Ready to ditch the daily commute and transform your spare bedroom into your new home office?
Working remotely can be a great way to create the perfect work-life balance, whether you’re trying to skip the commute, avoid office-based distractions, improve your family life, or anything else. The good news is, the remote work landscape has expanded – even for people with no experience.
Here’s how to secure your first work from home job – including information on where to find remote jobs, and how to craft applications that stand out:
Is remote work right for you?
Remote working isn’t just about wearing slippers during meetings or skipping the packed train at 7am. Sure, you save money and get more flexibility, but there are unique challenges too.
To make sure it’s the right choice for you, ask yourself:
- Are you self-motivated enough to manage your time with minimal supervision?
- Will you miss those classic ‘water cooler’ catch-ups?
- Can you separate work and home life, or will you be tempted by Netflix at 11 am?
- How will you handle missing out on social events or that all-too-familiar FOMO?
- Are you comfortable communicating through email, video, and phone?
Because remote jobs tend to put independence and initiative front and centre, you’ll need to have a working style that fits.
11 things you realise when you start working from home
What skills do you need to work remotely?
You don’t need a tech degree or a five-page CV to stand out for remote jobs – but there are a few key skills employers want in remote workers:
Communication that connects
Remote work thrives on rock-solid written and verbal communication.
If you’ve managed group projects, run a blog, or even just orchestrated dinner plans by WhatsApp, you’re already flexing those skills. Just make sure you remember to highlight them on your CV and in interviews.
Tech-savviness
You don’t have to know how to reboot the internet, but you do need to:
- Be comfortable with video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
- Be able to use task management tools (Trello, Asana, Jira, Google Workspace)
- Have a good internet connection, decent webcam, and a professional email address (probably time to archive groovy_chick95@email.com – despite the childhood memories)
Independence and trustworthiness
Work from home jobs require self-motivation, good time management, and the ability to deliver results without any in-person guidance.
This means you should highlight any evidence you have of this in your applications, using real-life examples (like studying for exams or organising a big event solo) to back up your skills.
Mentioning freelance gigs, portfolio projects, or any results you’ve driven will also help to make your application stand out.
A good online presence
OK, so you don’t actually need to be TikTok famous, but having a professional LinkedIn profile, a personal site, or even a small portfolio shows employers you exist and care.
This also helps grow your network and connects you to remote work communities.
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How to find remote job opportunities
Now you know whether remote working is right for you, you might be wondering where to look. Here’s where to find the best work from home jobs:
Look on job boards
Firstly, head to job search sites that let you filter for remote jobs.
For example, try the remote jobs or work from home jobs sections on Reed.co.uk, which cover everything from entry-level admin to specialist payroll jobs.
You can also make your search smarter by trying search terms like ‘remote’, ‘work from home’ or ‘remote jobs no experience’.
Be industry-specific
Some industries are naturally more suited to remote work. While jobs like Firefighter, Surgeon, or Deep-Sea Diver might be off the table, plenty of other roles lend themselves perfectly to remote setups.
Roles in customer service, creative fields, and administrative support are particularly common, with many companies providing the tools and training needed to work effectively from home.
Don’t overlook your own network
Ask your current employer if remote working or flexible hours could be an option. Many companies are more open to this than you might think.
You could also explore freelancing – which is a great way to build up your skills and get some experience tackling remote tasks.
How to: Find working from home jobs
Remote jobs you can do without any experience
Think you need lots of experience to get started with remote work? Think again.
Whether you’re looking for a remote job where you can utilise your organisational skills, or you want something more creative, getting your foot into the world of remote working might be easier than you think.
Here are some of the most common remote jobs you can do without any experience:
- Customer Service Representative
If you’re friendly and approachable, you’ll be great at greeting customers and solving simple problems. Most companies provide training and scripts, so if you can stay polite on the phone (even when someone’s blaming you for their broken Wi-Fi), you’re in.
If colour-coding your calendar sparks joy, or you’re the go-to for making sure trips make it out of the group chat, this role is for you. Tasks range from managing inboxes to scheduling meetings – all things that can be learned on the job.
Payroll and admin work might sound daunting, but many companies hire juniors or assistants who learn the ropes on real projects. If you’re organised and can handle confidential info, these jobs often offer remote training and flexible hours.
Can you write, draw, or create engaging videos for fun? Roles in copywriting or social media allow you to build skills as you go – and a strong portfolio of blogs, social posts, or creative projects is key to getting started.
- Data Entry or General Admin
Many companies now offer remote training for roles like data input, document formatting, or basic database work. If you’re detail-oriented and can follow simple instructions, this could be the perfect choice for you.
Believe it or not, you can get paid just for sharing your opinion on products, websites, or even the latest TV shows. Signing up to reputable survey platforms is quick, and while you won’t make a full-time wage, it’s a flexible way to earn extra cash from home.
These roles are beginner-friendly because they focus on attitude and soft skills – such as communication, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
You’ll also find that many standard entry-level roles in fields like sales, IT support, and marketing now offer remote or hybrid working options, so don’t just look for jobs labelled ‘remote’ in the title.
View all work from home jobs now
How to apply for remote jobs
So, now you know what skills you need and where to find remote jobs – how can you ensure your applications stand out? Here are our top tips:
Tailor your CV for remote work
Highlight skills and experiences that show you’re ready to thrive in a remote environment. For example:
- Instead of: ‘Worked part-time at a restaurant’, try: ‘Managed multiple priorities, resolved customer issues remotely, and maintained efficiency under pressure.’
- Instead of: ‘Completed a university group project’, try: ‘Collaborated with teammates using digital tools such as X and X to deliver projects on time.’
If you’ve taken online courses, learned remotely, or built a digital portfolio, make sure to showcase these achievements too.
Write a cover letter that stands out
Use your cover letter to tell a story about why you’re a great fit for remote work. Focus on:
- Your enthusiasm for remote opportunities
- Transferable skills backed by real examples
- Your adaptability, eagerness to learn, and positive attitude
How to prepare for the remote interview
Once you’ve caught their attention, it’s time to prepare for the interview – often conducted via video or phone call. Here’s how to make a great impression:
- Test your tech in advance to avoid glitches
- Choose a quiet, distraction-free space with a neutral background
- Look directly at the camera (not at your own reflection)
While some common interview questions might come up, it’s also a good idea to prepare for specific remote working interview questions, such as:
- How do you stay motivated when working remotely?
- How do you collaborate with a remote team?
- How do you manage your time without supervision?
And remember, always answer honestly, and back up your responses with practical examples. Whether it’s completing online studies, leading a virtual project, or managing tasks independently, signposting your experiences is a great way to demonstrate your capabilities.
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How to progress in your remote working career
Getting your first remote job is a win, but climbing the ladder takes proactive effort. Here’s how to ensure your work from home career is moving in the right direction:
- Sharpen your skills regularly: Focus on communication, digital tools, and time management. Take online courses to develop any specialised skills relevant to your role.
- Stay visible (you know, virtually): Regularly update your manager on your achievements, volunteer for cross-team projects, and actively participate in meetings or online company channels.
- Network online: Join industry groups, attend virtual events, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn to stay top of mind for opportunities.
- Seek growth: Discuss your career goals with your manager, look for chances to cross-train, and keep a record of your wins to showcase at review time.
If you’re looking to move into management, it’s also important to learn the skills required to manage workers remotely.
Remember, remote work rewards those who are intentional and visible. Keep learning, build real connections, and your remote career will keep moving forward.
Still searching for your perfect remote role? View all remote jobs now
