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Master your job search in today’s work-from-home world

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✔ The job market in Canada is always changing, with more people exploring remote jobs.

✔ Working from home or working remotely is not for everyone. The key is knowing the type of work environment you thrive in and the skills needed for a remote job.

✔ Borrowing to continue your education or to create a productive workspace at home can be a worthwhile investment.

The job market in Canada is always shifting. Traditional jobs and careers are evolving and how we work is changing with more and more people choosing to work remotely. Now, 1 in 4 Canadians say that they would ideally work a greater proportion of their hours from home.[i]
 
If you’re searching for a job, and the idea of working remotely appeals to you, there are some things you’ll need to consider as part of your job search:

What are remote jobs?

Many people have jobs that can be done from home on a full-time or hybrid basis. Whether it’s working from home or remotely, it means the same thing. And it has changed the way people work, where they work and how they find work.
 
Remote work is when an employee does 100% of their work from home. While there are pros and cons for each type of work environment, looking for this type of work can be tricky in today’s job market. Another version of remote work is the hybrid job. Employees go into the office on certain days, defined by their employer, or according to an agreed-upon arrangement between the employee and their manager.
 
Remote working is not for everyone. If you are looking for this type of job, ask yourself:

  • Can you work and conduct meetings in a non-work environment? Separating work from non-work can be tough when your home becomes your office.
  • Do you thrive and get energized being around people? Remote work limits spontaneous get-togethers and discussions.
  • Do you have all the tech and space required? Remote work means you will need to be as productive as you would be in the office. You may need to budget for creating a space with the right kind of furniture and tech.  

If you’ve done a self-assessment and determined that remote work is something you can do, the next step is looking for companies that provide opportunities to work at home.  

How do I search for remote jobs in Canada?

Go online – many new job-search sites have been created to promote remote work. A simple Google search for remote jobs in Canada will provide a range of jobs - from part-time remote jobs, remote data entry jobs, remote customer service jobs and many others.
 
If you’re looking for work on more traditional job search sites, look for keywords in the job description – most companies will either highlight flexible work hours or even say that they offer different work arrangements. This usually means they are open to remote work.
 
As you search for remote work, remember that many of the basic job-search techniques still matter.

  • Get your resume in good shape.
  • Network with friends, family and former colleagues.
  • Think about questions employers will ask in an interview so you’re well-prepared when the phone rings or you get invited to a Zoom call.

Once you’ve landed the interview, then determine when the best time is to ask about the company policy on remote work.

Invest in yourself

Your research into remote work opportunities may reveal gaps in your work experience or show you uncover training opportunities that could help you land a remote job. If you feel the need to upgrade your skills, this may be the time to invest in yourself to get payback with a better paycheque. There are many inexpensive ways to develop new skills from part-time studies to online courses and community workshops.

Borrow for what you need

Once you land the ultimate work-from-home job, you’ll want to create the ideal space to do the job well and stay focused. If you need a little start-up money to furnish your home office or invest in a little training, we can help with personal loans from as little as $500. Apply online in minutes and get approved the same day.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice on any subject matter.

[i] Stats Canada Website. Working from home in Canada. Released: 2024-01-18. Viewed June 2024. Source.