How do I break into the Remote job force?

9 Comments

1. AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 1:24PM UTC

   Nationwide Insurance and their sister company Nationwide Financial hire 100% remote customer service positions from anywhere in the country. You can move into sales from there, but you don't have to.

2. AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 3:01PM UTC

   Honestly? I’d try to get over that fear and find a sales company that sells something you believe in. I work in sales but I sell something that I know is necessary, meets a customers need and will do what they need it to do. Nothing to feel bad about and no forcing.

3. AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 5:31PM UTC

   A couple of thoughts- hope they help you.

   -If working "remotely" is a top priority, just keep applying to jobs (either on typical job search sites by filtering for "Remote," or search on Remote-only job sites--it can be a numbers game. If it's not top priority, include jobs that are "Hybrid / Remote" .

   -You mention On-Site Administration. Sounds like you have a variety of skills that could include Customer Support, Customer Success, Operations, Account Management, perhaps Virtual Assistant, Regional Manager. etc. I hope these job titles help shift the job search algorithm for you.

   -Customer Service/ Success does not have to include Sales. Many companies have separated roles for the stages of the Customer Success Lifecycle/Pipeline (e.g. Pre-Sales, Onboarding, Adoption, Growth).

   -Sales has been changing and in some fields has more of a "relationship" than "hunter" model. There are many organizations that offer internal training and scripts to help their teams. If you want to learn sales, you can prep a "weaknesses" interview response (e.g. you're great at customer relationships and would like to enhance your sales skills to make sure the customer gets the most out of the company experience).

   -Seek in job description or interview---If you interview for one of these companies, a good question to ask is where do the "leads" come from. Sourcing or pitching to your own leads may not be what you want now. Ask how big the customer team is and if the role is responsible for the whole or part of the lifecycle. Ask if they have to follow a script or what the training is. Do they have a quota? What is the customer contract length? Immediate, annual, multi-year---this could also stretch out how often you do the hard sell conversations. (Ask if their client base is B2B, B2C, both, etc. (It sounds like you may have some B2C experience).

   -There are also organizations like NASP for Sales Professional training.

   -If you're looking to get exp (in Remote work), you could also volunteer or have a flexible side hustle.

   And the sage advice of, if you believe you can do most of the job, apply to it. Good luck.

4. AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 12:25PM UTC

   Thank you, this was wonderful advice and excellent recommendations. I really appreciate it. Right now, I am trying for 100% remote because at I'm staying with my partner in the UK for 6 months until my visitor visa expires. It's been such a difficult process trying to job hunt with time differences and companies wanting people who are located in the US.

5. AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 5:37PM UTC

   Hi again. I'm wishing you the best. I've been in your shoes in the past. Time zones, visas, etc. FWIW, many visas have restrictions on paid and unpaid work (I recommend looking up government rules on visas / or contacting a lawyer). If your current search path isn't productive, may I also suggest: If one of you is an Expat in the UK, leverage that community for contacts. If your fiance is working, some companies offer to help the fiance find work in the company.

   Another person posted how there's a trend toward Remote jobs going to AI (or overseas). Hybrid may be a way through or freelance work sites like Upwork.

6. AnonymousJanuary 19,2024 at 7:04PM UTC

   I'm not sure this will answer your question, but just wanted to let you know that I am not keen on sales either, however approached it with the attitude of a teacher. I do like imparting information and teaching someone how what they are looking at will benefit them, be what they are looking for, how it is the best choice, etc. Embrace sales.

7. AnonymousJanuary 20,2024 at 1:34PM UTC

   Everyone sells.
   Sales is just discovery. Asking questions providing solutions.

8. Cynthia AnnJanuary 20,2024 at 9:11PM UTC

   Following

9. AnonymousJanuary 21,2024 at 1:59PM UTC

   Everyone wants a remote job! Customer service isn't usually a sales job. It's often answering questions, dealing with returns, etc. AI is replacing people in those remote roles but you may find something.