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Like many big companies, Facebook has a robust remote work program.
Currently, the company has over 1,000 remote openings across their services — Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, Oculus, Workplace, etc.
As you might imagine, there is a wide variety of positions. Requirements and pay vary by role.
The following screenshot from the company’s career page will give you a sense of just how diverse the opportunities are:
Below, are instructions on how to easily view all of the remote openings currently listed on the Facebook careers page. This image may help to guide you through the steps.
TO SEE ALL OF THEIR REMOTE OPENINGS START HERE THEN >
click the “By Location” link in the left column (may be in a different location on mobile devices) >
then select “REMOTE” from the options at the top of the screen >
then check the appropriate “Remote” box for your country or check the “All Remote Locations” box.
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Alorica, a legitimate and frequent hirer of work from home Agents, is looking for Work at Home Customer Service Representatives — and you DO NOT have to have experience (though it is preferable, of course).
In this role, you will talk to customers over the phone, email, online chat or social media to resolve their questions or concerns.
Pay is not listed, however, it has been listed at about $15/hour in the past.
The company offers benefits, including medical and dental, paid holiday and sick time, 401K, and more.
While no state exclusions are listed, we do know that, in the past, the company hires in about half of the US states. We’ll post here if we uncover more details on any omitted states.
Here’s what the company has posted about this opportunity:
“At Alorica, we only do one thing – make lives better, one interaction at a time. We’re a global leader in customer service and experience, serving the world’s biggest brands with tens of thousands of employees in hundreds of locations around the globe.
JOB SUMMARY
Your mission (should you choose to accept it) is to offer customer support through phone, email, online chat or social media to customers who have questions, concerns or confusion around a particular product or service.
You’re literally the voice of the brand, and a strong relationship between our clients and their customers starts with you. So only the awesome need apply.
KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Talks to customers over the phone, email, online chat or social media to resolve their questions or concerns
Maintains and updates customer information as necessary
Calmly attempts to resolve and de-escalate any issues
Escalates calls to supervisor when necessary and appropriate
Responds to requests for assistance and/or possible processing of credit card authorizations
Tracks call-related information for auditing and reporting purposes
Provides feedback reports on call issues related to downtime and/or training issues
Upsells to customers as necessary
WHY JOIN ALORICA?
Every day, we aim to live up to our mission of creating insanely great customer experiences. But as Alorica employees, giving back matters just as much – that’s why we’re so proud of Making Lives Better with Alorica, a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing assistance to employees, their families and the people, organizations and communities who support them.
Simply put, we want to make lives better…one interaction at a time. And to do that, we need the very best people to join us.
But please, allow us to entice you further! As an Alorica employee, you may receive:
Paid training
Flexible training schedules
Medical and dental benefits
Paid time off
Paid holiday and sick time
Retirement planning options (401(k))
Employee discounts through client programs
Working at Alorica means potentially having the freedom to explore all kinds of career options – from customer service, training, and tech support, to management, recruiting and more. Alorica offers fun, challenging opportunities to pursue your professional goals, and we want you to have fun and succeed – because when you’re at your best, that’s when we’re at our best.
So what do you say? Ready to take the next step?
JOB REQUIREMENTS Minimum Education and Experience:
High School Diploma or GED required; college degree preferred
Customer service experience a plus
Phone-related customer service a major plus
Familiarity with Microsoft Windows, Word, and Excel applications
Bilingual language skills a plus
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Stellar customer service skills – and an overwhelming desire to make lives better, one interaction at a time
Ability to use phone and computer systems
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Strong listening/comprehension skills
Ability to stay composed and objective
Conversational, patient and confident, with a positive attitude”
If you have a little one at home — you know how difficult it can be to get things done. But just because you have a household filled with chatter and unpredictable schedules doesn’t mean that you can’t work from home. Short tasks, also called micro-jobs or pay-per-task jobs, are the perfect way for busy […]
There are a variety of teaching jobs available online for teachers. Whether you are looking to earn some extra income from a side gig or keep yourself busy over the summer — or after retirement — the Internet has got you covered. Here are a few examples of online jobs available for teachers. Teaching English […]
After working remotely for a while, it’s not unusual to discover that your favorite “going out” pants don’t quite fit like they used to. Being closer to the fridge and farther away from accountability is a recipe for weight loss disaster. Luckily, it’s not too hard to get back on track with a bit of […]
Ah, the cover letter. To write one or not is an often debated topic among career professionals. Some say it’s outdated and no longer relevant. Others believe it’s key to getting interviews.
