Job seeker tips

Practical advice for finding a real remote job, especially if this is your first one.

Spot scams · Home setup · Location rules · Common remote jobs · Applying

Spot a job scam

Remote work attracts scammers. A real employer will never:

• Ask you to pay for training, a background check, software, or equipment.
• Send you a check and ask you to deposit it and send some money back.
• Interview you only by text message, WhatsApp, or Telegram.
• Ask for your Social Security number or bank details before you have a written job offer.
• Offer high pay for little work and no experience, and rush you to say yes.

Other warning signs: a "recruiter" for a big company writing from a Gmail or Yahoo address, a job offer you never applied for, and spelling mistakes in official-looking messages.

Stay safe: apply on the company's own careers website. Every listing on Hearthwork links straight there. If something feels off, search the company name with the word "scam", and report fraud at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Get your home set up

Many remote employers, especially call centers and healthcare companies, list these requirements:

• A computer, not just a phone or tablet. Some employers send you a laptop. Check the job posting.
• Wired internet. Many jobs ask you to plug your computer into your router with an ethernet cable and to have a minimum internet speed. You can test your speed for free at fast.com.
• A quiet, private space. Healthcare jobs often require a room where nobody can overhear calls, because patient information is private.
• A headset with a microphone for phone-based jobs. Some employers provide one.

Check the location rules

"Remote" doesn't always mean "anywhere". Many companies can only hire people who live in certain states, and some need you to work in a certain time zone. Use the location filter on our job list to see the jobs open to people in your state.

Common remote jobs, explained

Customer service representative

Answering customer questions by phone, chat, or email. Usually needs a high school diploma or GED, and customer-facing experience helps.

Call center agent or service advocate

Handling a steady flow of calls, often for an insurance company, pharmacy, or roadside service. Schedules can include evenings and weekends.

Care coordinator or patient care coordinator

Helping patients book appointments, sort out referrals, and connect with services. Many of these roles are open to people without a degree.

Crisis line specialist (988 and similar)

Supporting people in emotional distress by phone, text, or chat. Employers provide crisis training. Some ask for a few months of mental health, crisis, or volunteer experience. The work is meaningful and can be emotionally demanding.

Case manager

Working with members or patients over time to plan their care. Often needs a nursing license (RN) or a social work or counseling degree and license.

Pharmacy technician (remote)

Helping with prescriptions and patient questions by phone. Usually needs a state pharmacy technician license and often a national certification (CPhT).

Data entry specialist

Entering and checking information accurately. Expect a typing or accuracy test.

Look for the green No degree needed label on our job list, or see only those jobs.

Apply with confidence

• Apply early. Popular remote jobs fill up. Look for the New label on our list.
• Match your resume to the posting. Use the same words the job uses, such as "customer service", "scheduling", or "high call volume", where they honestly describe your experience. Caregiving and volunteering count.
• Expect a few steps. Online tests (typing, scenarios), a phone or video interview, then a background check. Drug screens are common for healthcare jobs. These are normal.
• Check your email and phone often, including your spam folder. Recruiters may move on if they can't reach you.
• Plan for training. The first weeks often have a fixed full-time schedule, even for flexible jobs.

Want help?

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