Ever wonder which traits companies most desire their candidates to possess? Look no further! Over at Remote.co, remote companies have been providing answers to some of the most pressing questions related to remote work. One such question is specific to the types of traits remote companies want when hiring new staffers.
For anyone looking to be a remote worker, it’s important to have skills that help you shine in a remote situation. The skills listed below are considered soft skills but are essential to be able to conduct business in a remote setting. Check out eight of the most common traits remote companies want below!
1. Communication Skills
Working remotely you rely a lot on written communications. It is essential that you have the ability to communicate clearly in emails, texts, and chats. Even when you communicate verbally, it is important to be clear and effective. Without body language and visual cues, the messages you send can easily be perceived differently.
2. Critical Thinking
Team brainstorming happens in virtual settings, but when working alone, it’s important to be able to analyze issues on your own. Without the ability to walk down the hall to ask a coworker a question, being able to analyze the issues and find solutions on your own is a big help when dealing with minor snafus.
3. Discipline
Remote work can be full of distractions no matter where you do your work. Remote companies want employees who will be disciplined to stay on track, get their work completed, and meet expectations. Often these companies operate in a results-oriented environment, so being disciplined is essential to complete your job responsibilities.
4. Decisiveness
Being able to make decisions is important and desired by employers. Again, you won’t have coworkers at arm’s length to consult on decisions. While the bigger ones will probably require some input from supervisors, the smaller, more individual job decisions will need to be made by you.
5. Outside Interests
For some people, remote work can be lonelier than being in an office, and finding ways to feel connected to your colleagues is important. But it’s also helpful to be active in your life outside of work. Sometimes fully remote companies even look for candidates who have a healthy work-life balance and interests outside of their professions, such as volunteer activities or other hobbies, which may help balance out their social interaction.
6. Time Management Skills
Along the same lines of discipline, time management skills are a must. An effective remote worker will be able to organize their day and complete their work when it is due. Although it is easier to schedule appointments and other activities into your day, making sure to meet expectations and complete work is a must.
7. Sense of Humor
Stuff happens, people make mistakes, and lines of communication get crossed. How you handle these things is what matters the most. Many remote companies seek staffers who will share in their office sense of humor and culture. They want their teams to have the ability to be at ease when dealing with their coworkers. Company culture has a big impact on employees and operations, so being able to laugh at things makes a big difference.
8. Eagerness
Remote employers also look for candidates who show a sense of eagerness and enthusiasm about the company and the work. Many remote companies operate smaller, more connected teams, so being eager to help out others and get work done means there is less time for procrastination and better results.
No matter what you’re looking for in a job, a FlexJobs premium membership and Soft Skills courses can work wonders for your job search. Take the tour and learn more about how FlexJobs can power your job search.