Remote work is the wave of the future, and COVID-19 is speeding up the process. Experts are predicting that 25–30% of the workforce will be working remotely multiple days a week by the end of 2021. It can be tough to sort through the different positions and figure out the right fit.
After you've found your ideal position, it's also key to make sure your resume is optimized to get past the hurdles of ATS (application tracking systems) that are designed to weed out candidates.
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With this sharp increase in interest in work-from-home careers, it's overwhelming to figure out the best remote jobs for different situations. Where do you even start looking? Remote online job markets like FlexJobs are a great place to start, but your experience level, desired pay and long-term career plan will all factor into your job choice.
Our team created your go-to list of the best remote jobs for individuals with various goals and interests. Many of these jobs can be contractor positions that allow room for growth and have the potential to set you up for similar salaried roles in the future.
- Best Remote Jobs for Recent Graduates
- Best Remote Jobs for Creative People
- Best Remote Jobs for Technical People
- Best Remote Jobs for Parents
- Best Remote Jobs for Seniors
Best Remote Jobs for Recent Graduates
1) Customer Support Representative (CSR)
What to expect:
- CSRs are expected to be the first line of contact with customers. They field complaints, resolve issues and answer questions via phone calls, email correspondence, online chat and sometimes social media.
Requirements & skills:
- Typically no degree required.
- Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial. Previous experience in customer service is helpful.
Where to look for jobs:
- Custom support representatives are needed across all fields, but telehealthcare companies, e-commerce companies, SaaS companies and delivery service companies are particularly popular during this time.
Pro tip:
- If you want a position with clear cut hours and growth opportunities, this job is a great option. Most CSR jobs are entry-level, with the potential for advancement to supervisory and management roles.
2) Online Tutor
What to expect:
- Digital tutors assess, teach and support learners using a variety of online channels. They use email, discussion forums, audio and video conferencing to help students reach their educational goals.
Requirements & skills:
- Most positions only ask for a four-year degree and knowledge of the subject matter.
- Tech-savvy communication and problem-solving skills are critical.
Where to look for jobs:
- Start by browsing tutoring websites to search for in-demand positions based on subject matter and difficulty.
- If you're interested in teaching English as a second language to foreign students, there are affordable online certifications that qualify you and expand your options.
Pro tip:
- Tutoring positions can be quite lucrative, and certain positions don't even require a college degree. Some test prep tutor and foreign language instructor positions care more about your teaching style and language proficiency than your degree.
3) Social Media Manager or Coordinator
What to expect:
- This role involves monitoring an organization's social media accounts, responding to questions, growing followers and boosting engagement with a social media following.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree isn't necessarily required, but candidates should be able to prove previous social media experience.
Where to look for jobs:
- Social media management roles are highly in-demand since every business has a social media presence these days. Try job boards like the Jobs in Social Media.
Pro tip:
- Depending on the company or agency, this role's responsibilities can vary greatly. Consider that you will be responsible for managing key performance indicators (KPIs) that might include reporting on views, shares, sales goals and budget changes.
4) Technical Support Specialist
What to expect:
- Technical support specialists help customers or businesses that are experiencing technical, hardware or software issues via phone, email or online chat.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree is usually required, and most roles require certification or training to become familiar with a product-specific software or application.
- You must be comfortable troubleshooting, solving problems and having patience with people.
Where to look for jobs:
- Many SaaS (Software as a Service) companies need to hire their own support teams to ensure customers understand how to use their digital products. You can also look into working for organizations that specialize in providing technical support for businesses or consumers such as Tech to Us or Bask.
Pro tip:
- These jobs are listed as technical "customer success" manager or advisor. For example, Apple is almost always in need of At Home Advisors.
5) Software Tester
What to expect:
- QA testers test new software products to make sure they program all specifications and requirements. They also create defect reports against issues found during testing.
Requirements & skills:
- These jobs can be quite advanced and require a college degree, but everything depends on your familiarity with software testing and your experience level.
Where to look for jobs:
- Software tester jobs are often listed as QA (quality assurance) testers, too. Look beyond listings on LinkedIn to find job boards that have extensive lists of tech positions. Also, consider the options available to work as an independent contractor through sites like TryMyUI.
Pro tip:
- Some software testers are expected to assist in investigating issues reported by customers and help craft responses. Be sure you're aware of all aspects of the job before accepting it.
Best Remote Jobs for Creative People
6) Freelance Writer or Editor
What to expect:
- This role could involve a wide range of positions, including blogging, content repurposing, crowdsourcing, proofreading/editing or freelancing for online magazines.