As for me, I’m Team Cover Letter 99% of the time. I know it’s not the answer you were hoping to hear. But, before you show yourself to the virtual exit, hear me out.
It’s not exactly fun to write a cover letter. I get it. However, there are valid reasons to write one for the majority (not all) remote jobs you apply for. Here’s why.
First Impression Maker
First impressions are important. Chances are, you’ve heard the old phrase, “You don’t get a second chance at a first impression.” Cliche, but true. In fact, even you regularly make snap judgments about people you meet in a matter of seconds, according to the American Psychological Association.
Unfortunately, remote job seekers don’t get a chance to make an in-person impression. Instead, career marketing materials (cover letter, resume, social profiles, LinkedIn, etc.) are used by recruiters and hiring managers to size you up.
Since one-third of recruiters read cover letters first, it’s likely to be your only first impression maker at some point in your remote job search. Let’s make it a good one.
Interview Generator
The majority of hiring personnel use cover letters to make hiring decisions. In fact, 83% state a well written cover letter can make up for a bad resume.
Clearly, your interview requests will skyrocket with each cover letter you write. Be sure to use this powerful document whenever you can!
Expert Tip:
Do not use the same cover letter for every job listing. Always customize your cover letter for the job you are applying for. Bonus points if the cover letter addresses the specific hiring manager.
Send status updates and request information in emails
And that’s just a very short list! Sure, you can put “written communication skills” on your remote resume. But, go a step further and demonstrate your ability through a cover letter. It’s the perfect platform put your effective communication on display.
Expert Tip:
Proofread your cover letter. Then proofread it again. Finally, ask someone else to give it a onceover. A cover letter is only effective if it’s well written and free of glaring grammatical errors.
Direction Follower
Fun fact, just 38% of applicants send a cover letter when a job listing asks for one. Obviously, it’s not a great look (or good first impression) when you opt to leave one out. If you can’t follow basic directions during the hiring process, why would an employer believe you’ll follow them once hired?
Don’t be lazy and skip over the cover letter step. Instead, do better than the 62% of job seekers by committing to write a cover letter whenever possible, and especially when required!
Details, Details, Details
Do you read the entire job description before you apply? If not, you’re placing yourself at a disadvantage. For starters, the job listing provides important clues to key skills and abilities to include in your resume and cover letter. But, it’s also a place where employers will slip in a very specific detail to include in your cover letter.
For example, specific directives could be:
“Please include the word ‘watermelon’ in your subject line.”
“Use ‘aloha’ to conclude your cover letter.”
It seems weird, I know. However, employers do this to instantly weed out applicants who fail to thoroughly read listings. After all, hiring managers want potential employees who actually want the job – not applicants who mass apply to every remote listing they see.
Expert Tip:
Remote job searches are all about quality over quantity. Take your time and apply to jobs that you actually want to do (and are qualified for). Do not apply to every remote listing you come across.
Career Narrative Controller
Finally, a cover letter allows you to control your career narrative. Your career narrative is the professional story detailing your past, present, and future. This is especially important when:
Changing careers
Explaining employment gaps
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Hiring personnel will inevitably have questions when you apply for positions that don’t align with previous roles like, “Do they know which position they’re applying for?” Similarly, when employment gaps are present they’ll wonder, “What were they doing during that time?”
