Industries Still Hiring Remote Workers In 2023

Since the pandemic started in 2020, we’ve seen a rapid rise in the availability of remote jobs. But by early 2023, many companies would prefer to have their staff back in the office. Despite this, a FlexJobs survey found that 65% of respondents wish to remain full-time workers.

Remote work is still a priority for many job seekers thanks to the plethora of conveniences it can offer. The good news is that many thriving industries are still offering remote positions. In fact, CNBC’s Greg Iacurci believes that remote work can thrive even in a recession thanks to its ability to trim labor costs.

FlexJobs found seven industries still offering 100% remote positions. We review their findings and add some of our own insights to assist with your search.

Top industries to explore

  1. Nonprofit & Philanthropy
  2. Analyst
  3. Legal
  4. Medical & Health
  5. Communications
  6. Accounting & Finance
  7. Project Management

Some of the top remote job titles FlexJobs found include Accountant, Executive Assistant, Customer Service Representative, Senior Financial Analyst, Recruiter, Project Manager, Technical Writer, Product Marketing Manager, Customer Success Manager, and Graphic Designer.

Industry analysis

FlexJobs’ senior content manager Jessica Howington notes that many of these categories fall into the “knowledge economy” line, meaning they rely on information and ideas. Because of the ease of sharing information online, it makes sense that these types of industries would continue to do well remotely. Tools like Zoom make it easy to hold digital “face-to-face” meetings, and those in these types of roles can easily service a large area of clients remotely.

This means that tech-savvy industries will continue to excel in offering remote work.

“Many businesses have recognized the advantages of allowing their workers to work remotely, including greater productivity, cheaper overhead costs, and the potential to tap into a worldwide talent pool.” -Simera Talent

In addition to the above industries, Jessica also expects Computer &IT, Marketing, HR & Recruiting, and Customer service to do well for similar reasons.

Recession proofing

While these industries may offer the most remote options compared to their peers, how safe are these industries overall when it comes to the looming recession?

FlexJobs’ research found steady growth in many of these industries through 2022, and that should hold through 2023. Accounting & Finances saw a 31% growth, Nonprofit & Philanthropy 55%, Communications 39%, and Legal 33%, while Medical & Health also saw good growth. HR & Recruiting, Marketing, Computer & IT, and Product Management also saw steady growth.

This is consistent with what we’ve found in our previous look into the most recession-proof industries for 2023. While not all jobs on that list are totally remote, there is a massive overlap with Healthcare and Financial Services. Both industries see steady historical growth during recessions—healthcare is always a necessity, and uncertain financial times mean more people are seeking expert help and financial advice. These industries also heavily rely on quickly-advancing technology in order to thrive. This ultimately creates a nice overlap between being safe in a recession and being likely to be remote.

Career Sherpa’s Hannah Morgan made a special note regarding IT & Technology. Because technology is always moving forward, those jobs will remain in high demand for those with the right skills, and the nature of the work leads to many remote opportunities.

“IT experts have some of the best job security of any modern profession, especially with more and more of the world shifting to an online space. People had to rely on robust networks to communicate with family, shop for groceries, and work remote jobs.” -Hannah Morgan

Wrap up

While many organizations want to get workers back into the office, many recognize the benefits remote work can offer in the form of increased productivity, less wasted downtime, and a happier workforce. Hybrid systems are becoming the norm, blending the above benefits while still providing a physical space for collaboration, meetings, upskilling, and teamwork when needed. But fully remote jobs are still out there, especially if you’re willing to look into the aforementioned industries.

NexGoal works with many industry-leading clients in these sectors, who offer a host of available remote positions. Feel free to check out our job board or reach out to our team to see if there is something right for you!

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Recapping Our Top Five Articles From 2022

In 2022, we started to regain some normalcy after two years heavily influenced by the pandemic. We hope that 2022 was a productive and fruitful year for you and that you continue to find success moving forward. We wish to take the time to thank our readers, the candidates, and the clients we work with daily for your support and for working with us in 2022.

In this time of reflection leading up to 2023, we took some time to review your favorite articles from 2022. Whether you’re starting a job search, looking for a little more value in your career, seeking industry knowledge, or navigating the tricky waters of a career change, these five articles particularly resonated with our audience and have something for everyone!

