Working remotely from home is becoming increasingly popular, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many companies operate. With remote work on the rise, many people wonder if it’s possible to find a remote job with no prior experience. The good news is that there are opportunities available for beginners if you know where to look and how to market yourself effectively.
Why Do Companies Hire Remote Workers With No Experience?
There are a few key reasons why companies may be open to hiring remote employees with no prior experience:
- Lower costs – By hiring entry-level remote workers, companies can save on overhead expenses like office space and equipment.
- Access to wider talent pools – Remote work enables companies to recruit outside of their local geographical area.
- Need for basic skills – Some remote roles require basic skills like communication, organization, research etc. that any beginner can learn.
- High demand for remote workers – The growth of the remote workforce means companies need to expand their candidate search.
- Training capabilities – Some companies have robust training programs to get inexperienced workers up to speed.
Essentially, the advantages of an expanded talent pool and lower costs mean companies are more open to training and developing remote workers even if they don’t have directly related work histories.
What Are Some Entry-Level Remote Jobs To Look For?
Here are some examples of popular remote work opportunities that are well-suited for beginners:
Position | Key Responsibilities | Requirements |
---|---|---|
Customer Service Representative | Responding to customer inquiries via phone, email, chat; providing product/service information; recording customer issues; processing orders or complaints | Strong communication skills; customer service attitude; basic computer literacy |
Virtual Assistant | Administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, documentation, research, data entry | Organized; proficient in MS Office; fast typist; reliable |
Chat Agent | Communicating with website visitors in real-time via chat platform; answering questions; providing support; troubleshooting issues | Friendly; excellent written communication; ability to multitask |
Data Entry Clerk | Inputting data into databases and spreadsheets; formatting data; verifying data accuracy; compiling reports | Careful attention to detail; fast typist; experience with data entry and MS Excel |
Online ESL Teacher | Teaching English to students abroad through video chat platforms; developing lesson plans; providing feedback | Fluent in English; experience teaching or tutoring |
These are just a few examples of remote jobs that are fairly easy to get even if you don’t have a long work history. The key is to target beginner-friendly positions and highlight transferable skills.
What Skills Should I Focus On Developing?
When applying for entry-level remote work with no experience, focus on highlighting skills like:
- Communication – Both written and verbal communication skills are hugely important for remote workers so companies know you can collaborate effectively.
- Responsibility – Remote workers need to be self-motivated and get work done without direct supervision, so emphasize you can take ownership of tasks.
- Time management – Working remotely requires staying on top of your schedule and getting things done on time, often without reminders.
- Learning ability – Show that you are eager and able to quickly learn new software, systems and processes to become productive.
- Technical skills – Many remote roles require basic computer proficiency and knowledge of popular software/apps.
Highlight any experiences, education or interests on your resume that demonstrate these types of skills. For example, planning a college group project shows project management abilities. Even jobs like retail cashiering require communication skills and responsibility.
What Are Some Tips For Getting Hired?
Here are some top tips for landing that first remote job when you don’t have any experience to list:
- Invest time in learning the basics – Take online courses to learn skills like email marketing, data entry, social media management, etc.
- Get work samples – Create a portfolio site, blog or other platforms to showcase your abilities with real work examples.
- Network and pitch yourself – Reach out to your personal and professional connections and pitch how you can help them with tasks remotely.
- Consider internships or volunteer work – Short-term unpaid gigs are a way to gain experience, references and work samples.
- Highlight transferable skills – Relate the skills you do have from jobs, education, hobbies or life experiences.
- Brush up your resume – Tailor your resume to each application and focus on skills over work history.
- Provide references – Strong references help provide credibility even without related job experience.
- Be open-minded – Applying to diverse industries and job types will give you more possibilities.
By focusing on your assets, presenting yourself professionally and taking advantage of connections, you can definitely land an entry-level remote job.
What Are Good Sites To Find Remote Work For Beginners?
Here are some top sites and resources to look for legitimate remote work opportunities aimed at those just starting out:
- FlexJobs – Job site with screened remote job listings focused on entry to mid-level positions.
- We Work Remotely – Features a “Getting Started” section perfect for inexperienced job seekers.
- Remote.co/remote-jobs-entry-level – Aggregates entry-level remote work listings from top job boards.
- Remotive – Remote job board with a category for candidates with 0-2 years of experience.
- LinkedIn – Use filters like “Entry Level” and “Remote” to find listings.
- AngelList – Startup job board with lots of virtual internships and apprenticeships.
- Remote Working – UK-based site with worldwide remote job listings.
- Jobspresso – Get matched with remote jobs via an assessment quiz.
- Reddit – Subreddits like r/remotejobs, r/WorkOnline and r/ForHire.
Major job sites like Indeed, Monster and ZipRecruiter also have search filters to find entry-level remote positions. Just watch out for scams and carefully research companies before applying.
What Are Some Red Flags To Watch Out For?
As a remote work beginner, it’s crucial to keep an eye out for red flags when assessing job opportunities to avoid scams and wasted time. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Jobs that ask for an upfront payment or investment – Legit employers never charge you to start working.
- Low pay for high amounts of work – Avoid jobs well below market rate.
- Jobs using generic, vague descriptions – Real employers provide specific details on duties and qualifications.
- Interviews only via chat apps – Professional interviews involve video chats or phone calls.
- Employers without an online presence – Do research to ensure it’s a real established company.
- Requests for personal information like bank accounts and IDs – Never provide sensitive info upfront.
- Calls for immediate decisions – Trustworthy employers provide time to review offers and contracts.
Always follow your instincts – if something seems fishy or too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate companies will be transparent and provide information if asked.
What Soft Skills Are Important For Remote Roles?
While skills like computer proficiency and time management are essential for remote work, soft skills should not be overlooked when first starting out. Some key soft skills that are extremely valuable as a remote employee include:
- Communication – Clearly conveying thoughts and ideas in writing and over video/phone.
- Self-motivation – Possessing the initiative and drive to get work done without in-person oversight.
- Collaboration – Working productively with team members remotely.
- Adaptability – Flexibility to adjust to changes and new situations.
- Problem-solving – Ability to independently troubleshoot issues.
- Time management – Carefully planning schedules and meeting deadlines.
- Stress tolerance – Managing pressure and juggling multiple priorities.
Highlight times when you successfully applied these skills during interviews and in your application materials. Soft skills allow remote workers to overcome communication barriers and thrive independently.
What Are Tips For Excelling In A Remote Role?
Once you land that first remote job, use these tips to ensure ongoing success:
- Overcommunicate, especially at first – Don’t assume anything; ask early and often.
- Be available and responsive – Make yourself accessible on communication platforms like Slack.
- Set a schedule and routine – Create structure to stay focused when working solo.
- Minimize distractions – No TV, texting, etc. during work hours.
- Invest in your home office – Make sure your workspace is optimized for productivity.
- Use project management tools – Track projects, set reminders, and share documents in one place.
- Be honest about struggles – Bring up any issues quickly so they can be addressed.
- Don’t isolate yourself – Attend virtual social events and engage with coworkers.
- Ask for feedback – Check in regularly with managers on your performance.
Being proactive, organized, communicative and hardworking will allow you to thrive in that first remote gig and set you up for ongoing career growth.
Conclusion
With so many companies hiring remotely, even those without any professional experience can find excellent work from home opportunities. Focus on developing transferable skills, building a portfolio, networking consistently, and applying for entry-level positions. Stay away from sketchy ads, and instead apply to reputable companies focused on recruiting remote beginners. With patience and perseverance, you can successfully launch your remote work career from home.