Don’t let recruiters connect the dots themselves. Instead, take control of your career narrative. Your cover letter is the perfect place to answer these questions in your own words. Now, you’ve erased any roadblocks before they became deal breakers.
Cover Letter Fast Facts and Stats
Clearly, your cover letter is a critical part of your remote job search. If you’re still not convinced consider these stats*:
26% of all recruiters look at cover letters to make hiring decisions
56% of companies give preference to applicants who include a cover letter
49% of hiring managers believe cover letters make resumes better
83% of the time a cover letter can secure a job interview, especially when your resume isn’t an exact match for a role
77% of recruiters prefer applicants who took the time to send a cover letter
72% of employers still want to see a cover letter (even when its optional)
Writing Cover Letters with Less Stress
The stats in this post clearly illustrate one thing: Most applicants dread writing cover letters. Remember, just 38% include a cover letter – even when it’s “required.”
As a career coach, I’m here to make your job search simpler and more effective. And, like it or not, an effective job search includes a cover letter.
But, don’t panic! Your cover letter doesn’t have to stress you out. In fact, writing one is as easy as 1-2-3.
One: Format
First, you need to know what goes into a cover letter. This is called its format. An effective cover letter is made up of five simple parts:
5 Simple parts that make up a great cover letter
Contact Information
Greeting & Introduction
Body Paragraphs
Call to Action
Sign Off
Contact Information
The contact information includes your name, phone number, email address, and location. Even though you’re looking for remote work, make sure to include your city and state. Remember, many companies have location requirements for remote workers.
Additionally, include your LinkedIn Profile and personal website or portfolio, if you have them. If you don’t, I highly recommend setting them up. Both play an important role in building your personal brand.
Greeting & Introduction
Rarely, will you know the name and/or title of the person reading your resume and cover letter. After all, job listings typically ask you to submit your cover letter and resume online through a portal or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). When you don’t know the person’s name, stick with something generic like “Dear Hiring Manager.”
After the greeting comes the introduction paragraph. Open your cover letter with an attention grabbing hook that reels the reader in. With the right opener, your cover letter is likely to be read in full instead of briefly scanned.
Body Paragraphs
The middle of your cover letter includes the body paragraphs. If possible, draw a connection to the company you’re applying to. You can reference an upcoming event, press release, social media posts, or news mentions.
Then, showcase your relevant skills, experience, education and how they will benefit the company’s goals or mission. Remember, keep paragraphs short and use bullet points when possible. Nobody likes to be hit with walls of text!
Call to Action
Any good salesperson will tell you to always ask for the sale. This is known as a “call to action.” As a job seeker, you’re selling your skills and abilities in hopes of getting an interview. So ,use your final paragraph to ask for an interview. It’s not pushy. You’re being proactive!
Expert Tip:
Do not use passive statements like, “I would welcome the chance to interview with you” or “I hope to hear from you soon…” Actively ask for an interview instead.
Sign Off
You’re in the home stretch now! Lastly, end your cover letter with a professional closing like “Regards,” “Best Regards,” or “Sincerely.” Then simply type in your name to act as your signature. That’s it. Your cover letter is complete.
Two: Template
Remember, do not use a cookie cutter cover letter. A cover letter is only effective when it’s tailored to the company and position you’re applying for. However, this doesn’t mean you have to start a cover letter from scratch every time. Instead, opt for a template that is easily updated for effortless customization.
With a template, all you have to do is pull it up, make a copy, and change relevant sections, sentences, or statements. Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll be a cover letter pro.
Free Cover Letter Template
Don’t guess at creating an effective cover letter. Use a professional template written by a professional career coach (me!).
So far, you know what the parts of a cover letter are and the importance of using a customizable template every time. Now, what exactly should you say in your cover letter?
Great question. This is what trips most people up. Fortunately, it’s not complicated. All you need to remember are the three Cs:
Credibility
Connection
Clarity.
