Once upon a time, “work” meant commuting to an office and making polite small talk at the water cooler. But the rise of remote working is transforming careers in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago.
Take my son. He’s just started a new job in AI. He’s living the Brighton life, while his teammates are dotted across Newcastle, Leeds, Reading, and Basingstoke. And yet, they work together seamlessly, proving that innovation knows no geographical bounds.
Or how about one of the CV writers I work with on a welfare-to-work project? She’s living the dream, crafting CVs while island-hopping through Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Thailand. She’s mastered the art of balancing deadlines with beach sunsets—how’s that for work-life balance?!
This shift has opened up incredible opportunities, but it has also created new challenges. With competition for remote roles on the rise and video interviews becoming the norm, how do you stand out and show employers you’ve got what it takes? In this blog post I will try and provide you with a better idea of what’s involved and how you can make it work for you.
The Rise of Remote Work
Remote and hybrid working isn’t just a trend—it’s a seismic shift in how we approach employment. Job listings for remote roles are getting flooded with applicants. Why? Because these roles offer the holy grail: flexibility. No more sardine-can commutes or dreary office lunches. Instead, it’s all about finding the perfect corner of your home (or the nearest café with good Wi-Fi) to do your best work.
Employers, of course, are adjusting their expectations. They’re no longer just looking for someone who can do the job; they’re hunting for people who can do the job independently, while still being part of a team. That means they’re after:
Initiative: Can you solve problems without constant supervision?
Home working capability: Does your home setup scream “productive professional” or “Netflix enthusiast”?
Good communication skills: Can you write a clear email or avoid unmuted chaos during video calls?
Organisation: Are you keeping track of deadlines without needing daily reminders?
Teamwork: Can you collaborate with people you’ve never met in person?
Video Interviews: The New Normal
Applying for remote jobs? Brace yourself for the joys of video interviews. The interview format varies within each organisation and just like any job interview they can be nerve-wracking.
The good news is, you don’t have to worry about physically getting to the interview. The bad news? You do have to worry about lighting, camera angles, and whether your Wi-Fi will betray you mid-sentence. Pro tip: Never interview in your underwear, you may need to stand up unexpectedly!
Careers Without Borders
For many of us remote working has opened up a world of possibilities. This week alone, I had an online meeting with a customer in France who has a full-time remote job with a company in London.
The beauty of remote work is its ability to level the playing field. You can live where you’re happiest while working where the opportunities are best. Whether that’s a tech hub in London, a beach in Thailand, or the countryside in Sussex, the world of work is potentially as flexible as you need it to be.
Here to Help
The rise of remote working has reshaped how we think about careers. Whether you’re dreaming of working from home, the beach, or a bustling café, it all starts with presenting yourself in the best possible light. That’s where my services can help.
- Cover Letters: Writing compelling, tailored letters that grab employers’ attention from the start.
- CV Writing: Crafting CVs that showcase your unique strengths for remote and hybrid roles.
- Interview Coaching: Helping you ace those all-important video interviews with confidence and poise.
If you’re ready to make your remote career dreams a reality, let’s work together. Wherever you’re logging in from, I’ll help you take that next step. Get in touch today!
Charlotte Spencer, CEO CK Futures Ltd
Charlotte Spencer is an award winning CV Writer, LinkedIn Writer and Interview Coach, helping people internationally to move confidently into new roles. With a background in HR, training and creative writing, Charlotte set up CK Futures to support people most at risk in the job market. Recognised by recruitment agencies, career coaches, charities and back-to-work organisations nationwide as an expert, Charlotte trains recruiters and other writers, and is a regular speaker at careers conferences, podcasts and events. Now specialising in supporting the police transition into new careers, Charlotte is also mum to two young adults, supports survivors of Domestic abuse into work, and is a Youth Mentor. Committed to maintaining CV writing standards and promoting ethical practice in the industry, Charlotte is Co-Founder and Vice Chair of the British Association of CV Writers.