Work From Jobs: Tips to Succeed and Tools to Help You Get Hired

Working from home has moved from being a perk to a standard option across many industries. Whether you’re looking to transition into remote work for better work-life balance, flexibility, or access to global opportunities, it takes more than just finding job listings to land a solid remote role. You need the right strategy, tools, and mindset to stand out and succeed.

Here are practical tips to help you not only find a legitimate work-from-home job, but also thrive once you get it.

1. Know What Roles Fit Remote Work

Not every job is suited for remote work, but many are. Tech, marketing, writing, customer support, design, sales, and project management are some of the most common categories for remote roles.

Start by identifying your transferable skills and targeting industries that commonly hire remote workers. Platforms like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and FlexJobs can help you find open roles, but it helps to go in with clarity about what you're aiming for.

2. Tailor Your Resume for Remote Positions

Your resume shouldn’t just show you’re qualified. It should show you can thrive independently. Emphasize experience with remote tools (like Slack, Zoom, Trello, Asana, etc.), your ability to manage time without supervision, and examples of strong written communication.

If you're unsure how to adjust your resume, AI-powered tools like Refer Me offer resume builders tailored for applicant tracking systems (ATS), boosting your chances of getting noticed. Refer Me also reviews your resume and helps you optimize it based on your target roles.

3. Leverage Employee Referrals to Get in the Door

One of the biggest hurdles in remote job applications is getting noticed. Hiring managers for remote roles are flooded with applicants from around the world. A strong referral can move your application to the top of the list.

That’s where Refer Me comes in. It connects job seekers with employees at top companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta who are willing to refer qualified candidates. You simply pick the job, request a referral, and increase your odds of landing an interview. It’s a smart way to bypass the resume black hole.

4. Prepare for Remote Interviews Differently

Remote interviews are often conducted over Zoom or similar platforms. So, treat your setup like your future workplace. Ensure good lighting, a quiet background, and a stable internet connection. Practice speaking clearly and confidently on camera.

Interviewers will look for signs that you’re self-motivated, organized, and tech-savvy. Be ready with examples that show how you communicate remotely, resolve issues independently, and stay productive without in-person oversight.

5. Be Clear About Your Work Preferences and Environment

When applying for remote roles, know your limits. Are you open to different time zones? Do you prefer async communication or real-time collaboration? How do you like to structure your day?

Employers appreciate candidates who know how they work best. It shows you’ve thought seriously about remote work and have a plan to stay effective.

6. Set Up a Functional Home Office

Working in bed sounds great until your back starts screaming and your productivity drops. A dedicated workspace signals to your brain (and housemates) that it’s time to work.

Invest in a good chair, desk, and noise-canceling headphones. Set boundaries with those you live with. Create a routine. Small things like a second monitor or a better webcam can also make a big difference.

7. Communicate Like It’s Your Superpower

Remote work lives and dies on communication. You won’t bump into your boss in the hallway, so proactive updates, clear Slack messages, and regular check-ins are essential.

Get comfortable writing status updates, documenting your processes, and asking for help when needed. If you're new to this, check out templates or guides on effective async communication.

8. Keep Building Skills That Matter

The remote job market is competitive, and it moves fast. Stay sharp by learning tools and skills in demand. If you’re in marketing, learn automation platforms. In design? Master Figma. In customer support? Get familiar with CRMs like Zendesk.

Sites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning are great places to upskill. Even better, mention these courses in your resume or during interviews to show you’re proactive.

9. Watch Out for Scams

Legit work-from-home jobs don’t ask you to pay upfront, wire money, or provide personal banking info early in the process. If a job sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Stick to reputable job boards and platforms like Refer Me that verify roles and companies. Do your research and trust your gut.

10. Stay Connected to a Community

Remote work can be isolating if you don’t take steps to stay connected. Join online communities, Slack groups, or LinkedIn circles related to your industry. Attend virtual meetups, webinars, or coffee chats.

Not only will this help you grow professionally, but it also makes the remote work experience more social and fulfilling.

Final Thoughts

Finding a remote job isn’t just about applying to listings. It’s about presenting yourself as someone ready to thrive outside a traditional office. Use tools like Refer Me to bypass noisy job boards, strengthen your resume, and get referred by insiders. Combine that with smart interview prep, solid communication skills, and a strong daily routine, and you’re well on your way to landing and succeeding in a remote role.

Remote work isn’t just a trend—it’s a shift. If you treat it seriously, it can change your career and life for the better.