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Succeeding at Your First Remote Work Job

After you’ve landed your first remote work job, it’s important to consider how different a remote position is from an in-person job. You’ll need to put more effort into reaching out to connect with your employer, as well as fellow employees, and there are a host of concerns you’ll need to take care of on your own, from IT support to buying office supplies. Although your employer can be helpful in setting you up for success, it’s also important to understand and advocate for your own needs. 

Invest in the Proper Technology

When you’re working remotely, it’s imperative to have a computer and software that are current and updated. Whether your industry prefers PC or Apple, make sure to invest in computers and mobile devices that can handle the work you do—and the same applies to relevant software. In most cases, you’ll need the Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Powerpoint). You should also be sure your home internet is fast and reliable, and you may need peripherals like a printer.

Be Highly Responsive to All Communication

As you establish yourself with the company, it’s a good idea to prioritize replying to any messages or phone calls you receive from your supervisor or co-workers. Do your utmost to respond as quickly as possible, and remember to keep your communications clear and professional. As a general rule, you’re better off over-communicating otherwise you may risk being seen as unresponsive at this stage. After you understand the company and its culture, you’ll learn about the standards for response times and tone of communication. 

Keep Regular Hours, Including Breaks

It can be difficult to separate your job from your home life when you’re working at home. Keeping regular hours and taking lunch and rest breaks throughout the day are good first steps toward maintaining a distinction between work and home. People often find it difficult to break away from work when they’re at home—“Just a few more emails, and then I’ll eat dinner”—but that approach often leads to burnout.  

Space to Work

Your workspace is another important aspect to consider.  When setting up your space, make sure you are comfortable.  Invest in a comfy office chair, monitor riser, blue light blocking glasses, or other ergonomic items that may be beneficial when in front of a screen for extended periods of time.  Consider the location in your house or apartment.  I.E. Is it away from the children’s playroom or other noisy areas of your living space?  Ensure that your space is free from distractions and set up to do deep work.

 

At Crosworks, our career-enhancing services will help you find and keep the job you’ve always wanted.  Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

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