When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our shores and many businesses had to transition to a remote workforce to stay afloat, it taught us that employees could work from home and still be as efficient as they were at the office. Now, with the pandemic mostly in our rearview mirror, companies in many different industries are <a href="https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/real-estate/our-insights/americans-are-embracing-flexible-work-and-they-want-more-of-it" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sticking with their remote workforce</a> in this new world of business.
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Now, many employees only want to work for a company if they can do so in a remote capacity. However, there is a lot of competition out there, so you will need to prove to potential jobs that you have a proper work environment and that you can work independently to help their company succeed. Let&rsquo;s talk about how to land the dream, in-demand remote job. 
<h3>1. Realize the Benefits of Remote Work</h3>
Even before you think about what you can do for another company, you should consider the benefits of working remotely for your body and soul. Even the fact that you can skip the morning commute is essential for your mental health. These days, the average commute takes about 28 minutes, and there can be a lot of stop-and-go traffic and stressful moments during that drive, which leaves you feeling anxious once you get to work. It is also <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/how-bad-is-commuting-for-your-mental-and-physical-health/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">not healthy to commute</a> and sit down for that long without some activity. 
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When you work from home, you can also find a better work-life balance, which is essential for minimizing your stress. You can take the time on your breaks and lunches to walk around the block, breathe in some fresh air, and return to work feeling mentally refreshed. It is not always so easy to do that when working out of a corporate office. 
<h3>2. Create a Productive Workspace</h3>
The next thing that you need to do is to create a productive workspace so you can assure your next potential employer that you can work efficiently without distraction. In addition to a chair that provides proper posture, consider adding a standing desk that will keep you alert and energized throughout the day. Also, make sure there is plenty of natural light for that essential vitamin D.
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Your home office should also be free of distractions. That means that you keep the television off except when on break, and you find a quiet part of the house where you won&rsquo;t hear music or family members talking through the walls. If an interviewer asks about your work arrangements at home, then you already have this space set up so you can answer accordingly. 
<h3>3. Prove That You Can Solve Problems on Your Own</h3>
Employers know that many employees require a lot of handholding in order to complete their work, which would make them unfit for a remote job where management depends on employees to solve problems on their own. You can prove that you are right for the job by explaining to the interviewer different times in the past when you have solved problems while working remotely or independently. Make sure to emphasize the results of your efforts.
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You could further impress the interviewer by explaining exactly how you go about solving problems in the workplace. Consider demonstrating a <a href="https://business.adobe.com/blog/basics/what-is-root-cause-analysis" rel="noopener" target="_blank">root cause analysis</a>, where you get to the root of an issue, like a decrease in sales, and find a way to solve that deficiency. Explain how once you have several possible root causes for the issue, you can come up with a solution for each, try each one out, and then monitor the results to see what works. If you are able to show that level of problem-solving prowess, then you likely have no problem showing your worth as a remote employee. 
<h3>4. Explain Your Remote Experience on Your Resume</h3>
You can also give potential employers a hint that you are remote-ready before you even show up by adding some information to your resume. For instance, in the accomplishments section of a previous job, you can write that you helped increase sales or improved customer satisfaction and that you did so when working from home. That way, they can see that you have a proven track record of working remotely. If you don&rsquo;t have remote experience, think of times that you have worked independently or used tech to help you accomplish your work goals.
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You can also prove your worth in your skills section by mentioning skills that are essential in a remote setting, including time management and work ethic. Plus, you can list the fact that you are a self-starter, tech-savvy, and reliable. It&rsquo;s always wise to mention in your objectives section that you are looking to thrive in a remote work environment. 
<h3>5. Prepare for Remote Interviews</h3>
Finally, you can show that you are capable of using technology and being responsible during your remote interviews. Many HR teams will have the initial interview over the internet, so you can use this chance to prove that you are familiar with a remote setup. Do that by being on time with no technical hiccups, having a professional video background, and dressing professionally. This will prove that you have experience working from home and you can do it well with this new company.
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As you can see, there are several steps that you can take to nail your next interview and land a remote job. Heed this advice, and you&rsquo;ll find the job you desire.
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Content Contributor:
Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer from the Pacific Northwest. She is interested in better living through technology and education. She loves traveling to beautiful places and is frequently lost in a good book. <img src="https://cdn.buttercms.com/MYz0soLESTW1Mrmgzt7E" width="204" height="204">

