Remote work was initially a forced measure during the coronavirus pandemic; however, its influence on employee well-being turned out to be revolutionary. In February 2022, about two years after the first lockdown in the UK, 78% of remote workers confirmed an improved work-life balance, 52% admitted they were able to complete work faster, and almost half (47%) reported improved well-being, according to the Office for National Statistics. 
As of July 2024, 41% of workers in Great Britain travelled to work, 26% had hybrid work, and approximately 12% worked from home exclusively. It’s way less than during the pandemic, but still more compared to 2019, when only 4.7% of UK employees worked in remote positions.
It shows that remote work remains in high demand and will likely retain its appeal among UK workers. If you’re thinking about joining the remote work community, our article offers a list of the best online platforms to find remote job opportunities and shares valuable advice on how to prepare yourself for a successful remote job interview.
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In 2024, remote work will no longer be a necessity but a desirable and efficient working mode that fulfils modern expectations of work-life balance. Although such an approach may not be suitable for every person or role, it still offers significant advantages for those who are willing to adopt it.
For an employee, the advantages of working remotely are obvious:
Despite the common belief that remote work compromises productivity and the collaborative spark of in-office environments, companies benefit significantly from adopting this mode. Here is why:
When browsing websites for remote job listings, it’s essential to understand the different interpretations of the term “remote job.” This will help you better navigate job requirements and focus on opportunities that truly meet your needs.
Besides traditional job boards like Jooble, where more than 100,000 vacancies are currently posted, some other resources might help you find remote jobs.
LinkedIn is convenient because it allows users to personalise their profiles and job-seeking statuses, so employers can see in real-time if they’re available for remote or office-based work.
FlexJobs is an online platform that offers remote jobs in over 50 career categories worldwide. You can search for jobs under the “work from anywhere” category or choose a more specific location.
This job board helps remote and freelance developer talent connect with international employers. It uses AI to match you to job opportunities that align with your skills and preferences. It may not be the best option to look for entry-level developer jobs, however, unless you try, you won’t know!
Jobspresso offers remote job postings in tech, marketing, customer support, and other popular industries. Each job is manually reviewed and approved by the Jobspresso team. To start with the search, you need to upload your resume first.
Remote.co not only provides work-from-home job opportunities but also offers a wide range of resources to help you improve your remote job search skills.
It’s one of the job boards that features remote opportunities in software development, writing and editing, design, customer support, and more. There is a free version, but you can also buy a subscription. With it, you get instant access to thousands of remote job leads and online courses with exclusive tips and strategies for your success in the remote job market.
Here you’ll find curated remote job postings, access to a wide range of roles (both freelance and full-time), and blog articles on remote work trends and effective job search.
Pangian is not just a remote job board; it’s a remote worldwide community. Here, you can find a robust list of work-from-home jobs in digital and tech sectors and connect with other participants or job seekers to network, share experiences, and gain insights into remote work opportunities.
Creating an account on We Work Remotely will help you discover job opportunities that match your experience and preferred industry. Consider enrolling in the We Work Remotely Learning Portal—there, you’ll get access to their Slack community and valuable resources on building your remote career.
Are you looking for remote finance, tech, marketing, management, or development jobs? Working Nomads offers a huge array of those. Sign up and start getting job alert notifications about remote jobs opportunities straight to your inbox.
Employees value remote work’s flexibility, but with that flexibility also comes responsibility. Employers, in turn, want to ensure that every remote employee can set boundaries between work and personal life, manage their time effectively, and maintain consistent productivity without direct supervision. These skills are exactly what employers will be focusing their attention on during your remote interview. What else do they seek?
This goes for both oral and written communication. When you write a text message or an email, ensure it’s as clear and concise as possible and contains no grammar mistakes or typos. During your video or phone interview, ensure that you have a stable internet connection, that your microphone is working properly, and that you are in a quiet environment free from distractions.
Tip: Ask somebody to practice an online interview with you or use any modern AI resource to do it. Record yourself and analyse it afterwards, starting with the information you present about yourself and finishing with your non-verbal body language.
Technology is an indispensable part of the modern workspace. While office workers have access to the IT department mostly at any time their remote counterparts may have to handle technical challenges and navigate systems on their own. That’s why, your level of using different technologies and software programs such as project management tools, video conferencing platforms, and cloud-based storage systems is expected to be common to the field you’re applying for.
Tip: If you feel like falling behind, it’s highly advisable to hone your skills before applying, or, at least, be honest about it in the interview. Don’t forget to add that you’re either already working on the issue or are ready to start doing it as soon as possible to meet the job requirements.
It’s not a key requirement as a rule, however, mentioning it could increase your chances of standing out from the competition.
Tip: If it’s going to be your very first remote job, here is some advice on what skills you should highlight in your resume or the interview:
In such a way, you can demonstrate that you have an understanding of what a remote role looks like and what it takes to succeed in it.
It’s not a secret that one of the main contributors to productivity in the office environment is external pressures, such as your head looking over your shoulder. Those who work remotely should be able to find their own motivators to stay focused on tasks and consistently maintain productivity. One of the ways to showcase your readiness to be fully committed to work is by creating your home office space. It can also make a positive impression if they can see your workspace during a video call. Additionally, you can share specific strategies you use to stay focused and motivated, such as setting daily goals, taking regular breaks, or using time management tools.
Tip: Be prepared that the interviewer may inquire about possible distractions in your home office and how you typically mitigate them. Highlight several time management tips you used to use to remain focused on important deadlines in your previous job. It will help you prove your mindful approach to managing your work time and environment.
When remote companies arrange their workflows, they want to ensure that all the team members are able to sustain a sense of involvement and shared purpose. Feel free to speak up and ask questions during the interview – it will demonstrate your initiative and engagement. Also, highlight your interest in taking on stretch assignments, which are tasks or projects that are beyond your current skill level but within your potential to learn and grow. This shows your willingness to challenge yourself and contribute to the company’s success. Also, mention your interest in achieving long-term career goals within the company you are being interviewed by.
Tip: Prepare a case when you took the initiative on a project and mention the tangible results of your efforts by adding some data.
The fact that people seek remote job opportunities for greater comfort is as clear as daylight, and every hiring manager knows it. However, they often ask about it anyway, as exploring different reasons can uncover new opportunities and growth options for remote roles.
Tip: Shift focus from your benefits to those the company can potentially gain after hiring you. For instance, you tend to be more productive in a familiar and quiet environment compared to a noisy, open-office setting. Or that you become more efficient and engaged when you don’t need to spend hours commuting to the office.