1. Credibility
Remember, your cover letter can help you get an interview even when your resume isn’t an exact fit for the job. To do this, state what you can do for the company. Then, lend credibility to those statements by sharing relevant examples of previous accomplishments.
2. Connection
Always create a connection between yourself and the company. This is important for two reasons: 1. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the company 2. Clearly shows a thoughtful cover letter written specifically for that role.
3. Clarity
Finally, write clearly and concisely. There is no need to be clever, cute, or quirky. Your cover letter’s main mission is to demonstrate ability and enthusiasm. Use short sentences and bullet points to highlight your skills and how they’ll benefit the company.
Expert Tip:
Please, proofread your cover letter. Do not rely on Word or Docs to find mistakes for you. Also, read the job ad closely for any information you need to put into your cover letter. Similarly, look for instructions on how to save and send it (PDF, .docx, email, upload, etc.) Attention to detail is key!
Yes, You Should Include A Cover Letter for Remote Jobs
In the end, my answer is “Yes, you should write a cover letter- even if it’s optional.” Honestly, they aren’t difficult to write. In fact, if you use a template, it will take just a matter of minutes to customize it to a particular job.
Remember, many hiring managers believe cover letters secure interviews when a resume isn’t the best fit. Plus, almost two-thirds of applicants fail to write one even when asked. Writing a cover letter already places you ahead of the majority.
So, open Google Docs right now (yes, right now) and put together your cover letter template. It’s a seriously easy yet effective way to get more interviews. Sign up for my weekly newsletter – Happy Mail – and I’ll send you a free cover letter example template as a thanks.
UnitedHealth always has a large number of work from home jobs available, but their Customer Service jobs are quite rare and VERY POPULAR, so APPLY & SHARE QUICKLY as this opportunity is likely to fill quickly.
If you live in the US Pacific or Mountain Time Zones and have at least 2+ years of combined education, work and/or volunteer experience.
The company offers a $1,000 sign-on bonus and a competitive pay rate.
Here’s what the company has posted about this opportunity:
“If you are located within the Pacific or Mountain time zones, you will have the flexibility to telecommute* (work from home) as you take on some tough challenges. Training classes start soon – apply today!
You’ve heard this all your life. Trust matters. Being trusted matters a lot. Here at OptumRx we’ve earned the trust of more than 65 million people who rely on us for the prescription drugs that improve their health and lifestyle. Now, we trust that you can take advantage of some of the best training and tools in the world to help serve our customers and their care providers. You’ll take as many as 50 to 70 calls per day from members who have questions about their prescriptions and you’ll use your personality and our tools to make each call successful. This is no small opportunity. This is where you can bring your compassion for others while building your career.
The Customer Service Representative position is full-time based on an anticpated schedule of 35-40 hours per week, Sunday- Saturday. Employees are required to have flexibility to work any of our 8-hour shift schedules during our normal business hours of 5:00 am-10:00 pm local time. Standard training days are Monday – Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm CST for 4 – 5 weeks. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime.
*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.
There are several steps in our hiring process. Please make sure that you have filled out all required sections of your employment application. Once you submit your completed application, you will receive an email with information regarding next steps including any pre-employment assessment(s) that are required. Both your application and any required assessment(s) need to be completed before we can consider you for employment so the sooner you complete these two steps, the sooner you will hear from us. To learn more, go to: http://uhg.hr/OurApplicationProcess
Primary Responsibilities
Respond to incoming calls from our customers on issues related to benefit eligibility questions and prescription status inquiries
Guide and educate callers on their prescription benefits, use of plan, formulary, premiums and status of orders and claims or inquiries
Ask appropriate questions and listen actively while documenting required information in computer systems
Identify issues and communicate solutions and steps to customers, pharmacies and physicians with prescription orders and reorders
Make outbound calls to customers on prescription orders and payment issues
This role is equally challenging and rewarding. You’ll be called on to research complex issues pertaining to member prescription and /or pharmacy benefits across multiple databases which requires fluency in computer navigation and toggling while confidently and compassionately engaging with the caller.