‘Let Go’ of Your Fear of Being Fired

Within the uncertainty of COVID-19 and detachment felt by many remote working employees, fighting through the fear of being fired is a common anxiety making work much more difficult for employees. Operating under this fear can be detrimental to daily job performance and mental health. It does not discriminate against rank, location, or industry. Similar to stress (and often inducing stress), fear drives us to a poor work-life balance and career burnout.

The first step towards seeing change is acknowledging your thoughts and accepting that they are not your reality. Initially revealed by Susie Moore, we break down five specific reasons you can and should push back against the fear of losing your job. 

Watch Out For These Red Flags On Your Next Job Search

In wake of the Great Resignation, many organizations are rapidly trying to attract talent. It’s a good time to be a job seeker, as experts believe 2022 is a year favoring employees. But while many companies are hiring and job seekers have a plethora of options, not all of those options are good. Navigating the job market can be like walking through a minefield as you try to avoid questionable organizations.

Thankfully, a well-prepared job seeker can avoid these “mines” by recognizing the red flags these organizations put out. Whether in the job description itself or based on statements you hear in an interview, there are telltale signs you’re heading for an unpleasant role. We’ll cover six of these major red flags to avoid during your next job search.

Thought-Provoking Questions To Ask Your Interviewer

Employers take tremendous value in the questions you ask during an interview because they will reveal your level of preparation, engagement, and curiosity for the position. Quit focusing on yourself and how your personal needs will be addressed in the role. Instead, ask stimulating questions to produce a quality conversation that reveals you are invested in the team’s betterment and showcases your unique value.

Captivate your interviewer and position yourself as the ideal candidate by asking these five questions:

Understanding And Overcoming Ghosting In Your Job Search

The dating world is scary enough as is, and that’s before considering the potential ‘ghosting’ that can occur. Ghosting, a phenomenon where a prospective partner ceases all communication, is common in dating. Another, more promising option will come along, some circumstances will take up a person’s time, or the person may simply resolve it’s better to disappear than have a difficult conversation.

While frustrating enough in the dating world, thanks to the sheer amount of potential applicants and the ease of using technology over face-to-face communication, ghosting has become extremely common in the hiring stratosphere as well. You may have a phone screening or even an interview and never hear from the company again. Recruiters may find a promising candidate, help them along their hiring process, and then get left on read.

We’ll examine the data behind ghosting, look at why ghosting happens, and provide job seekers will some ghostbusting strategies.

Assessing The Mortgage Industry: Top Trends & Statistics

Is the U.S. housing market overheating? Within the stability of low mortgage rates and high buyer contention, the housing market continues to be highly competitive. While it is a great time to be in the market for a loan, borrowers don’t quite have their ‘pick of the litter’ like in times past. Home prices continue to rise, as does the volume of offers placed on each listing. 

“Demand is robust throughout the country, but homebuyers continue to be held back by the lack of homes for sale and rapidly increasing home prices.” – Joel Kan, MBA Economist.

After assessing various expert opinions, knowledge, and studies, we have constructed the ultimate guide to the latest Mortgage industry trends and statistics entering 2022. Courtesy of the industry professionals with The Mortgage Banker’s Association, Fannie Mae, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Bankrate, The Motley Fool, TIME Magazine, & more!

Wrap up

As always, we’d like to thank all of you for your support in 2022! If you’ve missed out on any of these career tips, we hope you take the time to review them today!

Don’t hesitate to let us know what kind of articles were your favorite and what you would like to see from our content team in 2023!

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Stay Productive With These Four Tips

It’s that time of year when many workers are in a “circle back in January” mindset. With so much going on during the winter holiday season, it often isn’t easy to stay productive. Productivity can often suffer when the sun sets at 4 PM.

Even outside of the holiday season, it can be difficult to stay productive all the time. Whether you’ve got an upcoming holiday, are just returning from vacation, or you’re just plain feeling unmotivated, sometimes you’ll need a little extra assistance regaining your productivity. Gain that needed productivity boost by embracing these stratagems and maintaining control of your mindset.