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Tips for Landing a Remote Job | Getting Hired

Tips for Landing a Remote Job

Marketing oneself while job-seeking can be challenging for anyone. For BIPOC talent, who have been told time and again by the forces of racism and white supremacy that they are less deserving of opportunity, this can be doubly challenging. With <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-07-29/job-applicants-with-black-names-still-less-likely-to-get-the-interview" rel="noopener" target="_blank">studies showing</a> that BIPOC talent is less likely to get interview callbacks than their white counterparts, it&rsquo;s no wonder that going through the job-seeking process can be discouraging for BIPOC talent. While feeling dismayed is a valid feeling, there are ways BIPOC talent can leverage their skills and backgrounds to create stellar profiles for employers.&nbsp;
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<h4>With this in mind here are 4 tips for BIPOC talent to market themselves while job-seeking:&nbsp; </h4>
<ol>
<li>Create an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a short summary of your professional self, your goals, and your experience. This is a great and simple exercise to start feeling more comfortable talking about your strengths and skills. Need a place to start? <a href="https://techlatino.org/why-everyone-needs-an-elevator-pitch/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tech Latino explains</a> how everyone needs an elevator pitch, even current workers! Copywriter Course has a great <a href="https://copywritingcourse.com/elevator-pitch/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Elevator Pitch template</a> and practical tips for how to pitch yourself.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ol start="2">
<li> Share what motivates you. Employers appreciate fresh authenticity, especially when having to sift through hundreds of job applicants. Whether it's in your cover letter, job interview, or even your LinkedIn profile, sharing what motivates you in your industry is a great way to separate yourself from the crowd. Perhaps it&rsquo;s giving back to your community or building on a legacy of professionals within your family lineage. Whatever your &ldquo;why&rdquo; is, knowing the answer can be your guide as you make your way through the job-seeking process.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

<ol start="3">
<li>Keep Imposter Syndrome in check. Imposter Syndrome can make you feel as if you don&rsquo;t belong in the professional world. According to <a href="https://www.intheknow.com/post/imposter-syndrome-young-black-employees/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">psychologist Dr. Orb&eacute;-Austin</a>, who coaches young Black professionals on how to overcome Imposter Syndrome, &ldquo;the triggers for Imposter Syndrome can be very different for the BIPOC community.&rdquo; Remind yourself that yes, you deserve opportunities and that yes, you have valuable skills that would make you an asset to an employer.</li>
</ol>

<ol start="4">
<li> Attend a networking event for professional minorities. Not only are networking events an excellent way to meet other BIPOC professionals, they&rsquo;re also an opportunity to practice your elevator pitch! Remember: You are not the only minority who has experienced the job-seeking journey. Connecting with others can help you feel less isolated, more grounded, and more validating. Many minority-based professional organizations host networking events, such as the <a href="https://members.naaap.org/join-naaap" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Association of Asian American Professionals</a> and the <a href="https://www.ncaied.org/about-ncaied/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development</a>.&nbsp;</li>
</ol>
 It&rsquo;s no secret that being a BIPOC professional can be challenging&ndash; the job-seeking experience is no exception. However, with good self-esteem, marketing, and networking, BIPOC can make themselves stand out to employers. The bottom line? Don&rsquo;t undervalue yourself!&nbsp;
&nbsp; Are you currently looking for a role? Our employer partners are hiring!

Effectively Marketing Yourself  as BIPOC Talent While Job-Seeking | Getting Hired

