7 Proven Strategies to Secure a Lucrative Remote Job in Finance, Even Without Prior Experience

Landing remote jobs without any prior experience may seem challenging, but it’s definitely possible. In this article, we will guide you through five steps to position yourself as a top contender in the remote job market, even if you’re new to working remotely.

Step 1: Identify Your Existing Experience and Areas for Improvement
When reading remote job ads, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the long list of required skills and qualifications. However, it’s important to remember that employers often view these as ideal rather than mandatory. Instead of focusing on what you lack, highlight the skills you do have and emphasize them to hiring managers. Take note of the skills you possess and consider if you have similar skills from a different industry or if you can quickly acquire the remote skills they’re looking for.

Step 2: Connect Your Current Experience to the Job Requirements
To bridge the gap between your experience and the company’s expectations, showcase how you have provided value in your previous roles. Instead of simply stating generic responsibilities, highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your capabilities. For example, instead of saying you “managed a team,” mention how you “spearheaded a team of 10 to increase B2B sales by 40% in 2020.” These concrete achievements can compensate for your lack of remote work experience and show your potential to excel in a remote role.

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself with Remote Tools
Many remote companies rely on communication apps and project management tools to facilitate collaboration. Take the time to learn and understand popular communication tools like Slack, Skype, and Zoom. Additionally, familiarize yourself with project management tools such as Trello, Asana, and Basecamp. While you don’t need to master all of them, having a general understanding of how these tools work will make you a more competitive candidate.

Step 4: Develop the Skills You Lack
If you notice recurring skills in job ads that you don’t possess, consider working on acquiring them. Even if you can’t fully acquire these skills before an interview, demonstrating your willingness to learn and improve can impress employers. Learning even a fraction of the required skill will make it easier for you to adapt and contribute effectively once hired.

Step 5: Present Your Best Self
To make your application stand out, perform keyword research and incorporate industry-related keywords into your resume and cover letter. This will increase the chances of your application being noticed by applicant tracking software. Additionally, consider creating a personal website or digital portfolio to showcase your experience and qualifications. This demonstrates your tech-savviness and ability to work remotely.

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of landing a remote job, even without extensive experience. Remember to be honest about your skills and focus on highlighting how you can contribute based on your existing experience. Additionally, familiarize yourself with popular remote tools to reduce the learning curve once you’re hired. For more resources on becoming a competitive remote job candidate, check out the We Work Remotely learning portal. Start building your remote work career today!