9 questions applicants are Googling about remote work right now

September 7, 2022 1:01 PM

It's an interesting time to be job-hunting — and employees are looking for all the help they can possibly get while navigating the market.

The University of the Potomac recently analyzed data from Google Trends and found that the number of people searching for "remote jobs hiring immediately" has increased by 262%, compared to the same search period from 2021, suggesting that the amount of applicants on the job hunt is at an all time high.

Simultaneously, searches for "work when you want remote jobs" grew by 556%, and searches for "remote positions" increased by 85%, according to the university. It's no surprise that the workforce is on the lookout for something better: at least 4.5 million Americans quit their jobs in March 2022 in search of better perks, benefits and culture, all while inflation was skyrocketing to 8.6%.

In that unpredictable, competitive and unprecedented market, job seekers are uncertain how to approach new opportunities, and are looking for insight on everything from what to wear to a virtual interview, to how to prepare and build a stand-out resume.

"One of the many benefits that remote jobs offer is that you are not limited by your local job market," Elise Alva, director of career services at the University of the Potomac said in a release. "The moment you start searching for remote jobs, doors to a world of possibilities open up for you that you would not otherwise have access to."

These are the top nine questions current job applicants are asking, and Alva has a few answers and expert insight for them:

“What skills to put on your resume?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 5,000

"The resume is the first thing that comes to mind when you want to apply for a remote job position. This is why you need to start by making it apparent on your resume that you are looking for remote opportunities. You can include skills that apply to practically all employment jobs, such as marketing, computer, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Most companies want to hire someone who will build positive relationships with their colleagues remotely, so try adding some interpersonal skills such as emotional intelligence, communication, reliability, leadership, negotiation, openness to feedback, and empathy."

“How to list references on a resume?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 4,300

"A reference gives authority to your resume; therefore, it's preferable to provide a list of prior employers' contact information. In that way, companies that are more interested in what you have to offer could wish to contact the people on your reference list to learn more about your work performance, professionalism and work ethic. Asking for references from people you have supervised may raise a red flag for those reviewing your application, so it is advisable to ask your supervisors and coworkers instead. What if you don't have any work experience, you could ask? The best thing to do in such a situation would be to include references from academic advisers, mentors, or even someone you met through volunteer work who has experience in the field you are applying for."

“How to write a cover letter?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 79,000

"A prospective employer will want to read your cover letter after reviewing your resume because it impacts whether or not they decide to hire you. A cover letter has a good impact, especially for remote job applicants, since it gives a chance to show your personality and passion for the company. When writing a cover letter, the voice and tone are pretty crucial, and you may do this by first researching the company to help determine the tone you want to employ. The key to a good cover letter is honesty. If you suggest that you have a skill that you don't, it will reflect poorly on your application."

“How to prepare for an interview?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 14,000

"Holding the interview online is one of the most challenging parts of a remote job search since you want to give them the best impression possible as if you are in person. Thus, being well-prepared is the key to performing well in an interview. Write general questions that almost all employers ask, such as "Tell me a little about yourself and why do you want to work here," as the interviewer wants to know why you think you would be a good fit for their remote position. Next, research the organization, objectives, and value proposition as the interviewer will want to know if you have attempted to learn more about the organization, so be ready."

“What questions to ask in an interview?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 5,200

"As you expect the potential employer to ask questions about you, the interviewer expects the same from you. By not asking any questions about the company, you show a lack of interest in knowing more about the company. Here are a few potential questions you can ask in your first interview if you're unsure of what to ask: Can you tell me about the working culture of your company? Which team will I be part of? What duties would I have on a daily basis if I were to work for this company?"

“What to wear to an interview?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 12,000

"You need to leave the best possible impression on the interviewer because it's your first and most important interview. So, just because you are at home does not mean you can attend the meeting in your pajamas because your attire can affect the impression you create on the interviewer. That's why it is recommended to wear the same interview clothes as you would for a face-to-face interview."

“How to follow up after an interview?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 6,500

"How well the interview went relies on the tone and length of the conversation. To avoid coming across as impatient, it can be best to wait if the interviewer states that it will take some time to choose the candidates and that they will let you know if you are accepted or not."

“How to get a remote job?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 1,000

"Like jobs in the office, remote jobs too come with its own set of unique challenges. What the interview focuses on is if you are the best remote applicant. In order to meet the company's expectations, you must have a resume that stands out and lists all of your accomplishments as well as skills.

[If] you haven't worked remotely before, try to recall instances when you did so or if you freelanced for a business because failing to specify the experience requirement could crush your application."

“Jobs where you can work from home?”

Average number of searches over the past 12 months: 2,500

"Remote jobs you might want to look at: social media manager, blogger, customer service representative, copywriting and online teacher. As for the most in-demand remote job position in the U.S., there are five that you may want to consider in terms of better opportunities: customer service representative, recruiter, accountant, executive assistant and project manager."