4. You Need a Personal Brand
In today’s digital world, having a personal brand isn’t just for influencers or entrepreneurs—it’s for job seekers too. Think about it: a study by LinkedIn found that 75% of hiring managers use LinkedIn to research candidates before they ever reach out. Plus, 92% of them said that a strong personal brand makes the candidate more hireable.
Basically, in 2024, if you don’t have a strong online presence, you’re missing out on an opportunity to make a really positive first impression (which is critical in the remote job search process).
Why is a personal brand so important?
Again, we need to consider viewing the job search process similarly to the lens of finding an employer to work with or a company that we want to buy from. If we’ve never heard of the brand/company, we will Google them, check out their social media accounts, etc.
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A personal brand builds trust. Employers want to know who you are, what you stand for, and what you can offer. A strong LinkedIn profile, active social media presence, or even a personal website can give them a glimpse into your professional identity.
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It helps you stand out from the competition. In a world where hundreds of applicants are going for the same remote role, your personal brand can be the thing that tips the scales in your favor.
How to build a strong personal brand:
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Keep your LinkedIn profile updated and optimized with relevant keywords.
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Share content that aligns with your career goals and showcases your expertise.
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Be consistent across all your online platforms, whether it’s your personal website, portfolio, or social media.
5. The Interview Process is Longer and More Involved
Remote job interviews used to be a straightforward 1-2 step process. Now, if I’m being honest, it’s common to go through three to five rounds of interviews before receiving an offer. Plus, in addition to traditional interviews, you might be asked to complete take-home projects or participate in panel interviews with multiple team members.
What this means for you:
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Prepare for the long haul. The remote job search process is more of a marathon than a sprint, and patience is key. Don’t be discouraged if the process takes longer than expected—this is the new norm.
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Use each stage of the interview process as an opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and fit for the company’s culture.
Here is a real-life example of what you might expect (taken from Doist’s recent job posting for a Senior iOS Engineer):
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Value alignment interview.
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Role-specific interview with team members.
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Take-home test or project.
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Culture contribution interview with senior leadership.
The good news in all of this? A lot of remote job seekers will lose patience because the remote job search process is a consistent, persistent ongoing process. That’s good news for you because I have a feeling that you’ll keep going.
Pro tip: Stay organized by keeping track of where you are in each interview process and prepare thoroughly for each stage.
The Remote Job Search Process
The remote job search process has changed significantly in recent years, but with these changes come new opportunities. By staying ahead of the curve you can set yourself apart in an increasingly competitive job market. Remember, the key is to be patient, persistent, and adaptable.
In part 2, I’ll walk you through even more changes in the remote job landscape, including how AI is shaping hiring processes, the rise of “ghost” job postings, and more. Stay tuned!
And remember, if you’re looking for support finding your dream remote career, contact me today. I’d love to learn more about you and support you in your journey to creating more freedom.
