Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Are you longing for a better work-life balance?
You’d love to take the next flexible role that comes along, but realistically, you need a high-paying job to meet your financial needs. And quite honestly, your experience and expertise entitle you to a higher-paying role.
The good news is that more companies are recognizing the value of building a flexible work environment, and you no longer have to choose between earning your worth and a work-life balance.
There are, however, a few critical considerations to landing a higher-paying remote job.
How to Research High-Paying Remote Jobs
The first step to launching a job search should be determining what your salary needs are.
You need to have a minimum amount in mind, and be firm in choosing to move on to other opportunities if the one you’re exploring doesn’t meet that threshold. Once you have a good idea of what you need to earn, you can start focusing your job search on positions that can meet that amount.
Keep in mind that the cost of living in different areas can vary widely, so you’ll need to consider whether a particular position is a good fit for you.
With a bit of research and careful planning, you can find a remote job that meets your financial and scheduling needs.
1. Know the Going Rate
There are a few ways to research salaries. You can use salary calculators online, like PayScale’s Salary Calculator, to get an idea of what different positions pay.
You can also look at job postings to see what employers offer to pay for similar positions.
When researching salaries, remember that remote jobs often come with different benefits than traditional jobs, so you may need to adjust your expectations accordingly.
For example, some remote jobs may offer more flexible hours or the ability to work from home, which can be worth more than a slightly higher salary when you factor in the money you’ll save by not having to commute.
2. Discover Remote Roles That Meet Your Salary Requirements
Once you know what you should be paid, you can start looking for remote jobs that fit your salary requirements.
The best place to look for these types of positions is on job boards focusing on remote careers, such as FlexJobs or Remote.co. Google is also a great resource.
You can use a broad search term if you have experience or a skill set that can transfer to several different industries.
For example, you might use keywords focused on the pay that you’re looking for. Perhaps you only want to consider jobs that pay $50,000 per year or more, and you would search for “remote project management jobs + $50K.”
Or, if you’re still exploring your options, keep your search broader with generic terms, such as “remote jobs + $50,000.”
3. Explore Roles With Specific Companies
Many companies will post their open positions on their career page, which can be a great way to get a feel for the company’s culture and values.
In addition, you may be able to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities of the role and whether it is a good fit for your skill set as you explore the company directories.
And of course, you can often see if they have any other remote or flexible positions available in a different department that might match your interests.
4. Utilize Your Network
When looking for a job, networking is always a best practice.
You never know when someone you know may have a lead on an opening or be able to put you in touch with a hiring manager. But networking can be even more helpful when it comes to finding a remote job with a better salary.
The people in your network may be able to put you in touch with a hiring manager who is looking for someone with your specific skill set. And because they’re looking for targeted knowledge and experience, they may be willing to compensate you generously for your skills.
5. Build Your Personal Brand
When seeking a higher-paying job, it is vital to know that employers will expect more from you regarding your professional conduct.
Therefore, ensuring that your social media presence, LinkedIn profile, and online portfolio all present a positive and consistent message is essential.
This is a great way to get your name out there as a viable candidate for mid-career-level roles the recruiter is trying to fill.
Doing so will show that you are a responsible and reliable individual capable of meeting the elevated expectations of a higher-paying position.
How to Land High-Paying Remote Jobs
When you find a high-paying remote job that you’re interested in, focus on creating a robust application packet that stands out from the competition.
The process for applying for a remote job is similar to applying for a traditional job, but there are a few key focus areas.
1. Invest Time in Fine-Tuning Your Submissions
Less is more when creating applications for jobs with more responsibility and compensation.
In addition to a fully tailored resume, you’ll need a strong cover letter outlining why you’re the best candidate for the job.
Use your previous company research to target the company culture and show that you’re genuinely excited to work there.
2. Focus on Teamwork
Most jobs with higher salaries come with the expectation to focus on team deliverables, rather than the individual.
Utilize your resume and experience to demonstrate your ability to work well with others by listing examples of how you can share information transparently, listen to others, and compromise when necessary.
For example, you could highlight when you had to manage a problematic situation or lead a group project.
By showing that you can communicate professionally and put the team’s needs first, you will be more likely to be considered for a higher-paying role.
3. Highlight Your Time Management Skills
And remember, when you’re applying for remote jobs, you’ll need to be able to demonstrate that you can be productive outside of a traditional office setting.
Many remote employers will ask for examples of times when you’ve successfully worked independently, so prepare specific examples ahead of time.
4. Get Interview-Ready
For a higher-paying role, it’s beneficial to approach the interview like a leadership interview. You should do the following:
- Arrive early.
- Use confident body language.
- Shake hands firmly if the interview is in person.
- Double-check your tech ahead of time if it’s virtual.
- Have thoughtful and meaningful questions prepared.
- Highlight your people skills.
- Always send a follow-up.
Finding High-Paying Remote Jobs From Home
With some research and a focused approach, you can find a flexible job that helps you meet your career and financial goals while creating the work-life balance you need.