Prioritize

Does it often feel like you have too much on your plate and too little time to deal with it? This is a normal mindset, but it can be much more manageable if you learn how to prioritize what’s important and break down those work morsels into easy-to-digest bites.

Simplilearn suggests starting by planning your day out ahead of time and writing your top-three most important daily tasks. Not only will listing out your schedule make the day feel much more manageable but you’ll clarify what actually needs to be done on the day. Give yourself the time you need to focus on the big tasks, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Minimize distractions

Of course, it’s easier to stay on target and accomplish those important tasks if you minimize your distractions. Whether you’re working in a crowded office or from home, whether you’re planning a vacation or dealing with the tribulations of holiday travel, there are universal ways to stay focused.

You may need your devices to check in with your team and be appraised on important tasks, but it can be a good idea to turn off your notifications from time to time, according to Luxafor. You can plan for “deep work” times by turning your phone off temporarily and focusing on your task at hand.

The Muse advises staying away from accomplishing personal tasks during work time. No matter the circumstance, it’s easy to lose track of time or let distractions snowball out of control if you put work tasks on the back burner.

Set boundaries

Those outside forces can’t be contained forever, and sometimes you’ll get requests that will disrupt your productivity. But don’t forget that not every request is mandatory. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes!

Not every meeting is useful or pertains to you, but you may feel obligated to attend. Green Geeks’ Michael Phillips says to recognize what tasks aren’t a good use of your time and to give yourself permission to decline.

This applies to minor tasks as well. Don’t feel bad about declining a lunch invitation or a quick, non-work-related conversation if needed. These distractions can be nice, but if you really need to stay focused, learn to say “no.”

“Stay focused on the plan for the day, and politely remove yourself from distracting situations and people. It may be one of the most challenging ways for many of us to become more productive, but it’s in our interest to give it a try.” –Michael Phillips

Learn to improvise

No plan survives contact with the enemy, and even if you plan your day out and avoid any unnecessary distractions, there will still be curveballs that come your way. Sometimes, you simply can’t say no. Instead, you’ll have to improvise.

Forbes’ Lisa Bodell writes to take the improv approach with “yes, if.” If something doesn’t sound feasible as is, find a way to turn into into a yes if certain conditions are met. For example, if there is some way to take pressure off of one of your pressing tasks, you’ll be able to use that time to assist with something else.

“And lastly, when you find yourself one breath away from saying “No, because we don’t have budget for this,” replace it with “Yes, if…we can use funds allocated to Y or Z to experiment or test this idea.” –Lisa Bodell

Learn how to choose your battles and decide whether a hard no or a compromise is a better solution because the time spent with that debate could be better used on your necessary tasks!

Wrap up

We all struggle to be productive at times, but if you take time to focus on your most pressing tasks, minimize distractions, set boundaries, and learn how to be flexible, you can put yourself in the right mindset and accomplish your goals. It takes some practice, but if you approach your work with a plan, you’ll find great success!

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Five Ways To Improve Your Remote Communication Skills

Remote work and the cornucopia of different technologies used to facilitate it mean that how we communicate with our coworkers has changed drastically. Balancing different platforms like video conferences, email, text chat, and social media platforms like LinkedIn can be a challenge, and your communication skills need to evolve with new and emerging technology.

Even if you aren’t seeing your coworkers on a daily basis, and even if your networking and sales conversations take place over a screen, you can still be personable and charismatic. Evolve your remote communication skills by embracing these five philosophies.

Know how the tech works

There are a lot of tools used to facilitate online communication, and they all serve different purposes. Knowing how and when to use these tools is the foundation for remote dialogue.

The specific platform you’ll use for different forms of communication will vary between companies. For video conferencing, you might use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Discord, or Meetings, and each program has different intricacies. Once you know what your team uses, do your best to master it. It’s hard to be an effective communicator if you aren’t using the tech properly.

Once you’ve mastered the tech, learn the best uses for each form. Different tools have different purposes, and you’ll want to use the right tool for the job, writes Jacky Xu. Have a simple question you need answered quickly? You’ll have to decide whether to use a text, an email, or a messaging program like Slack.

