How to Land Your First Entry Level Remote Work Job
Athika Rahma
SEO Specialist Virtual Assistant at SGBVA
Trying to land your first entry level remote work job? In 2024, more and more companies are offering remote positions, and the opportunities are growing every day. Whether you’re just starting your career, switching fields, or looking for a more flexible work-life balance, remote jobs are a great option to explore.
It might take a bit of patience and perseverance, but with the right steps, you can absolutely find the perfect remote role that fits your skills and lifestyle. Let’s walk through the process together and get you on the path to landing that first remote job!
In this article...
Step 1: Build Up Your Skills
Before diving headfirst into entry level remote work applications, take a moment to figure out which skills are hot right now. Remote work is booming, but certain roles are in higher demand than others. Think software development, customer support, digital marketing, and graphic design. If any of these sound like a good fit, it’s time to start learning.
You don’t need to go back to school – there are so many affordable online courses out there on platforms. For a VA-focused course, there is the SGB VA course. A little time spent upskilling will pay off big time.
Step 2: Set Up Your Online Presence
Once you’ve got some skills under your belt, it’s time to make sure your online profiles reflect them. Start with LinkedIn – this is where most professionals hang out. Update your experience, list relevant courses you’ve completed, and make sure your headline is sharp and to the point. You want to show off what you can do!
If you’re aiming for tech or design entry level remote work, you’ll also want to have a platform like GitHub or Behance to showcase your work. You don’t need to have a ton of projects, but putting your work online gives employers something concrete to check out.
Having an updated, professional online presence is a game-changer. When you’re applying for remote jobs, employers will almost certainly check your online profiles before making a decision. So, let’s make sure it’s looking good!
Step 3: Network Like a Pro
Entry level remote work can sometimes be hard to find, especially the good ones that haven’t been posted publicly. Here’s where networking comes in handy. It’s not just about applying to job ads – it’s about connecting with people who are already in the field.
Join LinkedIn groups or Facebook communities focused on remote work. Participate in conversations, share your thoughts, and engage with others. A lot of job opportunities come from these connections – and you might even hear about a job before it’s posted anywhere!
Don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your field. Whether through LinkedIn or email, a polite message expressing your interest can sometimes lead to great opportunities. Just be genuine and show your enthusiasm for remote work.
Step 4: Hit Up Remote Job Boards
Now it’s time to search for those entry level remote work! There are websites dedicated to listing remote roles and virtual assistant jobs, and you’ll find plenty of entry-level positions on platforms like Remote.co, We Work Remotely, and FlexJobs. These sites are amazing for job seekers who want to avoid the noise of regular job boards.
When you’re browsing, be sure to filter for entry-level roles. Many remote job boards have options that allow you to search specifically for positions that require less experience, making your search much easier.
Step 5: Customize Your Applications
When you’re applying, make sure your resume and cover letter are tailored to each job. Don’t just send out the same generic ones over and over. Take a little extra time to match your experience with what the company is asking for.
For entry level remote jobs employers love to see that you’re self-motivated, organized, and can work independently. So, in your resume and cover letter, emphasize those skills. Even if your experience comes from volunteer work, freelance gigs, or personal projects, it all counts!
Step 6: Try Freelancing
If you’re having trouble landing a full-time entry level remote work, freelancing is a great way to get your foot in the door. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr offer tons of small gigs that can help you build your portfolio and gain valuable experience.
Freelancing isn’t just about earning – it’s also about getting real-world experience and learning how to work with clients. The more you do, the more you can showcase, which will make you even more attractive to potential employers.
Also read: 9 Samples of Job Application for Freelance Graphic Designer Virtual Assistant
Step 7: Look for Internships or Apprenticeships
Internships and apprenticeships are great ways to gain practical experience, even if they’re not paying top dollar. Many remote companies offer internships that can help you get your foot in the door and learn the ropes of the industry. You can find them on regular job boards like entry level remote jobs Glassdoor, LinkedIn, et cetera.
Sure, the pay might not be amazing at first, but the experience you gain can make a huge difference when you’re applying for future roles. Plus, internships often lead to full-time entry level remote work once you’ve proven your skills and reliability.
Step 8: Highlight Your Remote Skills
Working remotely requires a specific set of skills. You need to be organized, reliable, and able to manage your own time. Make sure to highlight these skills when you’re applying for entry level remote work.
Think about past experiences where you’ve demonstrated these qualities – maybe in a volunteer role, during your studies, or in previous jobs. Employers love to see examples of how you’ve worked independently, communicated clearly, and managed your time well. Show them that you’re ready for the remote work lifestyle!
Step 9: Prepare for Interviews
If you’ve made it to the interview stage, congratulations! Now it’s time to nail it. Be prepared to talk about why you want to work remotely, how you stay organized, and how you handle challenges like staying motivated without someone looking over your shoulder.
Make sure your tech is ready for a virtual interview – check your internet connection, webcam, and microphone beforehand. And of course, dress the part! Even though you’re interviewing entry level remote work from home, showing up professionally can make a big impression.
Also read: 9 Ways to Craft a Strong Job Application Virtual Assistant
Step 10: Keep Going!
Here’s the thing: finding your first entry level remote work can take time. You might face some rejections along the way, and that’s okay. The important part is not giving up. Stay positive, keep refining your resume, and keep learning new skills. Every time you apply, you get closer to that first remote job.
Remember, the remote job market is full of opportunities, and with persistence and the right mindset, you’ll land that dream role. Keep applying, keep learning, and don’t lose hope.
Land Your First Remote Job by Becoming a VA
Landing your first entry level remote work may take some time and effort, but it’s absolutely within your reach. Start by building the right skills, optimizing your online presence, and networking with the right people. Make sure to tailor your applications and don’t hesitate to explore freelancing or internships to gain experience. Most importantly, stay persistent and keep a positive mindset!
If you’re eager to start your remote work journey but aren’t sure where to begin, consider joining the SGB VA Webinar, hosted by our expert mentor, Tania Gromenko. In this webinar, you’ll learn how to land the perfect remote job by becoming a Virtual Assistant—one of the most in-demand roles in today’s job market.
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