Plus, even more workers require it as a basic necessity: Some must work from home in order to care for children or elderly relatives, while others have disabilities that limit their movement.
If you’re considering whether to make the jump to fully remote work, you likely know it’s a fit already. And plenty of studies have pointed out the benefits to the practice, from all that commute time you gain back (nearly an hour a day for the average US worker, according to studies!) to avoiding the potential for in-office micromanagement. More than one report has found that fully remote workers are more productive, to boot.
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Granted, there are downsides, with the possibility that you are at a greater risk of being overlooked for your next promotion chief among them. But for many, finding a fully remote job that gives them the freedom they need to travel the world is a fair tradeoff.
Microsoft’s Employee Benefits
Big Tech’s once-ubiquitous stream of workplace perks like breakfast bars, foosball tables, and gym memberships is no longer what it once was. But that doesn’t mean they’re totally gone, and Microsoft is still among the top providers when it comes to cool workplace benefits.
Many employees get regular bonuses, with stock options for some new hires upon joining up. And the company’s website boasts a range of time-off options that covers “new parents and family caregiver leave, adoption assistance, parenting classes, and family support programs,” plus “subsidized and discounted childcare and back-up care for children, adults, and elders.”
Even if you can’t get a fully remote position, these benefits seem to say, you can find the caregivers you need to close the gap.
Interview Tips for Landing Your Next Fully Remote Job
We’ve rounded up all the top questions asked in any job interview, along with our best advice on how to craft the best answers ahead of time, so you’ll be prepared in the moment. You can check it out here: 39 Job Interview Questions to Expect.
When it comes to fully remote positions, we have a few extra tips. First, highlight your independance: You’ll be remote all the time, so managers will want to know that you can take initiative since they won’t be down the hall to help you at a moment’s notice. Any past experience you might have will be important to highlight.
Second, communication and project management skills are key as well, since these will help you work well with the rest of your team. It can be tough to stay on the same page when you aren’t in the same building, but knowing how and when to check in can definitely help.
Finally, test your recording equipment and know your technical skillset. Remote work is still new to many business people, and they’ll feel better if you demonstrate that you have all the tech gadgets that can keep you in constant communication when needed. Good luck on your interview!