Requirements & skills:
- No degree is required as long as you're a skilled writer, savvy communicator and have a track record to prove it.
Where to look for jobs:
- Job boards such as MediaBistro, ProBlogger, Freelance Writers Den, and Twine have a wealth of opportunities.
Pro tip:
- Building a personal website with a portfolio of writing samples can help you land gigs and seem more legitimate when you pitch stories.
7) Voiceover Artist or Voice Actor
What to expect:
- This role includes recording voice over or voice acting content for commercials, podcasts or radio, movie trailers, sports broadcasts, documentary narration, animated films, and more.
Requirements & skills:
- The ability to record and edit audio is essential along with a demo roll of voice samples and/or previous work. Technically, you don't need formal voice acting training.
Where to look for jobs:
- If you already have voiceover experience, you'll likely find success searching listings on job boards like Voice Actor Websites. If you're just breaking into the industry, you might consider gaining traction by offering your skills on sites like Voices.com and VoiceBunny.com to accumulate as many positive reviews as you can.
Pro tip:
- This field is easier to break into than you think. With the explosion of demand for audio content such as podcasts, voiceover ads are more in-demand than you think.
8) Graphic Designer
What to expect:
- This role involves creating visual concepts online that captivate clients or customers. They also develop the overall layout and production design for applications such as ads, magazines and reports.
Requirements & skills:
- Proficiency in graphic design software, namely the Adobe Suite.
- Creativity, keen attention to detail, and a results-oriented mindset are key to success.
Where to look for jobs:
- There are plenty of freelance opportunities when it comes to graphic design jobs, but check out job boards like Authentic Jobs for full-time positions for people looking for web design roles.
Pro tip:
- Even if you decide to work for a "non-creative" agency or company for the pay rather than the creative element, remember you're still building your skills/portfolio. The beauty of this career path is that you're always perfecting your transferable skills.
9) Online Video Editor
What to expect:
- A video editor is responsible for assembling and editing footage, audio and potentially incorporating graphics or animation to create and export a cohesive final product.
Requirements & skills:
- You're not required to have a degree as long as you have strong video editing skills and a portfolio with previous work or sample work to validate your expertise.
Where to look for jobs:
- Narrow down your search based on the type of video editing you hope to do. If you're trying to break into the industry, starting with smaller gigs from Upwork and Fiverr to gradually build a positive professional reputation.
Pro tip:
- Try showcasing your portfolio on sites like Krop if you're an experienced editor trying to attract certain types of clients.
10) Virtual Event Planner
What to expect:
- This role is responsible for the successful production of a virtual event such as a webinar or online conference, planning and coordinating all of the details.
Requirements & skills:
- Event planning experience, tech-savviness and strong project management skills are a must.
Where to look for jobs:
- The two main routes to take when hunting for this type of job is to search for positions at virtual event planning agencies, like Virtual Venues, or event planning/marketing agencies, like Bizzabo, that now have been forced to go virtual resulting from the pandemic.
Pro tip:
- Consider if you're more interested in the technicalities of digital event planning/production, or if you would also be comfortable being the face of a virtual event, guiding or hosting a webcast. This will help guide the types of job applications you complete.
Best Remote Jobs for Technical People
11) Product Manager (PM)
What to expect:
- A product manager is responsible for the strategy and roadmap/timeline of a digital product's development. They also define the features of a product or product line, making them as user-friendly as possible.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree and technical background are usually required.
- The ability to effectively manage projects, a knack for understanding users and communicate clearly with programmers is essential.
Where to look for jobs:
- Tech and startup job boards like Product Hunt and StartUpHire are helpful resources for finding a company that's the right fit.
Pro tip:
- Product management is a new and evolving position. Attend webinars, virtual meetups and take courses that allow you to keep a finger on the pulse of the latest in the field.
12) Web Developer
What to expect:
- This role involves building a website from the ground up, working with a web designer to create the most seamless, user-friendly experience navigating the web pages.
Requirements & skills:
- A degree or coding boot camp certification is preferred.
- Proficiency in the required coding language in addition to creativity and excellent collaboration/communication skills.
Where to look for jobs:
- There are plenty of full-time listings with employers ranging from big tech companies like Amazon to startups. If freelancing is more your speed, there are gigs for software engineers and developers via online marketplaces, such as Remote.
Pro tip:
- Depending on whether you're planning on applying to be a front-end or back-end developer will affect your job hunt. Tech job boards like GitHub Jobs, WPhired and Dice.com are great places to narrow down your search.
