When I first started exploring remote work, the biggest hurdle I faced was the classic “chicken and egg” scenario: How do you gain remote experience when most remote jobs require experience?
It’s a question many aspiring remote workers grapple with, but the good news is that you don’t have to rely on traditional paths to get your foot in the door.
In this post, I’ll walk you through some unconventional (but highly effective) ways to gain remote work experience, how to showcase it on your resume, and how these strategies can lead to a full-time remote role.
1. Volunteer for Remote-Friendly Nonprofits
Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain remote experience while making a positive impact. Many nonprofits are open to remote volunteers who can help with tasks like website updates, fundraising, or administrative work.
How to Find Opportunities:
- Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or Catchafire, which list remote volunteer roles.
- Reach out to local organizations or causes you care about and offer to help them remotely.
Not only will you gain valuable experience, but volunteering also demonstrates initiative and commitment, qualities that employers love to see.
2. Pursue Remote Internships
Remote internships are a great way to gain hands-on experience in a structured environment.
Many startups and small companies offer virtual internships that allow you to work on meaningful projects while learning from professionals.
How to Land a Remote Internship:
- Search Strategically: Look for remote internships on sites like LinkedIn, Handshake, or We Work Remotely.
- Customize Your Applications: Highlight your eagerness to learn and adapt to a remote environment.
- Network: Reach out to professionals in your desired field on LinkedIn and express your interest in remote opportunities.
Internships not only provide experience but also open doors to potential full-time remote roles within the company.
3. Create Your Own Projects
Sometimes, the best way to gain experience is to create it yourself. Launching your own project, whether it’s a blog, an online store, or even a podcast. It shows initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Examples of Self-Initiated Projects:
- Start a blog about a topic you’re passionate about and showcase your writing and content management skills.
- Build a simple e-commerce store using platforms like Shopify or Etsy.
- Create a portfolio website to showcase your work and technical skills.
These projects give you something tangible to discuss during interviews and demonstrate your ability to take ownership of tasks.
Bonus: Upskill with Online Courses
While gaining experience, it’s equally important to invest in your skills. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Skillshare offer affordable (and often free) courses on in-demand skills like digital marketing, coding, or project management.
Pro Tips for Upskilling:
- Focus on skills relevant to remote work, such as communication tools (Slack, Zoom), project management software (Trello, Asana), or specific technical skills.
- Complete capstone projects or assignments that you can showcase on your resume.
- Earn certifications to validate your expertise and stand out to potential employers.
Showcasing Your Experience as a Beginner & Searching for a Job
Once you’ve gained some remote experience, it’s time to showcase it effectively on your resume.
Highlight Your Experience on Your Resume
- Use Remote-Friendly Job Titles: Clearly indicate roles as “Remote Intern,” “Freelance Graphic Designer,” or “Virtual Volunteer.”
- Emphasize Remote Skills: Highlight skills like virtual collaboration, self-motivation, and proficiency with remote tools (Zoom, Slack, etc.).
- Quantify Your Impact: Use metrics to show the results of your work, e.g., “Increased social media engagement by 25% while managing accounts remotely.”
Make sure your LinkedIn profile also reflects these experiences to improve your visibility to recruiters.
Check out our free CV templates here
Be Strategic About Your Job Search
Now that you’ve built a solid foundation of experience, it’s time to apply for entry-level remote roles. Focus on companies that are open to hiring candidates with non-traditional experience.
Job Boards to Explore:
Tailor your applications to each role, highlighting the remote experience you’ve gained through freelancing, volunteering, or internships.
Conclusion: Your Path to Remote Work Success
Breaking into remote work can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can gain the experience you need to land your first remote job.
Remember, every effort you put in now is building the foundation for a successful remote career. So take that first step today, you’ll be amazed at how far it can take you.
Happy job hunting!