Effectively Marketing Yourself  as BIPOC Talent While Job-Seeking

Adjusting to post-military life tends to be difficult for many veterans. You are leaving not just a way of life, but an experience. Upon leaving the military veterans tend to focus on things like finding a job, reconnecting to their family and community, and helping others &mdash; but one thing that often gets left to the wayside is physical and mental health. Choosing a post-deployment job is already a massive decision, so much so that diet, exercise, and self-care can be forgotten about. Keeping these items top of mind can truly make a difference and help veteran employees feel secure not only in the workplace but in their health as well. 
<h2>Spend Time Focusing on Physical Health</h2>
There is a good portion of veterans state that they have good physical health post-service, usually due to the fitness levels they had while in the military. However, a <a href="https://www.research.va.gov/currents/0120-Health-ranks-as-top-concern-for-Veterans.cfm" rel="noopener" target="_blank">study done by the VA</a> showed that after leaving the military more than half of participating veterans stated that they had chronic physical health problems. This could be chronic pain if they received an injury in service, sleep problems, or mental health issues.
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<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The BRFSS</a>, or the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System for the CDC, collects data from all 50 states and takes notes on health risk behaviors, health conditions, and much more. In this data, veterans are called out as well, showcasing where issues for veterans may lie post-military service. The data showcases that veterans are less likely to rate their overall health as good compared to those who weren&rsquo;t in service. 
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On top of self-reflection, veterans often suffer from common injuries that range from sprains and strains to more serious injuries like gunshot wounds, loss of limbs, or hearing loss related to noise exposure. Also, high blood pressure is another health concern commonly associated with veterans. While it may not seem detrimental, almost half of veterans are diagnosed with high blood pressure, which increases the chance of heart disease. Proactively setting aside time for a few walks a day can help alleviate some of this pain as well as help your heart, making your <a href="https://www.prevention.va.gov/Healthy_Living/Be_Physically_Active.asp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">physical health a priority</a> without adding too much to your plate. 
<h2>Ask Potential Employers about Health Benefits</h2>
Even though you may have access to the VA, you must be aware of the health benefits your employer may have in place too. Your employer should provide resources for you to have easy access to if you have health conditions related to your time in service.
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While most employers may focus on being <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/employers" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Equal Employment Opportunity</a> based as well as follow the <a href="https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/understanding-your-employment-rights-under-americans-disabilities-act-guide-veterans" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Americans with Disabilities Act</a>, it&rsquo;s important to pay attention to what your employer offers once hired. They should offer accessibility in the workplace, and usually, the VA can help set up these accommodations with your employer if the lifestyle changes seem like drastic ones. 
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On top of these benefits through the VA, your employer should have healthcare options as well as dental, vision, and 401(k) plans that you can be a part of. While it is up to the discretion of the employer to have these plans, larger companies like grocery stores, retail businesses, and national brands, usually have <a href="https://www.paychex.com/articles/employee-benefits/5-things-about-offering-benefits-for-part-time-employees" rel="noopener" target="_blank">benefits for their full-time and part-time employees</a>. If you are a veteran that is choosing this route rather than something full-time, it&rsquo;s wise to ask if these are available! This is especially true if working in a field that comes with hazardous conditions, such as construction, being a first responder, or labor-intensive work. If not, make sure that the VA can provide benefits, or that they can work with your employer for a plan that works for you and your family. 
<h2>Stay on Top of Current Legislation, If You Can</h2>
Believe it or not, some of the best ways to be aware of your benefits after deployment is to take note of changes that are going on in the veteran community. Recently, the Honoring our PACT Act was signed into effect, which is the <a href="https://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/bill-may-allow-camp-lejeune-water-contamination-victims-file-lawsuit/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">biggest expansion for the VA</a> in 30 years or so. This bill opens up medical and financial coverage to veterans impacted by toxic substances in the military that were commonly found in burn pits, <a href="https://www.mesothelioma.com/states/north-carolina/camp-lejeune/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">at military bases</a>, and used across combat., New legislation, such as the PACT Act can be a lifeline for veterans post-service. 
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Far too often, veterans neglect their health due to the rising costs of healthcare. Luckily, <a href="https://www.aarp.org/home-family/voices/veterans/info-2022/pact-act.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The PACT Act</a> covers something called the &ldquo;Cost of Toxic Exposures Fund,&rdquo; which helps pay for the health care and benefits related to being exposed to hazards while in service. Not only does this help cover veterans' health care costs, but also helps families as well if they were exposed in housing units or through secondhand exposure to these chemicals. 
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While it may be hard to stay in the know about all things related to healthcare for veterans, working with your local VA can help you find the support and resources you need to stay healthy. The PACT Act also outlines that the VA will be more proactive in making those materials available. 
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As you start to make your way into the workforce after your time in the military, you must focus on your health, both physically and mentally. It can be hard to make time for yourself; the good thing is there are plenty of resources to make sure that you do.

Managing Your Health After Deployment in the Workplace | Getting Hired

Managing Your Health After Deployment in the Workplace

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Keep up to date with CareerCircle's latest blog posts on keeping an inclusive workforce.

Tips for Landing a Remote Job

Effectively Marketing Yourself as BIPOC Talent While Job-Seeking

Managing Your Health After Deployment in the Workplace

Tips for Landing a Remote Job

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