“For example, an instant messaging platform (like Slack) is best for short messages that need a fairly immediate response. Email is usually better for longer messages or something with multiple attachments, and for when you can wait on an answer.” –Greg Kratz

Be clear

In an in-person conversation, if you felt you weren’t clear with your intent, it’s easy to follow up with a quick explanation or pop back into someone’s office to clarify. You can look into your coworker’s eyes and see potential confusion. That isn’t so in remote communication, and you may not realize your request was ambiguous.

Quality writing is one of the top traits employers seek in remote employees, according to Goncalo Silva of Doist. The ability to eliminate redundancies and fluff and get to the heart of a matter is the key to making your writing clear. The easier it is for the recipient of your message to understand what you need, the more effectively they can assist.

Hannah Morgan reiterates to keep your messages brief, especially when communicating with someone new. People tend to skim long bodies of text (something we blog writers must constantly be aware of!), so the more you meander, the less likely you’ll get a response.

“Get straight to the point, and don’t dance around the reason for your contact. It’s best to be direct.” -Hannah Morgan

Be prompt

It’s difficult to ignore someone talking to you face-to-face, and if you’re in an office, it’s easy for a person to pop in and remind you when they need something. With remote communication, it’s much easier to forget to respond. How many times have you ever mentally responded to a text without actually texting back? Or have you meant to respond to an email and suddenly hours have passed?

It’s not only good etiquette to respond in a timely matter but it’s the expectation to keep the operation running smoothly, says Kelsey Arrington. By promptly following up with your team, you’ll build a greater culture of responsibility and reliability. Open communication is what allows remote communication to flourish.

Be available

On the subject of open communication, making yourself available is another important step. Remote work offers more autonomy than working in an office, which is a massive boon, but you can’t cut yourself off entirely. Jacky Xu suggests regularly scheduling check-ins with your team as a way to keep everyone on the same page. This provides an opportunity to share ideas without directly intruding on anyone’s time.

Kelsey Arrington adds to always participate in meetings and to turn your video on during conference calls. This will remind your coworkers you’re still there and actively engaged in work. Your ideas won’t fall on deaf ears and you’ll be viewed as part of the team. Being on video might mean your pajamas will face scrutiny, but you’ll provide the often lost body language communication thrives on.

Mind your body language

Even with video calls, body language is crucial and can shape the nature of your conversations. Watch your body posture, make eye contact with others (not your webcam), avoid looking at your phone, and don’t be afraid to dress up for a meeting as if it were in person. Treating a remote meeting like an in-person one will keep you engaged, and your professionalism will be appreciated.

“Posture not only shapes the way we feel, it also shapes the way we think about ourselves–from our self-descriptions to the certain and comfort with which we hold them. And those self-concepts can either facilitate or hinder our ability to connect with others, to perform our jobs, and, more simply, to be present.” –Carol Kinsey Goman

Wrap up

Remote work models are the norm, and even a significant percentage of networking occurs online. Knowing how to adapt your communication skills to the current landscape is a must for career success. Know how to use every tool at your disposal, and know when to use them. Be clear, prompt, and available, and you’ll gain a reputation as a reliable team member. Go the extra mile and be a professional in video chats, and you’ll feel a stronger sense of connection with your team.

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Why Don’t Workers Want To Return To The Office?

One of the few bright spots of the pandemic was the switch to remote work as a norm, at least in the eyes of employees. Before the world started to open back up, remote and hybrid work models allowed companies to stay afloat. While we aren’t out of the woods yet, more of the world is opening up, and many companies are eager to return to the office for business as usual.

Many employees don’t share that view, data finds. Remote work comes with many perks and benefits you can’t find in an office, and few want to return to the old ways of business.

This coincides with the Great Resignation/Great Reshuffling, as employees are fleeing from jobs that don’t align with their needs and values. Employees have more power than ever before, and there’s a shortage of qualified workers. If you’re looking to attract top-tier talent to your organization, you’ll need to keep up with the times. It’s clear—workers don’t want to return to the office. With help from the experts, we examine why.

Data supports it

This isn’t hyperbole; workers are resistant to returning to the old ways of business. A Bloomberg survey in May 2021 found that 39% of workers would consider quitting if employers weren’t flexible regarding remote work. The number was even higher among millennials and Gen Z, at 49 percent. Keep in mind that millennials are the largest group in the US workforce, making up over a third of the working population.

