Many Employers Are Looking for Remote Workers

One unexpected effect of the COVID-19 pandemic: Employers are realizing that many jobs don’t require someone to sit in an office. If you have a working computer and established skills (or if you’re willing to learn some new skills), you can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of remote work.

Some of the new occupations require postsecondary degrees and licenses — telehealth nurses, for example, are currently in demand, but nurses must be licensed to work in certain states in order to land these jobs. Other occupations simply require basic computer skills and a great work ethic.

Hundreds of employers are looking for workers, but some of the remote jobs in high demand during the pandemic include:

• Transcriptionist- If you’re a great typist, you might make a great transcriptionist. These workers listen to audio files and write down accurate transcriptions. Their average annual salary is $58,441.
• Bookkeeper- Bookkeepers maintain records of business accounts and earn an average of $44,204 per year.
• Computer Support Technician- These professionals help people use computers and troubleshoot technical problems. Their average annual salary is $54,760.
• Customer Support Representative- Support representatives represent a company, providing customers with answers, product help, and complaint resolution. They earn an average of $34,710 per year.
• Software Developer- Most software development jobs require a bachelor’s degree, but the market is growing rapidly. Their median annual salary was $107,510 in 2019.
• Web Designer- Web designers create, test, and maintain websites. Their 2019 annual median pay was $73,760 per year.

Dozens of other jobs are available, and while some require established skills and credentials, others provide training to workers. To find a job that matches your skillset, you’ll need to know where — and how — to look.

Finding Remote Work Jobs Online

Employers aren’t hiding their need for remote workers — if you’re willing to spend some time looking, you can find dozens of occupations. However, you’ll also find “jobs" that aren’t really jobs— to actually maintain stable employment, you’ll need to look at a variety of resources.

Start by browsing the internet for employment sites. Reputable employers will list a pay range (or even an exactly hourly amount) for their positions and invite applicants to submit their resumes. If you need to pay to get access to job listings, be careful; you might be wasting your money.

The one exception is online training programs that provide job placement as part of their services. By earning a certification (or other credential), you may be able to develop skills to start a certain career. Court reporters, for instance, need to have certifications to work. Most medical occupations also fall into this category.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while searching:

• Make a list of your skills. If you haven’t updated your resume in a while, this is a great time to start. Know which of your skills are valuable to employers. If you can type at 120 words per minute, you might be able to make a great living as a transcriptionist — on the other hand, if you’re a poor typist, but you have great communication skills, you might consider working in customer support.
• Don’t apply for the first job you find. If you find a high-paying occupation that appeals to you, keep searching. Make sure that the pay is competitive, and look at a variety of options to make sure that you’re only applying for jobs you actually want. Spend time researching before submitting any applications.

When considering training programs, read the fine print. This is particularly important if the program offers job placement. Make sure you’re not signing a contract for long-term employment by taking a low-cost training course — and make sure that the course offers job placement with competitive pay and benefits.

Using Online Resources to Find Work-from-Home Careers

The current job market offers incredible opportunities for remote workers. A simple internet search can start you on the path to a new career — a career that you can work while spending time with your family, enjoying a drink at your local coffee shop, or even vacationing in a far-off destination (provided that you still have internet access, of course).

By searching online, you can research quickly and effectively. Remember: The more time you spend searching for open positions and studying the job market, the more confidence you’ll have when you begin applications.