It’s a modern work quandary: the world is increasingly remote, but how do you prove you’re not just couch-bound but genuinely ready for the remote work landscape?
Darcy Boles, Director Of Culture at TaxJar, has seen the ins and outs of remote work, sifting through applicants, and discerning the genuine from the pretenders. Her insights on this front provide a unique roadmap for anyone aiming to succeed in a remote job.
1. Showcase Flexibility & Adaptability:
Darcy mentions that she doesn’t care if someone worked at Google, but for her it’s not about undermining prestigious companies, but emphasising a critical skill in remote work: adaptability. Prestige won’t protect you from the curveballs of remote work; flexibility will. Remote work often throws unexpected challenges, and adaptability becomes more important than a gleaming resume.
2. Aligning Personal Values with Company’s Core:
For Darcy, seeing a candidate connect personal life values to the organization’s core resonates deeply. This isn’t about cleverly rewording the company’s mission statement, but genuinely understanding it and integrating it into your narrative. If the company values continuous learning, how does that reflect in your personal journey?
3. Display a Skill, Not Just a Title:
Boles’s insights suggest that titles are great, but what remote teams really need are skills. What can you do for the company? If you’ve managed teams, delve into how you fostered collaboration. If you’ve been a project manager, discuss your strategies for ensuring seamless communication. It’s not the title but the tangible contributions you can make that stand out.
4. Be Proactive:
Companies like TaxJar seek individuals who can own their roles, be proactive, and not wait for instructions at every turn. Remote work thrives on autonomy. It’s about showing you’re someone who doesn’t just complete tasks but anticipates them.
5. Understand the Nuances of Remote Work:
It might seem basic, but understanding the intricate dynamics of remote work is essential. A deep comprehension of remote work norms and culture is more valuable than it might appear on the surface.
For the cherry on top, engage in ‘extreme research.’ Knowing about the company isn’t enough. Diving deep, understanding its ethos, challenges, and milestones can make a difference. It’s about displaying that you’re not just another applicant; you’re someone who genuinely wants to be part of their journey.
In the realm of remote work, it’s tempting to fall back on what we know – our degrees, our prestigious job titles, or our years of experience. But as the landscape evolves, the rules of the game shift. It’s not about listing achievements but demonstrating readiness for the new frontier. And sometimes, that means forgetting what you think you know and embracing what truly matters.