13) SEO Specialist
What to expect:
- Closely monitor trends and changes in search engine optimization (SEO) and ensure the implementation of all relevant SEO best practices.
Requirements & skills:
- SEO training is required, and a college degree and a basic background in coding are preferable.
Where to look for jobs:
- Job boards like Mashable's job board are useful for finding salaried positions, but you can find positions as an independent contractor with sites such as Remote.co.
Pro tip:
- Closely monitor trends on publications like Search Engine Journal and Search Engine Land to stay aware of relevant SEO best practices.
14) User Experience/User Interface Designer
What to expect:
- User experience (UX/UI) designers measure and optimize websites or applications to improve the usability and interface and create the best user experience by exploring how to solve end-users' problems.
Requirements & skills:
- A design degree or advanced certification/experience in UI/UX website design is preferred.
Where to look for jobs:
- There are many freelance opportunities for this type of position that are easy to find on job boards like Gun.io or Designer News. There are also tech-focused job boards for full-time positions that have great listings.
Pro tip:
- There are free and paid UX/UI Design courses to help people refine their knowledge or break into the field. For example, General Assembly's course includes elements of visual design, marketing, product, engineering and business strategy.
15) Data Scientist
What to expect:
- Data scientists are analytical experts who use both technology and social science knowledge to find trends and manage data, often with the end goal of finding business solutions.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree and/or additional data science training courses are expected.
- Candidates must be comfortable analyzing large datasets.
Where to look for jobs:
- Your desired niche will determine where you job hunt. Niche recruitment portals for data analytics jobs can help you narrow down your search, including AI Jobs, BuiltIn and Big Data Jobs.
Pro tip:
- Even if you have to spend money on data science/analytics courses, remember it's a wise long-term investment considering the demand for data scientists has increased drastically in the past five years and doesn't show any sign of slowing down.
Best Remote Jobs for Parents
16) Digital Community Manager
What to expect:
- A community manager helps build, grow and manage a company's or brand's online communities.
- Using analytics tools to monitor social media outlets, online forums and blogs, a community manager finds out what people are saying about a company or brand.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree or equivalent certification is preferred.
- The abilities to multitask, implement creative ideas and respond to online feedback intelligently are essential.
Where to look for jobs:
- Since managing online reputation and user engagement across channels is crucial for increasing revenue growth for businesses these days, these jobs are easy to find on LinkedIn or Indeed.
Pro tip:
- This type of job is super flexible, but the responsibilities vary significantly from organization to organization. Be sure you find out the metrics of success of the position before you commit.
17) Content Marketer
What to expect:
- Content marketers are responsible for the planning, creating and sharing of valuable content to attract and convert prospects into customers.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree is required, preferably in a related field.
- Excellent writing and communication skills are necessary, and SEO basic knowledge is a plus.
Where to look for jobs:
- There are plenty of companies and agencies hiring full-time positions and listing them on sites like LinkedIn, but you can also find freelance content marketing opportunities on sites like Contently.
Pro tip:
- Since content marketers' specific responsibilities vary greatly from agency to agency, clarify expectations with your employer before accepting a position.
18) Paid Advertising Manager or Coordinator
What to expect:
- The paid ads manager or coordinator must quickly understand, manage and support initiatives that will contribute to the goals and success of digital ads campaigns across channels including but not limited to Google, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat and YouTube.
Requirements & skills:
- No degree required.
- Social media ads certifications. Most certifications, such as the one for Google Ads, require you to take a series of free courses and pass the accompanying exams.
Where to look for jobs:
- Start by browsing job boards like Workew to see if any of your favorite brands are hiring for a full-time position. There is also a plethora of opportunities for online contractors.
Pro tip:
In addition to certifications, there are many free and paid resources to learn how to run efficient and profitable online ad campaigns, such as the e-books and webinars offered by Adspresso.
19) Online Course Developer
What to expect:
- Training and development specialists help plan, conduct and administer programs that educate individuals or employees in a certain skill set.
Requirements & skills:
- Expertise in a particular skillset or knowledge base that would offer tangible value to potential course purchasers.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to organize lessons.
Where to look for jobs:
- Like many other roles on this list, this position has the potential to be salaried or freelance. You'll find open positions for course developer agencies like Teachable and Udemy.
Pro tip:
- Online courses are now a popular marketing tool and an additional income stream for a variety of businesses. If you want to go the entrepreneurial route, there are both paid and free resources for course creation.