You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in
Required Qualifications:
High School Diploma / GED (or higher) OR equivalent work experience
Minimum of 2+ years of combined education, work and/or volunteer experience
Ability to work any of our 8-hour shift schedules during our normal business hours of Sunday – Saturday 5:00am – 10:00pm local time in Pacific Standard Time OR Mountain Standard Time depending on location
Preferred Qualifications:
Health Care/Insurance environment (familiarity with medical terminology, health plan documents, or benefit plan design)
Social work, behavioral health, disease prevention, health promotion and behavior change (working with vulnerable populations)
Customer Service experience
Experience working with Digital platforms and systems. Web, Chat, email.
Experience with Adult Learning in virtual environment
Telecommuting Requirements:
Reside within PST or the states of Arizona or Idaho
Required to have a dedicated work area established that is separated from other living areas and provides information privacy
Ability to keep all company sensitive documents secure (if applicable)
Must live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service
Must be able to connect directly into internet – via hard wire (either directly to modem or router)”
In 2020, for the first time, many animal shelters found themselves empty. As many Americans found themselves working and going to school from home, more and more people decided to become pet parents. With many workers now returning to the office and campus, the need for professional dog walkers is on the rise. The U.S. […]
Perhaps you have dipped your foot into the reselling pool and found it wasn’t for you. Perhaps there were tasks you excelled at but maybe you didn’t care for the big picture of what’s required to buy and sell with the big leagues. How can you still profit from the skills you learned along the […]
Whoever says the perfect job doesn’t exist has spent too much time looking at job boards! There is a whole world of hidden jobs out there known as the hidden job market… you’ll be amazed by what you can find if you know where to look. As most of us have experienced, remote jobs listed […]
TTEC has openings for Work from Home Healthcare Customer Service Representatives in all states EXCEPT AK, CA and HI.
No college required. The main requirements are a HS diploma or equivalent and at least six months of customer experience.
Pay is listed as $11.50 to $16.00, “Depending on the program, role and local minimum wage guidelines…”
Here’s what the company has posted about this opportunity:
“At TTEC, we are all about the Human Experience. Elevated. As a Healthcare Customer Service Representative working remotely, you’ll be a part of creating and delivering amazing customer experiences while you also #experienceTTEC, an award-winning, employment experience.
Our TTEC work from home team has 41 preferred residency states. We do not hire residents of AK, CA, HI or outside of the United States.
What You’ll be Doing
Do you have a passion for helping others and giving them peace of mind? Whether it’s getting answers for customers quickly, consulting on health-related products with compassion or resolving their issues with a smile, you’ll be the difference between their customer experience being just average or an exceptional one.
On a typical day, you’ll
Answer incoming communications from customers
Conduct research to provide answers for customers to resolve their issues
What You Bring to the Role
High speed internet connection (>15 mbps)
6 months or more of customer service experience
Integrity to follow HIPAA guidelines on maintaining patient privacy (just as you would expect if it were your private information being shared)
High school diploma or equivalent
Computer savvy
What You Can Expect
Knowledgeable, encouraging, supporting and present leadership
Diverse and community minded organization
Career-growth and lots of learning opportunities for aspiring minds
TTEC at home offers full-time regular and seasonal roles. Depending on the program, role and local minimum wage guidelines, base hourly wages of $11.5 to $16.00.
And yes…all the competitive performance bonus opportunities, health and wellbeing, financial and income protection, and paid leave benefits you’d expect and maybe a few that would pleasantly surprise you. For full details on our benefits, visit https://mybenefits.ttec.com/us/candidates/.
