A remote job is a great way of starting a new career. There have been entry-level remote jobs popping up in nearly every job category and you are sure to find something whether you are looking to make a drastic career move, return to the workforce, or just dabble in something new to test the waters.
Let’s first take a look at what this word entry-level means. Typically an entry-level position is one in which you have the minimum required skillset for the job. It is usually the lowest level in the job hierarchy and is suitable for someone who has no previous experience and should expect to gain knowledge in the process. Remote entry-level jobs are generally part-time and/or offer a flexible working schedule. Entry-level also implies that the pay is significantly lower since the expectation is that the employer will need to provide you with the appropriate training and guidance. In other words, you will more than likely have some basic skills but will require significant additional training.
While having the right minimum skillset is ideal it is not always possible depending on the industry that you are looking to enter into. For example, if you are looking to go into medical billing, you may be familiar with the use of a computer and have excellent communication skills yet you lack the knowledge of medical terminology. In this case, the employer may have to spend a significant amount of time and energy in providing this type of training to get you up to speed.
Here are several examples of entry-level remote jobs that may have minimum requirements or necessary previous experience:
- Audio transcription
- Online medical records
- Social media management
- Data entry (for clinical trials this can lead into site and data management positions)
- Virtual Assistant or receptionist
However, sometimes it can be difficult to land that entry-level remote job so we wanted to offer you some tips to get hired faster.
- If you have experience in another industry, some employers may be skeptical about hiring you in an entry-level position, assuming that you are overqualified for this specific role. It is important to explain in your cover letter WHY you are interested in this specific type of position or industry.
- Problem-solving. No matter what industry you may have been in previously, your problem-solving skills are transferrable to any industry. Clearly demonstrate in your resume that you possess the necessary problem-solving skills that you can apply to this role. You will stand out from the pack of other candidates searching for an entry-level remote role if you can share relevant examples of problem-solving in a variety of scenarios. They will see how this quality will enhance your ability to succeed in this role.
- Gig work versus employment. When you are looking for an entry-level remote job, it is important to understand the difference between Gig work or actual employment and what will work best for you. Many sites allow you to apply for jobs that are usually one-time opportunities to get your feet wet such as Upwork or Fiverr. No training will be provided and clients expect you to have at least the minimum requirements necessary to complete each job. Remote jobs in which you are hired as an employee may offer training although little else (no benefits or perks). Again, the employer is expecting you to have some basic skills while paying a relatively low salary.
- The competition pool for entry-level remote jobs is pretty steep with possibly thousands of applicants throwing their names into the hat for consideration. Whether this is a career change and you are testing it out or you are looking for a way to supplement your income, the key to landing the entry-level remote job is to stand out from the crowd. Make a prospective employer pull your resume from the pile and add it to the short-list of candidates with your cover letter, using keywords that are appropriate to the position. While it should be clear and succinct, demonstrate your willingness to learn, your communication skills, and most importantly, your soft skills.
- Your needs. Before you go applying to a ton of online remote jobs looking for entry-level employees, sit down and create a list of what it is that you actually want. This will save you a lot of time and wasted energy searching through the online job boards as well as submitting your resume and cover letter to something that you are not really interested in. How much are you looking to earn in an entry-level position? What type of hours are you available to work? Are there any jobs that you do not want to apply for? By answering some of these questions upfront, filtering out those jobs that do not meet your criteria can help to achieve your desired results faster.
Whether you are looking to change careers or just getting into the workforce, there is an entry-level remote position for you. With some creativity, diligence, and by clearly defining your needs, you can find the right entry-level position for you.