A Future Forum Pulse survey of global IT workers found that 75% of workers want flexibility in where they work, and 93% want flexibility in when they work. Meanwhile, a recent Pew survey discovered 60% of workers that could do their job remotely would prefer to work from home either all or most of the time. That number was up 6% since 2020.

Something to keep in mind: not every job can be done remotely, and remote work is a scale, with hybrid models existing.

Commuting is a pain

We know employees don’t want to return, but why not? One of the largest reasons is also the simplest: giving up the commute and working from the comfort of home. Even the best offices with great company culture can’t compete with not having to commute every day. The most recent US Census found that the average American spends just under 28 minutes each way during their daily commute. Presumably, these Americans also go home, meaning almost an hour a day is dedicated just to traveling to and from work.

That’s a lot of time in transit that could be spent on other endeavors, so it’s hard not to empathize with employees. But there is another aspect many employers don’t realize: environmental concerns. Forbes contributor Mike Swigunski noted that many big businesses have committed to becoming carbon neutral but haven’t offered employees any way to be part of that goal. Decreasing the time spent commuting is a considerable boon to the environment.

Efficiency

Working from home does have its own distractions, but so does working in an office. Coworkers will always chat, conversations will be more frequent knowing a person is readily available, and so much time gets wasted in inefficient meetings. Without being bogged down in the day-to-day of office life, workers are able to be more productive remotely. In fact, Apollo Technical highlighted multiple studies confirming this trend.

 

“Several studies over the past few months show productivity while working remotely from home is better than working in an office setting. On average, those who work from home spend 10 minutes less a day being unproductive, work one more day a week, and are 47% more productive.” –Owl Labs

Output should be the key factor employers care about, and there is tangible data showing employees are able to not only meet but exceed expectations while working remotely. Based on this, savvy employers will find remote employees to be a positive.

Technology makes it easy

In a previous age, even fifteen years ago, a nation working remotely would be almost inconceivable. But our technology makes it a reality, and the ease of access is a huge appeal.

Many organizations fear that without in-person interactions or regular meetings, communication breaks down and corporate culture suffers. But this isn’t the case. Zoom and its competitors allow teams to regularly meet as often as necessary. And meeting time isn’t always used wisely anyway. Having employees commute to the office for small matters actually does more harm than good, as highlighted by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, a well-made online onboarding process can make your new hires feel at home, and the dedication to remote work models can be viewed as a perk of a positive culture. Work-life balance is one of the most desirable cultural tenets, after all.

Mental health

Speaking of work-life balance, remote styles have proven to be a boon to the mental health of many workers. The pandemic created feelings of fear, uncertainty, isolation, and anxiety across the globe, and the virus isn’t gone yet. Anxiety among younger workers has increased exponentially during the pandemic. Many became accustomed to the comfort of working from home, away from crowds and constant eyes, and a return to the old ways can be triggering.

“People can just come up and start talking, or see what you’re doing on your computer. There’s no door to close so that you can have a moment to yourself,” Alexis, one of many young workers with social anxiety identified by BBC’s Kate Bishop, revealed.

Many workers even view the demand to return to the office as a control technique and that the return could be a way for managers that feel they’ve lost power to regain control.

“They feel like we’re not working if they can’t see us. It’s a boomer power-play.” –Portia Twidt

What can employers do?

In order to succeed in keeping talented workers around, employers need to adapt. If working remotely is a possibility in your industry, potential candidates will want to work remotely. Your competition is going to adapt, and you must too. You may feel like you’re giving up a lot, but working with your team will create happier, more loyal workers, and your organization can benefit from perks like lower office expenses, too.

Harvard Business Review discusses finding a hybrid model that works best for you. Employees don’t have to be 100% remote if it doesn’t fit your organization. Maximize the days employees are expected to come into the office by filling that time with productive meetings, training, and events.

Wrap up

The science shows that remote work is here to stay, and employees want it. The multiple benefits of working from home add up to a very appealing model that even the best offices can’t match. If you want to attract and maintain valuable employees, your organization needs to accept that forcing a return to the office can be costly. Discover the perks of a remote workforce and find a hybrid model that works best for both parties. Otherwise, you may find your organization falling behind.

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