Competition in a Remote World

The current job market, post-COVID, has seen a multitude of new job opportunities – many of which are hybrid/remote opportunities. These positions are a hot commodity amongst job seekers, 100% remote roles especially. However, competition is fierce and only top-notch candidates will be considered.

Abigail Eddy, Director of Executive Recruiting in our Madison office, works on the direct hire side of our business, where she helps employed candidates find new positions that better suit their lifestyle and family needs. Most candidates are considering a career transition right now due to the abundance of flexible opportunities that COVID-19 created. “Even if a candidate isn’t actively seeking a new opportunity, they are passively searching” (Eddy).

Know your strengths

When applying to a new position, especially a hybrid/remote opportunity, it is critical to know exactly what skills and strengths you bring to the table. Hundreds of other candidates will be targeting the same position as you. “Remote roles are really nice from a candidate perspective, but you have to think that everybody and their brother wants that remote role – this is where the competition comes into play. You are now competing with a wider pool of candidates from all over the country and you need to really highlight what you have done in your career to effectively compete with these other markets that you are not used to” (Eddy).

Emphasize your skills and provide tangible results

Be specific. Simply telling a hiring manager that you have completed XYZ projects for your current/past employers is not going to cut it; you need to present quantifiable and measurable examples of your success. To stand out as a top-notch candidate, be specific and go into detail. For example, instead of saying “increased revenue”, you should provide specific numbers and discuss the processes and procedures you implemented to increase revenue. The more precise you can be with your accomplishments, the better chance you will have of landing the new position.

Ace the interview

To stand out in a competitive job market, it’s important to remember that an interview is a two-way street. The company is interviewing you, but you should be interviewing them as well. Always bring a list of questions that are specific to the company and to the role you applied to – this is the time to ask. If you’re stuck, be sure to reference our Top 6 Questions to Ask During a Job Interview. The worst thing you can do in an interview is be unprepared. Eddy is surprised by how many of her candidates want to “wing it” – our team prepares you for every interview, as each interview is an opportunity to evaluate whether the position/company is the best choice for your career.

To evaluate whether a remote, hybrid, or in-office role is right for you, connect with a CFS recruiter today. Our goal is to find the perfect match for all of our candidates and clients. Let our network work for you!