A Bit More About Your Role
We’ll train you to be a subject matter expert in your field, so you can be confident in providing the highest level of service possible whether through voice, chat or email interactions. We trust you already have the necessary ingredient that can’t be taught – a caring and supportive nature that will shine through as you help customers. You’ll also have a chance to make great new friends within the TTEC community and grow your career in a dynamic, family-friendly atmosphere.
You’ll report to a Team Lead. You’ll contribute to the success of the customer experience as well as the overall success of the team.”
If you like being on the go, maybe you should consider the possibility of earning extra cash by running errands for other people. Whether you’d like to go into business for yourself or use one of the helpful online services out there, making money while helping others is a great way to earn a living. […]
I am often asked, “Why doesn’t Company XYZ hire remote workers in my state?” In fact, this question comes up so often that its answer deserves a dedicated blog post.
And, I get it. Remote job searches (like all job searches) are draining. It’s incredibly frustrating to find the *perfect* remote job only to realize the company doesn’t hire in your state. Cue sad trombone noises…
Fortunately, you quickly brush off this setback only to find even more remote jobs that exclude your state. What gives?
Doesn’t “work from home” mean just that whether your home is in Iowa, Florida, or California?
Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. In fact, just 5% of remote jobs posted on FlexJobs have no location restrictions.
Clearly, these location requirements are there for a reason, and that reason isn’t just a dislike for your state and the people within it. Instead, the answer boils down to money and state laws.
A common question remote job seekers have!
State Registration Requirements
First, a company must register its business in each state to legally hire there. With 50 US states (plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories) registering is time consuming, complicated, and expensive.
Registration Rules
For example, Arizona asks companies to provide certified copies of its articles of incorporation and a certificate of good standing. Both documents must be dated within 60 days. Plus, there’s a filing fee as high as $365 (not to mention obtaining certified copies of business documents costs money too). It all adds up quickly.
In-State Address
Additionally, most states require a local physical address (not a P.O. box) for out-of-state companies. To comply, companies hire registered agents in each state to receive mail, subpoenas, tax notices, and other important documents from state agencies.
That’s a lot of moving parts for a single company to handle. Some states make it a bigger hassle to hire locally. Often, remote-friendly companies opt out of registering to hire in those states.
State Taxes
Next up, a company opens itself up to tax implications with each new state they hire in. For starters, employers need to register with the correct state agencies and follow state-specific tax rates. As you know, taxes are never fun to deal with. This holds true for companies, too!
Companies have to follow state-specific tax rules
Tax ID
A state-provided tax ID is needed in addition to a federal tax ID or employer identification number (EIN). Why? A state ID is used by companies to legally take money from paychecks to pay state taxes (called withholding).
The amount and type of withholdings varies by state.
Some states don’t withhold income taxes at all. Others require companies to tax employees based on the employee’s location and not the company’s home state. There are select states that require companies to pay both local AND home state taxes.
For example, if a company headquartered in California hires you remotely in North Carolina they have to pay California and North Carolina state taxes.
Of course, companies prefer to hire in states with favorable tax rules.
Hiring Laws, Rules, and Regulations
Even after a company files to hire and set up taxes, there are more rules to follow during the hiring process.
First, the content of applications has to comply with state-level laws.
some states have strict laws making it difficult to hire there from other locations
Non-discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity
Each state has rules banning employment discrimination based on marital status, sexual identity, and gender identity/expression. Plus, some states offer additional protection for whistle-blowers. There are even state specific laws that regulate an employer’s rules about off-duty conduct (smoking, posting on social media, etc.).
Criminal History
At some point, you’ve likely filled out an application that asked whether you’ve been convicted of a crime. Today, some states have regulations that prevent employers from asking about criminal history during the application process. However, this rule doesn’t apply once a conditional job offer is given.
Background Checks, Drug Testing, and References
Many companies require background and reference checks for potential employees. Of course, every state has unique rules covering when companies can ask for screening, which positions need to be drug tested, and who will pay for the background check and/or drug testing. There are also rules regarding running credit checks on applicants.
