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">

Learn how to land your dream remote job with these essential tips for success in the new work era.

Tips for Landing a Remote Job | Getting Hired

Tips for Landing a Remote Job

Taking a new job is exciting, but moving to a new location can be daunting. With some preparation, you can find the perfect place to live that meets all your needs. Here is some general advice to get you started. 
<h2>Research the New Location</h2>
Before you agree to anything, you need to ensure that the new location fits your family. You must investigate the area via internet research, conversations with your future co-workers, and visits. 
<ul>
<li>Schools</li>
</ul>
Find out all you can about the new school district, its reputation, and where the <a href="https://www.publicschoolreview.com/top-ranked-public-schools">new school system</a> ranks within the state for educational excellence. Visit schools your kids will be attending. Get a sense of the institution and its management. 
<ul>
<li>Taxes</li>
</ul>
Look into what local and state taxes you will be responsible for paying. In some states, the salary increase you get will be negated by the taxes you owe. Make sure, before you commit, you have a good sense of where you will end up financially if you move forward. 
<ul>
<li>Cost of Living</li>
</ul>
The cost of living in an area can be a deal killer. If, for example, you are moving from <a href="https://www.bestplaces.net/cost-of-living/oklahoma-city-ok/new-york-ny/150000" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Oklahoma to New York City</a>, you should assume you will need to make more than double what you are currently making to break even. 
<ul>
<li>Real Estate Market</li>
</ul>
Investigate the local real estate market and understand what it will cost you to buy a home, rent, or find an alternative living arrangement. Look at resale prices for that market and use that information to look for housing where you know you can resell if you need to do so. If you rent, look at average rents and use that information to determine where to look. 
<ul>
<li>Crime</li>
</ul>
Search online and find the crime statistics for the town or city you will be relocating. Pay attention to any neighborhood crime assessments and any trends in reported crimes. Crime statistics will help you decide where to live and give you a general idea of areas you may want to avoid. 
<ul>
<li>Local Job Market</li>
</ul>
If you have a spouse or kids that work, you want to investigate the <a href="https://www.thejobnetwork.com/top-8-tools-salary-research-012017/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">local job market</a>. Make sure you are moving to an area that will allow your spouse to work in their field easily. It makes no sense to increase one spouse's employment if the other has to take a huge hit in salary or benefits. 
<ul>
<li>Average Commute Time</li>
</ul>
Speaking of commuting time, how about your commute? Can you easily get from your new home to your job, or will there be significant traffic issues that affect when you have to leave and when you can expect to be home? If there are commuting challenges, does it make more sense to look to live closer to work or in a different location? 
<ul>
<li>Check Out Amenities and Services</li>
</ul>
Research what local amenities and services exist in your new location and find out the following:
Are there parks? Where are the supermarkets? What is there to do during the week and weekend? Does the new place have the type of church you want to frequent (if you are religious) How about hospitals and Urgent Care?
Identify the services you use in your current location and activities you like to do and investigate if both are available at your new location. If the answer is "no," you will likely still take the job, but you might tailor your living location to your interests and needs. 
<h2>Visit and Look at Housing</h2>
Once you have locked down the area where you want to live generally, look at the housing options in those areas. Take a weekend if you can and spend it looking at properties. A weekend trip will not only help you find your ideal living space, but it will also give you a good sense of the area you want to live. 
<h2>Decide on a Moving Date and Set a Budget</h2>
Once you have a place to live, decide on a moving date that gives you plenty of time to get packed and ready. Before you pack one box, work out your budget. For example, suppose you are moving from New York City to Baltimore for a job. Figure out the cost of going with an <a href="https://www.ozmoving.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NYC moving company</a> and look at options based on your budget.
You want to budget your move even if your new company is moving you because moving expenses can escalate quickly. One issue with the delivery of your stuff, for example, and you could be looking at having to stay at a hotel for a few days. You will also have other expenses like meals and general travel costs, like gasoline.
The more you plan your move, the better off you will be once you get to your new location. 
<h2>Say Your Goodbyes</h2>
Try and plan your goodbyes, so they do not interfere with your move. If possible, you want to have at least one day between your last goodbye and you are going to your new home. 
<h2>Move</h2>
Whether moving one town over or across entire regions of the country, remember that no move is perfect, nor is it worth stressing too much over what you have no control over. 
<h2>Get Settled in the New Place</h2>
Make sure you give yourself a few days to acclimate to the new surroundings. If possible, give yourself a week. That will let you start to get settled before you have to start focusing on the new job. If a buffer is not possible, prioritize what is important to you in terms of making your new space your own. 
<h2>Final Thoughts</h2>
Some people can pick up and move to a new location and not break stride. Most people need a lot of planning, adjusting, and flexibility to make it all work. Follow this list of suggestions and your move will be significantly easier than if you push ahead and hope for the best. 
<hr>
 Are you currently looking for a new role or are interested in changing careers? Make sure to check out available job opportunities at <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/jobs" rel="follow">careercircle.com/jobs</a>.&nbsp; While you are there register and sign up to receive updates about jobs, events, and resources to take your career to the next level!&nbsp;

Moving for a new job? Discover tips to find the perfect place to live and make your move easier.

