In an increasingly digital world, finding a remote job to work remotely is increasingly easier. More and more companies are embracing the idea of working from abroad, offering fantastic opportunities for professionals around the world. But how do you actually find such a remote job that suits you? In this blog, we take a closer look at the steps you need to take to make your dream of working remotely a reality.
1. What kind of remote job do you want?
Before you start looking for a remote job, you need to know what you want. What are your skills, interests and goals? Do you want to work remote full-time or only occasionally? Should it be permanent employment or are you okay with freelance work? It is essential to have clarity on your expectations before you begin the search.
- Full-time remote working. This involves working completely remotely.
- Partially remote: you work partly remotely and partly in the office.
- Freelance or contract work: if you work for yourself, you can largely decide where you work.
- Digital nomad: doing your work while traveling the world.
2. Present yourself well
Remote jobs are just as competitive as traditional jobs, if not more so. Employers want to make sure they hire people who can work independently and are motivated. Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself:
- Improve your digital skills: If you’re not familiar with tools like Zoom, Slack and Trello, it’s time to learn them. These tools are crucial for remote work communication and project management.
- Work on your discipline and time management: Working from home can be tempting, so you must have the discipline to stay focused. Establish a daily routine and treat your work as if you were in the office.
- Build an online presence: Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and share your professional accomplishments and interests. Employers often search online for potential candidates.
3. Search remote work vacancies
Now that you know what you want and have prepared yourself, it’s time to find that remote job. Here are some strategies you can use:
Job sites
Websites such as Remote.co and FlexJobs have a wealth of remote job offers, they just aren’t Dutch. Filter by ‘remote’ or ‘telecommute’ to find the right options.
Job bank
There are also Dutch job listings such as Indeed and Young Capital where you can filter by “working from home” or “working remotely.
Working Remotely
Here you will find jobs from Dutch companies that embrace remote working, where you can (sometimes) work from a different location.
LinkedIn
Use LinkedIn’s search function to find remote job offers. Follow companies that you think may offer interesting opportunities and stay informed about their updates.
Networking
Talk to people in your industry and ask if they know of remote job opportunities. Sometimes positions are not even advertised and you can find a job through word of mouth.
Freelance platforms
If you are open to freelance work, check out platforms that focus on this. There are now a few Dutch ones of these as well.
4. Put together a good resume
Once you’ve found some interesting remote jobs, it’s time to perfect your resume and cover letter. Make sure your resume highlights the relevant skills and experience needed for the specific position. Also mention any previous remote work experience. Write a compelling cover letter: In your letter, tell why you are suitable for the job and why you would like to work remotely. Be enthusiastic and show your motivation.
5. Prepare for the interview
If you are invited for an interview, it is time to prepare for your interview. If it is online, you need to make sure you have a good Internet connection. Also test the tool being used so that your interview goes smoothly. Put on a good outfit is, make sure it has a professional look. Finally, practice your answers. Think about possible questions and prepare your answers. Share examples from your experience that demonstrate your suitability for the job.
6. Be flexible when working remotely
Sometimes you may have to make a few concessions to get that great remote job so you can work remotely from abroad. You may have to work in a different time zone or travel occasionally. You may not be able to work completely remotely, but you will have the freedom to do so a few weeks a year. Be willing to be flexible and look at the bigger picture.
Chances are, at the very least, a new employer will want you to be in the office for the first few months. After all, onboarding and settling in is best done face to face. Which is not an illogical choice from a company’s point of view and actually nice for yourself as well, to get to know your colleagues well and master your job. Demanding in a job application that you want to start directly from Portugal, for example, is often too much. Give it some time, connect with new colleagues in the office and then take steps to start working from abroad.
Whether you get the job you hoped for or not, every job application is a learning experience. Ask for feedback if you are rejected and use that feedback to improve yourself. Keep growing and learning.
7. Search your own network
Above, you’ve already read about where to find remote jobs online. That will hopefully help you get started. But the search for a job that you can do partly or entirely from abroad is tricky. The supply of these jobs is limited, and the demand is only increasing so your competition is also stiff. Don’t forget how important your own existing network is in finding your dream job. Maybe you already know a cool company that might be willing to offer you this flexibility. Above all, start the conversation and ask about the possibilities about hybrid and remote working. There may be more possible than you think.
8. Finding remote employers
Not all companies that embrace remote working have this clearly stated on their website. If you look specifically at the “about us” page or “working at” page for opportunities to work from abroad, there’s a good chance it’s not on their website. This does not always mean that it is not possible. There are plenty of companies that deliberately choose not to put it on the website and not to advertise it. That’s because sometimes it attracts the wrong applicants, who want freedom above all else. While companies find it important to connect with the team, and that is really needed physically in the office on a regular basis.
Just because it is not on the website does not mean that remote working is necessarily not possible. I know plenty of companies that do give their employees the freedom to work from abroad, without it being very visible. I also know plenty of salaried employees who travel a lot, with permission from their team lead or CEO, where this company doesn’t shout from the rooftops that it’s allowed, but thus allows it. Some companies choose to determine in a personal meeting whether or not it is allowed.
If you have an employer or client in mind where you would really like to work, be sure to discuss the possibilities of working remotely. More is often possible than you think. You can at least start the conversation and indicate your wishes. Perhaps you can compromise on how often and for how long you can work from abroad.
9. Enjoy your new remote job!
Congratulations (I hope)! You’ve scored that dream job and you can now work remote. Enjoy the privilege of remote working and make it a great experience. Also, share that experience on social media like LinkedIn, and we’ll all learn from each other again.
To make your search for that great remote job easy, here you can find vacancies of Dutch companies where you may (sometimes) become a remote employee. Quickly check if there is something suitable for you.
More inspiration on working remotely from abroad