Also, there is a long list of employment regulations each state has regarding topics like:
Child labor
Immigration
Interview questions
Lie detectors
Public records
Some states have many rules to follow throughout the hiring process. Others take a more relaxed approach. Either way, companies will consider each state’s regulations and employment laws before they decide to hire there. Highly restrictive states often get passed over for those that are more employer-friendly.
Payroll
Last but certainly not least, states have payroll rules in place (try saying that five times real fast) that companies have to follow. Payroll, of course, is the important process of paying workers. Understandably, there are plenty of statewide payroll restrictions to protect workers’ paychecks.
You don’t mess with people’s money. that’s why many states have strict payroll rules.
Minimum Wage
Minimum wage in the US is a hot topic. Currently, the federal minimum wage is a measly $7.25/hour. This rate hasn’t increased since 2009!
In response, many states have their own minimum wage – some higher and some lower than the federal standard.
For example, Wyoming & Georgia have rates at just $5.15 an hour. However, many states have higher minimum wage rates (as of 01/01/2022) including:
Florida: $10.00
California: $14.00
Washington: $14.49
Arizona: $12.80
New Jersey: $13.00
New York: $13.20
Remember, companies have to follow the state rules where its employees live.
For example, a company located in Wyoming must pay remote employees living in Washington $14.49/hour – a whopping $9.34 lower than Wyoming’s minimum wage.
Unfortunately, restricting hiring in states with higher minimum wages saves companies plenty on payroll. You might see fewer remote jobs if you live in a state with better than average minimum wage.
Paycheck Frequency
Most companies choose to pay workers weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly. However, when hiring out-of-state, companies must meet that state’s guidelines.
For example, Florida doesn’t have pay frequency rules. However, a Florida company that hires in New York must pay remote New Yorkers weekly to comply with state law.
And, running payroll isn’t exactly cheap. According to Cost Owl, companies pay about $5 per employee for each pay cycle. Of course, more pay cycles = more money.
Companies looking to save cash might forgo hiring in states requiring weekly pay. Check out your state’s payday requirements to see how it stacks up against others.
Overtime
Overtime compensates employees at a higher pay rate when they work longer hours. Per Federal rules, overtime pay of time and half is given to employees who work more than 40 hours in a week.
For example, an employee who earns $20/hour will be paid $30/hour for any overtime worked.
Half of $20 = $10
Time ($20) + Half ($10) = $30
Some states are more generous with overtime than Federal Laws. Alaska, California, and Nevada require overtime pay whenever an employee works more than 8 hours in a day.
In these states, remote companies default to the rule that is most favorable to workers.
pin me for later!
Additional Payroll Rules
Pay is important to the workforce. It makes sense that states have strict rules to protect their workers.
Honestly, I could write ten blog posts on payroll restrictions by state. But, that would be incredibly boring for most to read.
Instead, I’ve condensed major payroll rules down to a readable list. Below are state payroll rules that complicate hiring for remote companies.
Fair scheduling with predictable schedules and adequate time between shifts
Check deductions for uniforms, office equipment, and drug tests
Meal time and breaks for eating/resting/nursing during work hours.
Final pay determining how quickly a company must pay and whether it includes unused vacation days
Sick days to pay employees when illness prevents working
Of course, companies are in business to make money. Part of that includes saving money whenever possible. States with high minimum wage, strict tax laws, and frequent pay cycles are less attractive to employers. As a result, its often easier (and more affordable) to skip over these states.
How to Find Remote Jobs in Your State
By now, you’ve learned way more than you wanted to about remote hiring rules. Hopefully, your excess knowledge explains why companies might not hire remote workers in your state.
Ideally, remote-friendly companies open up virtual doors to all applicants regardless of location. However, this isn’t the current state (no pun intended) of remote work in the US.
