Where to Start When You Want to Find a Remote Job
Imagine getting paid to work at home in your pajamas with a cat curled on your lap and a cup of tea by your side.
Working from home is the dream I’ve been living for the past 17 years. For me, it truly is as good as it sounds — especially as a working mother who is often called to bring forgotten lunches to school.
Before you look into remote positions, think about whether you would like to stay in your home (likely) without company. A remote position simply doesn’t mesh for many people. But if you think it’s for you, I have some tips to help you in your search.
For the last few years, I’ve been writing about work-from-home jobs for The Penny Hoarder, and today I’ll explain how I find decent remote opportunities for job seekers.
Tips to Find a Remote Job
1. For Entry-Level Positions
The best and most user-friendly sites providing details about entry-level work from home positions are RealWorkFromAnywhere.com and Remote.co. It’s super easy to sort through the positions posted, as they are in categories ranging from customer service to data entry to bookkeeping and accounting. There are positions fit for the first-time worker to the experienced career person. They have weekend-only remote jobs, weekday positions and a mix of both. The majority of the positions posted to this site require a high school diploma or a GED, but you can look deeper into each position to see what’s required (all the information is just a click away). The entry-level positions typically offer minimum wage pay, but I’ve also found some that are a little higher or in the $25 per hour range.
2. Go Directly to the Company
If there’s a large company you want to find a remote job with, you can opt to go directly to the company’s website. Most post positions on “career” or “hiring” pages. I’ve found the larger the company, the more remote jobs are available. For example, I know I can almost always find remote positions posted on Amazon, Walgreens, IBM and at major universities such as Boston University and Cornell University.
3. Beware of Scams
The biggest issue I’ve come across while trying to find a remote job is the scams. Anything from the job itself to the recruiter or the website could be fake. So if a job catches your eye, make sure to check the company’s official website to confirm the job and its opening. Also keep in mind: You should never have to pay a fee to apply or to start working. If anyone asks you for money at any point, this is a big red flag. Also, don’t put in your Social Security number or bank account information to apply for or to view job openings. Even if a job — like data entry — may require special software, this is an expense the company should be paying for.
4. Check Out the Company
Before you accept (or even apply) to a position, make sure to check the legitimacy of the company. You can do this via the Better Business Bureau and by researching the company’s online presence. If you can barely find any information online or the company doesn’t have a website, chances are, it’s not legit.
5. Understand the Terminology
Many remote jobs will offer contract, short-term or freelance positions. It’s essential to understand what type of position is being offered, as the majority of those listed above don’t provide benefits like health insurance and paid time off. Be sure to ask if this is a full-time, W-2 position, if that’s what interests you.
6. Think Before You Apply
Many remote jobs I’ve found require a dedicated home office or workspace. This could easily be the corner of your living room or bedroom, as long as it’s quiet and you can work well there. You will also need high-speed Internet and a quality pair of headphones. If you have a pet who makes a lot of noise or children but you haven’t found childcare, it will make a remote job that much more difficult.
The Penny Hoarder contributor Danielle Braff is a Chicago writer who specializes in consumer goods and shopping on a budget. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Real Simple and more.
