How to Successfully Seek & Secure a Remote Work From Home Job

Written By: Maria Lopez,  FLP Foundation Mentor, Spanish Conversation Partner and Social Media Consultant

​Edited by:  Shatoyia Jones, FLP Foundation Self-Development & Passive Income Mentor

     The world as we know it is certainly changing due to COVID-19 and more people are motivated to work from home.
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     Overall, remote employees can also be beneficial to companies, with companies seeing a significant reduction in real estate expenses, lower employee absenteeism and increased employee retention. In addition, and perhaps most importantly, workplace flexibility adds to the potential for companies to establish themselves as a leader and champion of diversity, which will permit access to a larger talent pool.  According to a 2017 Gallup survey, 43% of US employees now work remotely at least some of the time.  

​      Before you start looking for a remote job, you must ask yourself if working remotely goes with your lifestyle. One of things you must consider is that you need to be focused and organized. Setting and adhering to deadlines and delivering quality work is even more important when working remotely because you set your own schedule and thus in order to inspire productivity, must manage your time accordingly.

      Here are some tips on seeking and securing remote opportunities based on my personal experience while remotely working abroad in both the United States (USA), Colombia and Mexico.

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1. Prepare: Recognize + Acknowledge Your Skillsets & Professional Experiences

​     Ask yourself:  what are your skills? Are you an expert in project management, sales, social media management, business development and IT technology? [Once you know what your skills and strengths are, you can begin to search for the jobs that will be right for you!]

2. Search Remote Jobs Based on Your Professional Experiences

​     One way to be successful when looking for remote job is to look for specific remote databases based on your skill/experience. For example, if you have experience working in non-profit, Idealist is a good website. AngelList is also a good website to look for jobs with startups. Some companies, like the First Ladies of Poverty Foundation, create positions for you based on your professional experiences, skill-sets and talents. First Ladies of Poverty Foundation was also voted as a top place to work remotely in 2020 by JoinRise.Co. If you are currently seeking a new fulfilling position where you can work from anywhere and be your own boss, apply to Join First Ladies of Poverty Foundation's team.

3. Do Your Research on Remote Companies

     Most major websites will show you remote jobs if you use the keywords ‘’remote’’ or mobile. In addition, they are specific general websites for remote jobs (i.e. Flex Jobs, Remote.Co, Working Nomads) and the company I currently mentor and consult for, the First Ladies of Poverty Foundation.  

More recently, there have been more companies that are fully remote companies and are open to hiring Non-US Citizens.

​Some of these companies include:

• Zappier
• Doist
• InVision
• HelpScout
• Buffer
• Edgar
• Gitlab
• Groove
• Hubstaf

4. ​Follow the Right Accounts on Social Media
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    It is important to diversify the places in which you are searching for jobs. Facebook is a great resource to look for specific remote jobs, as well as Facebook groups, Female Digital Nomads,Remote Work & Jobs for Digital Nomads, Digital Nomad Jobs, Remote Jobs, and First Ladies of Poverty Foundation membership program, where you can find the latest job and business opportunities and get mentorship on how to land them!

5. ​Tap Into Your Community

More than looking for the right site to look for job, make sure you are networking, connecting with other humans who might be in the side boat that you are. You can connect on Linkedin with people that are looking for a remote job or slack.
In my experience with Slack, there are several communities that might help connect with other women.

• Ladies Get Paid
• Remote Women​
• First Ladies of Poverty Foundation Membership Program (for men and women)

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First Ladies of Poverty Foundation offers free and non-freeOnline Community and Memberships, where you can find the latest personal and professional and career development resources. 
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6. ​Work on Your Interview Style

     Interviews are about making yourself as marketable as possible to an employer. Whether the interview is in person, on the phone, or via video call, you should always do the basics:

• Research the company.
• Learn more about the position and job description you are interviewing for.
• Be confident in your abilities.

If you are interviewing for your first remote job, employers are looking for qualities and work ethic that would be successful remotely. Generally, the interviewers will want to know the following:

"Is the individual able to focus for extended periods of time focusing on a specific task?

How does the individual manage his/her breaks during the day?

How does the individual sets up his/her work area?" ​

The interview is all about finding out if the candidate has the work ethic, time management, and attitude necessary for remote work. You need to market yourself as an expert in remote work that also understands that remote work can be a bit isolating and that you have the tools to succeed as a remote worker, teammate and employer.​​

First Ladies of Poverty Foundation offers affordable interviewing prep, public speaking coaching, CV and Resume Services and other resources to help you get the skill-sets you need to secure your dream job. Get a free consultation to learn more and get a quote.

​7.  Organize Yourself

​    As you are looking for a remote job, connecting with people, having conversations with other humans and tapping into your community, create a spreadsheet with all the jobs you have applied, the respective deadline of the application, if you have a specific contact within that company or have made a connection with someone that works from that company, a notes column for things you need to remember. One of the best advice I can give you during this process besides being patient and enjoying the process is to have your own organization system.

Remember: It's not the quantity of the jobs you apply to, but the quality.

As you move along the process of applying to jobs sometimes we get frustrated with the amount of jobs you are applying to, it's OK to feel this way. In fact, it's totally normal. It is important to keep in mind that what really matters is finding jobs that you are a good fit for and that are a good fit for what you are looking for. Quality over quantity.

Last but not least, be proud of yourself.

     Be proud of all of your accomplishments while applying to remote jobs. Every connection, every conversation, every application is an accomplishment worth celebrating on your journey to getting the job of your dreams!

Are you currently seeking a remote job? Browse our opportunity board and consider becoming a member of the First Ladies of Poverty Foundation to get access to more advice like this, exclusive job opportunities, industry mentors and other resources (checklists, videos, retreats and online / offline networking events).