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location | Getting Hired

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location

Congratulations! You sent out your resume, <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/5-ways-you-can-make-a-lasting-positive-impressionitive-impression-at-a-job-interview" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">nailed the interview</a>, and you have successfully landed your dream job. It can be an incredible feeling to get a new position, and you deserve to pat yourself on the back!&nbsp;However, for many people, that excitement can wear off as their first day of work approaches, and it can be replaced by fear and worry. It is perfectly natural to have first-day jitters, but we are here to tell you that there are ways to stay calm and enjoy the experience. 
If your new job is about to start, then these tactics can help you to be comfortable and more confident on the first day. 
<h2>Start Preparing The Day Before</h2>
 Some people get more nervous than others when it comes to trying something new. If you know that you will inevitably get nervous when you approach the office that first day, then it may be a wise idea to start mentally <a href="https://www.careercontessa.com/advice/first-day-new-job-preparation/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">preparing yourself the day before</a>. Think about some of the aspects that get you nervous and practice getting through your anxiety. For instance, if you fear that you may be tardy on your first day, then spend some time planning your route and even practice driving it. The idea is to get to work early so you aren&rsquo;t rushing and you can make a good impression. Just don&rsquo;t try to get there too early, or you may end up sitting in your car for 30 minutes, and the nerves could build up again.
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Another good idea is to plan out what you intend to wear on your first day. Dress appropriately for the position but wear something that makes you feel good. That could be a brand-new suit or a lucky collared shirt. Just make sure that it matches the dress code. Lay your outfit out now, so you don&rsquo;t need to rush in the morning.
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Finally, make it a point to get <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/blog/post/7-tips-for-employers-to-support-self-care-for-emp" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank">adequate rest</a> the night before your first day. Aim for seven to nine hours of sleep so you can wake up feeling mentally refreshed. If you are already nervous and you fear that you will have trouble falling asleep, then you may want to <a href="https://www.zocdoc.com/blog/your-guide-to-creating-the-right-bedtime-routine/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">tweak your bedtime routine</a>. Go to bed at a decent time and avoid eating a heavy dinner that could create digestive issues overnight. Avoid staring at your phone as you lay in bed and instead consider a relaxing activity like reading your favorite book. You&rsquo;ll be asleep in no time. 
<h2>Know What To Expect</h2>
 The next step is to mentally prepare yourself so that you can be sharp when you arrive at work on your first day. You will likely be subjected to a lot of new information as you go through the onboarding process. Prepare to <a href="https://asana.com/resources/first-day-of-work" rel="noopener" target="_blank">learn a lot</a>, including the company policies, an overview of your initial responsibilities, the tools you will be using, and the login information that you will need to remember to access them. 
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You will likely meet a lot of new people. Don&rsquo;t worry about remembering every name, as that will come over time. However, if you are typically nervous about meeting people and introducing yourself, then you can make it easier to break the ice by researching your colleagues ahead of time on LinkedIn. Proper&nbsp;research will give you discussion topics, and it will be a lot easier to match faces to names and remember those names.
&nbsp;
While every first day will be a bit different depending on the company, one thing that you can count on is that you&rsquo;ll likely be busy. If you aren&rsquo;t prepared, then you may quickly become physically and mentally drained. You can prevent those negative feelings by making it a point to <a href="https://www.stanley1913.com/blogs/how-to-guides/how-to-stay-energized-the-whole-day" rel="noopener" target="_blank">stay energized throughout the day</a> by drinking plenty of water, eating a healthy lunch, and packing a healthy and energetic snack, like almonds. Coffee can also help but try not to overdo it, or you could experience a crash later in the day. 
<h2>Calming Your Jitters</h2>
 If you prepare for your first day, but you are still very nervous, then there are several tactics that you can try during the day to keep your nerves at bay. When you get a moment alone, consider some deep breathing exercises. By focusing on your breathing, you can decrease your heart rate and slow your racing thoughts. One of the easiest exercises to remember is the <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/4-7-8-breathing" rel="noopener" target="_blank">4-7-8 method</a>. This is where you inhale as you slowly count to four. Then, hold your breath for seven seconds. Finally, slowly exhale for eight seconds. Repeat that exercise until you feel better.
&nbsp;
It is also a smart idea to use positive affirmations to build yourself up if you are feeling scared. Remind yourself that this employer hired you for a reason and that you are the best person for the job. Think about why you wanted this job in the first place and why it is your passion to do what you are doing. This little pep-talk can be key to rebuilding your confidence.
&nbsp;
Finally, if you know yourself well enough to know that you will have jitters, then consider having a friend or family member on standby that you can call during a break. Talking to someone you trust for a few minutes can give you the confidence that you need to go back to work and take on the rest of your first day.
&nbsp;
In the end, if you are nervous about your first day at work, then know that many people feel the same way. Consider the tips and advice described here, and you can start your new position with confidence. 
&nbsp;Looking for a role or changing careers? Register <a href="https://www.careercircle.com/candidates/signup" rel="follow noopener" target="_blank" title="Register Today!">here</a> to apply for available roles with our partners!&nbsp;&nbsp;
<hr>

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.

Start your new job confidently by preparing the day before, knowing what to expect, and staying calm.

First Day Prep at a New Job | Getting Hired

First Day Prep at a New Job

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Tips for Landing a Remote Job

A Guide To Moving to a New Job Location

First Day Prep at a New Job

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