As someone who has spent 8 years in HR and recruiting, I want to offer some insights for nomads seeking remote jobs. Finding remote jobs was our first step toward freedom and living on the road. Here are some tips to help you find remote jobs as a nomad.

Over the past year on the road, we have learned that there are numerous ways to earn a living while traveling. Being a nomad provides a unique sense of freedom, not only in terms of lifestyle but also when it comes to finances and income. It is inspiring to see individuals fearlessly pursuing their passions and finding ways to monetize them on the road. Our journey on the road has led us to pursue financial freedom and break away from traditional work settings. If you are looking for something to bridge the gap, here are some tips for applying to remote jobs as a nomad.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Highlight your remote work experience

Have a professional online presence

Customize your resume and cover letter

Be flexible with your schedule & plan for electric power

Show your passion for remote work

Use a permanent home address

Be responsive

Network

Be Prepared for Interviews

Research the company

1. Highlight your remote work experience

If you’ve worked remotely before, make sure to include this in your resume and cover letter. Highlight the skills you gained from working remotely, such as time management, communication, and self-motivation. Employers want to know that you have experience working independently.

However, if you have never worked remotely before, don't worry, you can still make a great impression. Be prepared to answer questions about how you plan to handle the transition to remote work. You should also come up with examples of how you have been able to successfully work from home, even if it's on personal projects. Highlighting your experience managing your time and working independently can show that you can handle the challenges of remote work.

Finally, if you don't have any prior experience working remotely, consider taking on freelance work to gain some experience. This can demonstrate your initiative and willingness to learn, making you a more attractive candidate for remote work positions.

Places like Upwork can be the perfect place for this. When Alan transitioned from his firefighting job, having a couple of short-term freelance gigs on the top of his resume helped show that he was serious about the transition and was capable of completing projects remotely.

2. Have a professional online presence

When it comes to applying for remote jobs, having a professional online presence is just as important as having a well-crafted resume. This is why it's essential to ensure that your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and portrays a professional image of yourself. Additionally, if your line of work allows, consider creating a personal website or blog to showcase your skills and experience. This gives potential employers a better understanding of your work and can increase your chances of securing a remote job.

As a nomad, your online presence is also important to consider. While sharing your travel experiences on social media is great, it's crucial to be discreet when it comes to your whereabouts. This is especially important if you're working remotely, as some employers may have concerns about the reliability and stability of nomadic workers. Non-disclosure of your location can also help you avoid potential compliance issues.

It's always a good idea to do a deep dive into your online presence every once in a while to ensure that it is professional and does not raise any red flags with potential employers. By being mindful of your online presence, you can increase your chances of securing your ideal remote job.

3. Customize your resume and cover letter

When it comes to remote job applications, customizing your resume and cover letter is essential. One way to do this is by using keywords from the job posting and highlighting how your skills and experience align with the requirements of the job. Additionally, referencing the company's mission or values in your cover letter and discussing how it aligns with your values and career can set you apart from other applicants. Another useful tip is to customize the "about me" or "summary" section of your resume to fit the job you are applying to. This can help grab the employer's attention and demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and experience for the role.

It's important to strike a balance between highlighting your skills and experience while keeping your resume and cover letter concise and to the point. This means removing irrelevant information that could distract employers and knowing when to skim through previous jobs on your resume. Only include key points that are relevant to the job you are applying for.

4. Be flexible with your schedule & plan for electric power
When it comes to remote work and being a nomad, it's important to be flexible with your schedule. This is something that we learned firsthand when we first hit the road. Working for companies in the Eastern time zone while traveling through the West meant that we had to adjust to a three-hour time difference. This meant waking up for meetings as early as 5 AM, which can be a challenge when living nomadically.

Remote jobs often come with flexible schedules, but it's important to be prepared to work odd hours if necessary. If you're applying for a job that requires you to work in a different time zone, make sure that you're willing and able to adjust your schedule accordingly. This may mean working early in the morning or late at night to accommodate your employer's time zone.

Being flexible with your schedule not only shows that you're committed to making remote work a success but also demonstrates that you're adaptable and able to work effectively in different environments. It's also important to remember that being a nomad means having enough power in your battery bank to get your laptop and WiFi going, even at odd hours of the day. So, make sure to plan and have the necessary resources to support your remote work.

5. Show your passion for remote work

When expressing your enthusiasm for remote work, it's important to focus on the benefits that it can bring to both you and the company. Highlight how remote work can increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve work-life balance. Emphasize your ability to work independently and communicate effectively, as these skills are crucial for successful remote work.
It's also important to demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of what remote work entails (and not just the good parts of it), such as the need for self-discipline, reliable technology, and effective time management. By showing that you're committed to making remote work a success, you can put employers at ease and increase your chances of getting hired.