Does that mean you’re out of luck if your state is often excluded from remote jobs? Of course not. You just need to fine tune your job search.
Overcome geographic restrictions in your remote job search
Look Into Startups
First, consider startups. Typically, a startup is a young company (less than 5 years old) that was founded to disrupt an industry. Airbnb, Angry Birds, Uber, and Instagram are all well-known and extremely successful startups.
These newer companies want to hire the best talent to help fuel growth. To do this, startups often hire remote workers from around the world. Global hiring provides access to a much larger talent pool.
In fact, many startups build remote work right into their company culture. It’s really a win-win: The startup has tons of options to hire and candidates enjoy the perk of working remotely from almost anywhere.
Freelancing
Don’t want to rely on companies to hire in your state? No problem. Freelancing is a good solution. As a freelancer, you sell services to clients. Then, you bill the client for your services.
Popular freelance skills include writing, editing, proofreading, transcription, and virtual assisting. This is a short list. Honestly, if you’re proficient in a computer-based skill you can sell it as a freelance service.
Freelancing is great for digital nomads or anyone who wants the freedom to work where and when they want to. This remote work type is also attractive to parents who need flexibility to work from home with kids.
Examples include e-commerce, Etsy shop, job board, and blog – to name a few.
Plus, you can even start an online business. For example, bookkeeping, coaching, author, creator/crafter, content marketer, and consultant are businesses easily conducted entirely online.
As a bonus, self employment allows you to work anywhere with an internet connection. After all, you are your own boss!
Resources to Overcome a State Restricted Remote Job Search
Finally, I want to share resources to improve your remote job search – especially if your state is holding you back. The more tools you have in your pocket, the easier your remote job search becomes.
Resources and tips to conquer your remote job search
Remote Job Search Sites
Remotive – A go-to site for remote startup jobs with a free webinar and a remote companies list
FlexJobs – A membership site with hand-screened remote jobs and filters you can use to exclude jobs not hiring in your state (Save 30% with FlexJobs Promo Code SAVE30)
Freelance Job Boards
Upwork – Create a profile and pitch your services to gigs posted by clients
Fiverr – Get creative and set up a profile with services laid out for people to buy directly.
Staffing Agencies with Remote Jobs
Kelly – Find freelance, part-time, full time, and temporary remote jobs here.
Kforce – Tons of remote jobs in tech, finance, and accounting. Options include short-term contract, 100% remote, and temporary roles.
Robert Half – A global staffing agency consistently ranked as one of the Top 100 companies with remote work.
Remote Job-Ready Skills Training
Transcribe Anywhere – Free mini course to introduce you to transcription work as a remote worker.
Proofread Anywhere – Free 76-minute webinar for learning about working online as a paid proofreader.
LinkedIn Learning – Quickly learn job skills and share your completed lessons directly on your LinkedIn Profile.
Coursera – Learn in-demand work skills from top universities.
Online Business Building
Wandering Aimfully – An amazing coaching program I used to grow my blog and career coaching business. I highly recommend it if you already have an online business you want to build up intentionally.
Bookkeeper Business Launch – Start (and scale) a bookkeeping business from scratch. Sign up for free training series first!
SmartBlogger – Turn a love of writing into a thriving online content marketing business. Read the free roadmap first!
Edit Republic – My friend, Phon, started and scaled an amazing editing and proofreading business. Now, she teaches others how to do the same.
Location Requirements in Remote Work
You can’t control whether a company hires remote workers from your state. And, that’s okay.
Remember, companies can’t just decide to one day start hiring in a certain state. Instead, they have to go through long and expensive processes just to get set up. After, companies must continue to follow employment laws based on the state each employee works in!
Fortunately, your location doesn’t necessarily need to hold you back in your job search. Consider freelancing or self employment instead. Plus, there’s staffing agencies, startups, and job boards to help you find remote work in your neck of the woods.
Happily,
Ashlee Anderson, CPCC
PS This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more details.
