to a wider range of remote work opportunities.
It’s essential to be cautious of scams and jobs that sound too good to be true. Remember, legitimate jobs will have clear job descriptions, relevant requirements, and will not ask for money upfront. Stay vigilant and be persistent in your search to find the right remote position for you.
What is the best opportunity to work from home?
If you’re looking to work from home, there are several opportunities available. Here are some of the best opportunities that you can explore:
- Freelance writing and editing
- Virtual assistance
- Online tutoring and teaching
- Web development and design
- Social media management
Some websites you can explore for work from home opportunities are:
- Upwork – A platform for freelancers to find jobs
- Fiverr – A marketplace for freelancers to offer their services
- Tutor.com – A website that hires remote tutors
- Flexjobs – A job search website for remote and flexible jobs
Preparing for a Remote Job Interview
If you’re invited to interview virtually for a work from home job, you must prepare accordingly for a smooth and professional experience. Here are some tips:
Technical Preparation
Before the interview takes place, make sure that you have tested your technology and have a secure and reliable internet connection.
- Ensure that your video and audio equipment work correctly
- Use headphones to cancel out distracting background noises
- Choose a quiet space without distractions.
- Test your internet speed on sites like speedtest.net to check your upload and download speeds and confirm they’re strong enough for video conferencing
Professional Appearance
During the remote interview, it’s critical to appear professional, which can include how you dress, act and take note of the following:
- Dress appropriately – ensure that you are dressed professionally, as you would for an in-person interview
- Choose a neutral background, free of clutter or distractions
- Make sure your camera angle is appropriate – the ideal camera angle is eye level or slightly from above, which can make a huge difference in your appearance during the video call.
- Be punctual and maintain good eye contact
By following these preparation tips, you can make a positive impression on potential employers and increase your chances of landing a remote job.
What to expect in a remote job interview?
- The interview will be conducted via video conferencing tools such as Skype or Zoom.
- You will need a stable internet connection and a quiet place to take the call.
- The interviewer may ask you about your experience working remotely and your ability to work independently.
- You may also be asked how you plan to communicate with your team and stay organized while working remotely.
- Be prepared to demonstrate your technical skills, as many remote positions require proficiency with certain tools and software.
- Make sure to dress professionally and treat the interview as if it were in-person.
If you’re looking for remote job opportunities, check out websites such as Remote.co, FlexJobs, and We Work Remotely.
Conclusion
Work-from-home opportunities are becoming more common and desirable in the current climate. Job seekers can take advantage of these new openings, but it’s critical to approach this search with a different strategy. The right job is out there, it’s a matter of finding it.
In conclusion, job seekers looking for work from home jobs in 2020 must make sure they are adequately prepared to take advantage of these opportunities. By staying organized and informed, researching potential companies, and carefully planning for virtual interviews, job seekers can be confident that they are giving themselves the best possible chance of success. Start looking for a work from home job now, and you could be reaping the benefits from it sooner than you think.