6. Use a permanent home address
When you're applying for remote jobs, it's crucial to make a good impression and come across as a reliable and stable candidate. One way to do this is to avoid mentioning that you're a digital nomad or that you don't have a permanent home address. Employers may have concerns about your ability to stay in one place long enough to complete projects or attend meetings.

In addition to this, companies tend to prefer hiring from certain states due to the complexity of employment laws. Employers must follow the employment law in the state in which the employee is currently working. Therefore, companies need to set up their tax profiles, and payroll, and amend their handbooks to include specific states each time an employee in a new state is added to their workforce. Due to the complications of the nomad lifestyle and the compliance issues for employers, it's best to avoid disclosing that you're a nomad.

You can use a friend or family member's address or a virtual mailbox service instead. This will provide you with a physical address to use on your resume and job applications without raising any red flags. Make sure you double-check that the address is correct and up-to-date since this will be the primary way that employers will contact you. Also, ensure that you have a way of getting your laptop and equipment to your physical location as soon as possible to prevent any issues from arising.

Remember, you aim to present yourself as a dedicated and reliable remote worker who is committed to the success of the company. By using a permanent home address, you can help alleviate any concerns that employers may have about your stability and increase your chances of landing your dream remote job.

7. Be responsive

When you're working remotely, communication with your potential employer will likely take place through email, chat, or video conferencing. It's essential to be responsive and timely in your responses to show that you're dependable and committed to the job.

Make sure you check your email and messages frequently and respond promptly. You don't want to keep your potential employer waiting for too long, as this could create a negative impression. If you're unable to respond right away, be sure to let them know when you'll be available.

In addition to being responsive, it's also important to have a professional setup for video calls. If you're living on the road, you may want to consider having a consistent background in your rig or setting up your video call settings to display a consistent background. This will help demonstrate your professionalism and commitment to the job.

8. Network

Networking is a crucial aspect of finding a remote job as a digital nomad. Attending virtual events, joining online communities, and connecting with people in your industry can help you find job openings and connect with potential employers.

Virtual events are a great way to meet new people and learn about job opportunities. Many conferences and job fairs are now being held online, so you can attend from anywhere in the world. You can also join online communities and forums related to your industry. This is a great way to connect with like-minded professionals and gain insights into the industry.

LinkedIn is another excellent platform for networking. You can create a professional profile and connect with other professionals in your industry. Be sure to keep your profile up-to-date and engage with your connections by commenting on their posts and sharing valuable content.

In addition to these online networking opportunities, you can also reach out to your personal and professional contacts. Let them know that you're looking for remote work opportunities and ask if they have any leads or can introduce you to someone in your industry.

9. Be prepared for interviews

Remote job interviews are often conducted through video conferencing, so it's crucial to be prepared and have a professional setup for the interview. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

Firstly, ensure you have a quiet and professional space to conduct the interview. I would not recommend being located inside of a vehicle or having a distracting background that could raise questions. Be sure to remove any distractions or potential interruptions, such as pets, children, or loud noises.

Test your equipment and internet connection beforehand to avoid any technical difficulties. Make sure your camera, microphone, and speakers are working correctly, and your internet connection is stable. You don't want to have any technical issues during the interview, as this could create a negative impression.

Dress professionally and make sure you look presentable from head to toe, even if you're only visible from the waist up. This will help you feel more confident and professional during the interview.

Prepare for common interview questions and have examples of your work ready to showcase your skills and experience. Research the company beforehand and prepare questions to ask your potential employer. This will demonstrate your interest in the job and help you gather essential information about the company.

Remember, remote job interviews are just as important as in-person interviews, and you should take them just as seriously. By being prepared and professional, you can make a positive impression and increase your chances of landing a remote job.

10. Research the company

When it comes to researching the company, there are a few key aspects to consider. Firstly, look at the company's website and social media accounts to get a sense of its mission, values, and culture. This can help you determine if the company fits you and your work style well. Make sure to also check out their remote work policies and any benefits they offer to remote employees.

You can also research the company's reputation by reading reviews from current and former employees on sites like Glassdoor. This can give you insights into the company's management style, work environment, and overall employee satisfaction.

Another great way to learn more about the company is by networking with current or former employees. LinkedIn can be a great tool for this, as you can connect with people who work or have worked at the company and ask them questions about their experience. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of the company culture and whether it aligns with your values and work style. It can also be a way to get a cover letter in front of a recruiter.

By taking the time to research the company, you can tailor your application to fit the company's needs and increase your chances of landing the job. Additionally, it can help you make a more informed decision about whether the company is a good fit for you in the long run.