Finding remote work with no experience: Tips, tricks, and strategies

Nearly 65% of employers base their hiring decisions on a candidate's skills and potential for growth for entry-level or early career positions. That's great news if you are looking for your first job or switching to a new industry.

In this article, Remote gives you extra tips on how to find a remote job without work experience. Learn where to find legitimate companies that are hiring, what recruiters look for, and how to set yourself apart from other candidates.

What factors do companies consider in remote employees with no experience?

Companies can be open to applicants with no work experience, but they are still looking for candidates with certain characteristics. Here's what companies look for in remote employees with no work experience:

1. Transferable skills

Employers look at your journey so far to see how well your educational and/or professional background meshes with the job description. Even if you’re doing a hard pivot from a different industry, you can find something valuable that your current experience brings to the table.

For example, tech support is in the realm of expertise for a remote tutor. Similarly, a fresh graduate who organized successful events as a student could flourish in an executive assistant role.

2. Willingness to learn

Don’t tell prospective employers that you’re willing to learn — demonstrate this willingness from your past experiences. You can prove your growth potential through volunteer work and personal projects that are relevant to the position.

For roles like design and web development, portfolios are helpful for displaying relevant examples of projects you’ve worked on. They also show your level of expertise and progression over time.

3. Cultural fit

Without formal experience, your success as a new hire is going to depend on how in tune you are with the company culture. If you’re a good cultural fit with the company, you’re more likely to work well with the rest of the team and their processes. And this increases your chances of growing and delivering results.

Research each company you’re interested in before applying, and pay attention to the interview with the company to determine whether you’re a good cultural fit.

4. Referrals

You can find a good entry-level job through a referral from within the company. In larger companies, the value of the employee providing a referral becomes a crucial factor for speeding up the hiring process. Many organizations prioritize referred candidates because they are seen as a good fit with the company, which can even lead to higher retention.

5. Soft skills

Hard skills, like coding or accounting, are often used for tasks that one can learn and become proficient in over time. Soft skills, however, like creative thinking and a strong work ethic, are tied to personality traits. em

From an employer's perspective, soft skills can even be harder to train. Emphasizing the soft skills you have can help you stand out as a valuable candidate even without direct work experience.

Where to find remote roles with no experience

Finding a fully remote position with no experience may seem daunting, but it’s far from impossible. Here are some of the top places to look for remote job opportunities:

1. Job boards

Job boards can be your centralized platform to browse open positions at different companies. Unfortunately, a lot of companies advertise their roles as remote, but they’re restricted to certain locations or time zones.

To avoid non-remote listings, it’s a good idea to start with a job board that is remote-specific. Remote’s job board, for instance, only allows postings from high-quality, verified companies, so you don’t have to wade through advertisements.

2. Company websites

Most companies have a website with a careers section where you can browse open roles. Even if you don’t find an open position at the moment, you can still end up finding a suitable role for yourself. You can set up alerts for future roles, or even send a cold email to build a connection for later opportunities.

3. Social media

98% of companies use social media for recruitment. So, if you’re looking for an “in” with the people in charge of hiring, social media platforms are a great place to start. Just be mindful to run targeted searches to find the right role that fits your unique needs. For example, you can combine your preferred job title with keywords like “hiring” or “entry level” to get started.

4. Industry-specific events

Any place where people in your preferred industry gather — webinars, meetups, live streams, hackathons — is a good place to look for opportunities. At these events, you can meet employers from remote companies and network with like-minded professionals. Plus, the organizers and speakers are often industry leaders who may be hiring in their respective departments.

5. Referrals

88% of employers say that referrals bring them their best employees. A person making a referral can suggest a high-quality contender because they understand both the requirements of the role and the capabilities of the candidate. If you have a contact within a company you’re interested in applying to, having them refer you can help you stand out to a remote employer.

How to find a remote job with no experience

Companies are increasingly valuing skills, adaptability, and cultural fit over traditional experience. By showcasing your potential, leveraging transferable skills, and strategically networking, you can land a new remote position. Here are our top tips for finding a remote job even with no direct work experience.

1. Tailor each application to the job posting

Applying to entry-level roles requires a lot of heavy lifting. After all, you have to convince a company to choose you over someone with more experience.

Rather than sending out the same generic application to each company you apply to, be more methodical. Find a role you feel you can excel in at a company you like, and spend some time tailoring the application to that role.

In addition to building your resume and cover letter around the job description, study the company’s mission statement to determine its goals and use that info to convey the value you offer.

2. Highlight your soft and transferable skills

Soft and transferable skills can have a bigger impact than hard skills, so put them front and center in your application. Employers often look for candidates who excel in communication, problem-solving, time management, and adaptability — qualities that are important for success in remote work environments.

If you've handled tasks like coordinating schedules, managing projects, or using digital tools in previous roles or personal projects, highlight these as evidence of your remote-readiness. Tailor your resume and cover letter to showcase how these skills can benefit the employer.

3. Emphasize your educational achievements 

Anyone doing a hard pivot from a different industry or just starting a career can show their grasp of specialized job requirements through their educational background.

Education doesn’t just have to be a college degree, either. Professional certifications, free or paid, can teach you what you need to land a job.

4. Build volunteer experience

Look for opportunities to volunteer for causes and organizations related to your industry. Volunteer work doesn’t have to take up much of your time; it could be something you engage in every week or even monthly. Common volunteer roles include mentorship, teaching assistance, community development and management, and coordinator positions.

5. Work on personal projects

Personal projects let you demonstrate expertise and initiative on your own terms. Use them to build your portfolio and document how your skills evolve.

Let the type of role you’re aiming for determine the scope of the projects you work on. For example, a UX writer can take on a 30-day challenge by crafting new microcopy prompts every day, while a web developer can focus on building a small handful of full-stack projects to showcase their skills.

6. Network

Networking is a powerful way to find remote job opportunities, especially when you lack direct experience. Join online communities and forums focused on remote work, such as LinkedIn groups, Reddit threads, or Slack channels dedicated to your industry.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to people in your network who are already working remotely — they can provide valuable insights, advice, and even referrals. Building genuine relationships and demonstrating your enthusiasm can open doors to opportunities that might not be publicly advertised.

Start your remote career with confidence

Starting a remote career can be an exciting opportunity to redefine your professional life. With remote work, you can gain autonomy and a better work-life balance while advancing your career.

Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional looking to transition into a new field, landing a remote job with no relevant work experience can be intimidating. Luckily, Remote Talent gives you the boost you need to stand out to top remote employers.

Select from remote or hybrid roles, and filter by location and pay ranges to apply for only the jobs you want. Remote Talent matches you with verified remote companies only, so you can save time and get hired faster.  Visit our job board to find the right employer for you, and sign up for Remote Talent to start your remote career today.

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