Want a remote job? Here are the top 10 fully remote roles hiring right now

Remote working is clearly here to stay. But with many workers being called back to the office, at least for part of the week, which jobs are still fully remote?

According to a 2024 LinkedIn report, remote jobs accounted for 10% of open roles last December but received 46% of all applications. Needless to say, remote jobs are pretty popular among job hunters—and not just in the US. Across the pond in the UK, remote roles are some of the most competitive jobs in the country today. As of February 2024, there is double the share of applications to remote roles compared to the share of remote job postings available. The UK also leads the way in Europe on hybrid work. Currently, 42% of job postings on LinkedIn, and nearly half (44%) of all applications are for hybrid roles. Back in 2020, less than 1% of roles on LinkedIn were remote.

So what roles exactly are hiring fully remote positions, and what should job hunters know about these positions? Let’s take a closer look.

Technological advancements drive remote role searches

Thinking of applying for a fully remote position? It could provide you with the flexibility and work-life balance you’ve been looking for. To get a better understanding of what roles exactly are hiring full-remote workers, a spokesperson from remote job site FlexJobs shared their insights on the top 10 fully remote jobs companies are hiring for most. By trawling job postings from more than 60,000 companies, here’s the list they came up with:

1. Software engineer

The demand for software engineers in a remote setup has skyrocketed with the continuous technological evolution. Companies seek individuals proficient in programming languages like Python, JavaScript, Java, and C#, as they develop and optimize software applications that drive business processes. The ability to work on complex software projects from anywhere in the world not only offers unprecedented flexibility for engineers but also enables organizations to tap into a global talent pool, ensuring innovation and technical advancement without geographical constraints.

2. Account executive

Remote account executives are pivotal in fostering business relationships and driving sales from anywhere around the globe. This role benefits from advancements in communication technologies, allowing for effective client engagement and negotiation without the traditional need for face-to-face meetings. Remote account executives leverage digital tools to manage sales pipelines, demonstrate products virtually, and close deals, offering companies a wider reach and flexibility in expanding their market presence.

3. Sales manager

The role of a sales manager in a remote environment is crucial for strategizing and executing sales plans that drive revenue growth. By leading remote sales teams, they identify potential leads, develop client relationships, and oversee the sales process to ensure targets are met. This role demonstrates how remote work can enhance sales operations by utilizing digital platforms for team collaboration, customer relationship management (CRM) systems for tracking progress, and virtual communication tools for team meetings and client presentations.

4. Customer service representative

Remote customer service representatives provide vital support to clients from various locations, addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and ensuring customer satisfaction. This role has gained prominence as companies outsource customer service functions to remote workers, who use digital communication channels such as email, chat, and video calls. This shift not only allows for a more flexible workforce but also ensures that customer support is accessible, timely, and efficient, enhancing the overall customer experience.

5. Product manager

Remote product managers play a key role in leading the development and strategy of products across global markets. They coordinate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, marketing, and design, to ensure product goals are met. This role is made possible through digital collaboration tools that facilitate seamless communication and project management across different time zones, allowing for the integration of diverse insights and speeding up the innovation process.

6. Accountant

The shift towards remote accounting roles is facilitated by cloud-based financial systems and software that enable accountants to access and manage financial data securely from any location. This flexibility allows for real-time financial analysis, reporting, and consultation, offering businesses cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency. Remote accountants can now provide expertise across geographies, supporting globalization efforts and the diverse financial needs of modern businesses.

7. Project manager

Remote project managers are instrumental in orchestrating the completion of projects by managing timelines, resources, and team collaboration effectively across distributed teams. Their ability to maintain project schedules, budgets, and quality standards, all while working remotely, showcases the power of digital project management tools and virtual communication platforms. This ensures that projects progress smoothly, despite physical distances, fostering a culture of accountability and teamwork.

8. Virtual assistant

Virtual assistants provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely. From managing schedules and emails to handling social media and customer inquiries, they streamline operations, allowing business owners and professionals to focus on core activities. The versatility and scalability offered by virtual assistants make this role increasingly popular, as businesses seek efficient, cost-effective ways to manage tasks and improve productivity in a digital-first world.

9. Financial analyst

The remote nature of financial analyst positions allows for the in-depth analysis of financial data and trends without being tied to a physical office. With advanced financial modeling and data analysis tools available online, financial analysts can provide valuable insights into business performance, investment opportunities, and market trends from anywhere. This flexibility enables companies to make informed financial decisions quickly, leveraging expertise from a broad talent pool.

10. Technical writer

Technical writers in remote settings are tasked with creating clear and concise documentation, user guides, and content that supports marketing and communication strategies. Their ability to work remotely opens up opportunities for collaboration with global teams, contributing to a wide range of projects. The demand for remote technical writers underscores the importance of quality content in engaging audiences, educating users, and supporting SEO strategies, all of which are crucial for digital presence and brand recognition.

The most in-demand jobs

The top fully remote roles that job hunters are searching for are in quite similar areas, with just a couple of differences. Some of the most searched-for roles for fully remote work on FlexJobs are in:

1. Data entry
2. Customer Service
3. Executive Assistant
4. Marketing
5. Project Manager
6. Accounting
7. Education
8. Sales
9. Writer
10. Recruiter

“It hasn’t changed too much from what it has been, in terms of who can work digitally. We’re still seeing a lot of roles within IT [and] software development,” commented Paul Arnesen, founder of Talentroo.

One job not featured on the list that Arnesen has increasingly seen move fully remote is recruitment. “Norwegian energy companies for example used to fly everyone they were hiring to an assessment centre. They now changed it to be virtual and all the people working at the assessment centre are working remotely. So that’s HR, talent acquisition, recruitment. It’s easier and more accepted now to do online interviews,” he explained.

He added that the main thing that really changed is the influx of new software, making it easier for anyone whose work can be done behind a laptop to go remote. “Go back to 2017, you had early versions of Slack and Teams. These were not that developed, or they were more developed to be used in-house or for freelancers. Now all the big companies like Microsoft and Salesforce developed this, they can set them up and have a global workforce,” Arnesen said.

Full-remote roles: Key takeaways

The rise of remote jobs across various industries and roles underscores a transformative period in the job market, propelled by technological advancements and changing workforce expectations. Here’s what to keep in mind as we continue to adapt to this evolving landscape:

• Flexibility and autonomy are key: The increasing pursuit of remote roles underscores a growing demand for work arrangements that offer flexibility and autonomy, highlighting a shift in workplace expectations and values.
• Technological proficiency is essential: The ability to leverage technology for communication, collaboration, and task management is fundamental in remote roles, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and adaptation.
• Diverse skills across various industries: Remote work opportunities span a broad range of industries and roles, from technical positions like software engineering to creative and administrative roles, indicating the versatility of remote work.

In essence, the rise of remote work challenges traditional workplace models, promoting a culture of flexibility, technological savviness, and a broadened perspective on career possibilities. Adapting to this change requires an openness to continuous learning and an embrace of the digital tools that facilitate remote collaboration.

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