Best Remote Jobs for Seniors
20) Data Entry Professional
What to expect:
- The most popular data entry positions are data processors, coders and data clerks. Many positions require you to verify or edit data in addition to inputting it.
Requirements & skills:
- Typically no degree required.
- Expert typing skills and keen attention to detail.
- Familiarity with spreadsheets and inputting data into a system from written or audio files is a plus.
Where to look for jobs:
- Look for business processing outsourcing companies like Ameridial and BinaryFolks. Verify that you're dealing with a legitimate company, because data entry job scams are unfortunately common.
Pro tip:
- This type of job is always in high demand, and it can serve as an additional source of income on top of another remote gig.
21) Virtual Assistant
What to expect:
- VAs provide administrative support to a company or individual. They are usually expected to handle phone, email and social media communication, schedule meetings, coordinate transportation logistics and more.
Requirements & skills:
- No degree required.
- The ability to multitask, communicate effectively and troubleshoot issues is essential.
Where to look for jobs:
- Take advantage of freelance websites like Upwork.com and Fiverr.com to familiarize yourself with virtual assistant jobs that are available.
Pro tip:
- Since this position is usually freelance, they are task-oriented and there are options for highly flexible hours.
22) Freelance Consultant
What to expect:
- Freelance consultants excel in industries from health and wellness to business, career and financial investing. What can you offer others as a consultant? If you prefer not to be your own boss, companies all around the world frequently hire consultants as independent contractors through sites like Workew.
Requirements & skills:
- Expertise in your chosen area and a certification as a consultant or coach.
Where to look for jobs:
- There are plenty of business consultant agencies that you can search for on job boards that will be eager to hire remote consultants. If you want to go the entrepreneurial route, start with your personal network to seek clients and don't charge much in the beginning.
Pro tip:
- If you've had a successful career in a certain field, you can leverage that experience, become a solopreneur, and help others more easily than you think. Legitimizing your personal brand with the right certifications is the first step.
23) Transcriptionist or Translator
What to expect:
- The position involves listening to recorded or live audio files and converts into text format what they hear.
Requirements & skills:
- Most positions don't require a degree but you must be an excellent typist.
- More advanced data entry jobs could require certification or previous experience in the specific type of transcription required.
Where to look for jobs:
- Look beyond job boards like Indeed to find positions through companies like Literably, Tigerfish and Scribie.
Pro tip:
- Areas of expertise include corporate, financial, legal and medical transcription. Translation job opportunities are also in high demand if you have proficiency in another language.
24) Insurance Agent
What to expect:
- This role involves selling, soliciting, differentiating and negotiating insurance plans that match the needs of a customer's portfolio. The goal is to maintain positive relationships by monitoring insurance claims to ensure mutual satisfaction.
Requirements & skills:
- You must earn an insurance license, and the requirements vary by state.
Where to look for jobs:
- Try specific job boards like Insurance Jobs and Great Insurance Jobs to find positions outside of highly competitive job boards where remote insurance positions fill quickly.
Pro tip:
- This career naturally lends itself remote work, since the day is spent primarily communicating via phone and email. However, be sure your employer is clear about expectations about possibly coming into the office occasionally in the future.
25) Medical Billing/Collections Specialist
What to expect:
- This role involves preparing and submitting patient bills for both insurance and private pay. Specialists handle billing and collections, claim denials and manage patient accounts, along with other administrative duties.
Requirements & skills:
- A college degree is required as well as proficiency in billing and medical coding.
- Background in some aspect of healthcare or the medical field is preferred.
Where to look for jobs:
- Since the medical and health categories lead in remote job listings on FlexJobs, remember you have options, and don't rush into a decision.
Pro tip:
- Many aspects of this job are similar to a custom service representative in situations where you're dealing with patients discussing charge entry, collection and troubleshooting.
As more companies build a telecommuting workforce, exciting opportunities for some of the best remote jobs will continue growing. Remote work can be more beneficial for your career path than you might think. There are plenty of scientifically proven ways working from home has its benefits.
Need to polish up your resume to get on top of your remote job search as soon as possible? Our library full of various templates for resumes and cover letters can ease the stress of the application process to help you land the best remote job out there. Also, check out more of LiveCareer's advice in our Career Resources Toolkit for Job Seekers.
Sources:
Global Workplace Analytics | AARP | Skillcrush | MediaBistro | Burning Glass: Hybrid Jobs | Burning Glass: Digital Marketing Skills | Hubspot | Transcription Hub | LinkedIn Emerging Jobs Report | Data Science Degree Programs
