Become a digital nomad: Tips for finding remote work

Are you dreaming of sipping mate on a sunny Buenos Aires balcony while working for a company based halfway around the world? You’re not alone! More and more digital nomads are packing their bags, ready to work from anywhere, and Buenos Aires is one of the top destinations. 

But before you can make that dream a reality, you need a remote job. 

Keep in mind: The job search is a complex process — and no blog post can guarantee you’ll receive a job offer. Landing a new role takes time, investment, lots of motivation, and maybe even a bit of luck. However, you can move the needle in the right direction if you’re proactive and strategic with your search.

As a digital nomad myself, I’ve learned a thing or two over the years on how to successfully find remote work. If you’re ready to ditch the nine-five-office life and kickstart a fulfilling adventure abroad, keep reading for my top tips on finding remote work.

💻 Best industries for remote work

Remote work isn’t just for techies anymore. (Trust me, I can’t write a line of code!) In the past couple of years, a slew of companies across industries have embraced flexible work models, making it easier than ever to find remote opportunities.

Here are some of the top fields where remote work is thriving:

• Technology & IT: Unsurprisingly, tech is still king when it comes to remote jobs. Whether you’re a software developer, data analyst, or systems administrator, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Plus, the tech field often comes with competitive pay and flexible hours.
• Digital marketing: From SEO specialists to content marketers and social media managers, the marketing world has gone remote in a big way. As companies aim to build online brands, skilled marketers can work from anywhere.
• Customer service & support: Many companies, especially in e-commerce, need remote customer service reps. If you’re great at problem-solving and enjoy helping people, this could be a good fit.
• Education & training: Online education is booming, and platforms are always looking for remote instructors, tutors, and curriculum developers. Whether you’re teaching English, coding, or even YouTube workouts, this is a growing sector.
• Writing & editing: Writers, copy editors, and proofreaders can work from anywhere — and often async. Consider freelance writing opportunities, blog creation, and content marketing roles.
• Finance & accounting: If you have experience with bookkeeping, accounting, or financial analysis, you’ll find that many firms offer remote positions. Cloud-based accounting software has made it easier for companies to hire remote financial professionals.
• Project management: Many industries, from construction to marketing to software development, need skilled project managers to keep things running smoothly. If you’ve got experience leading teams, you can manage projects from anywhere.

Consider these industries a good starting point, but remember that remote work is often more competitive than office-based roles because the talent pool is global. To stand out, you’ll need a strong background, education, and relevant skills.

In short? Now might not be the ideal time for a complete career pivot. Unless you’re ready to invest time in upskilling, focus on roles that align with your current experience. And here’s the good news: The list above is far from exhaustive. With remote opportunities spanning many industries, identify your unique skill set and begin your search there.

📝 How to land a remote job

1. Use the right job boards

Once you’ve identified the right industry for you — where do you find the remote jobs? Not all job boards are created equal, so focus on the ones that specialize in remote work:

• We Work Remotely: This is one of the largest remote work job boards, offering a variety of roles in marketing, tech, design, and more.
• Remote OK: Another giant in the space, this site lists thousands of remote roles across industries.
• FlexJobs: Known for vetting every job listing, FlexJobs is a reliable platform but requires a subscription fee. The payoff? No scams, just real, legitimate remote jobs.

And don’t overlook LinkedIn! You can filter searches for remote roles.

When searching, keep in mind that not all remote roles allow you to work from anywhere in the world. Some have country restrictions — for example, you’ll often see “Remote within the United States” on an application. Or, other companies will only give you a set amount of days that you can work outside of the country. Make sure you’re reading the fine print so you don’t end up having to stay in your home office. 

2. Your network is a goldmine

Job boards are just one piece of the puzzle. Tapping into your network is a game-changer. Reach out to old colleagues, friends, and professional groups to let them know you’re on the hunt for a remote role. Even if they don’t have an opening at their company, they might introduce you to someone who does. LinkedIn also makes networking easier than ever. Don’t be shy — start engaging with content in your industry, post about your skills, and slide into those DMs with a friendly message.

Pro tip: Do you know any current digital nomads? Bingo. Ask who they work for, if they’ve held other remote jobs, and if they have any connections abroad who are hiring. 

3. Stand out in your application

When it comes to remote jobs, you’re often competing with people from all over the world, so you need to ensure your application doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. 

Start here:

• Tailor your resume: Your resume should highlight skills that matter for remote work — think time management, communication, and tech-savviness. Employers want to know you can handle autonomy. Also, you’ll need to tailor your resume to each unique job you’re applying for. I know, it’s a lot of work, but it pays off. Start by carefully reading the job description, noting key skills and qualifications the employer is looking for. Then, highlight your most relevant experience, emphasizing achievements that demonstrate those skills. Use measurable results, like “Increased sales by 30%,” to showcase your impact, and make sure to add keywords from the job listing to your resume. Finally, keep your resume clean and easy to read, with concise bullet points that make your accomplishments stand out at a glance.
• Cover letter magic: This is your opportunity to sell yourself. Emphasize both your relevant skills and your ability to thrive in a remote work environment. Express your excitement for the position and the company’s mission. Be sure to mention how you’ve exemplified remote-friendly skills in your past jobs, like self-motivation, time management, and organization. If possible, reference any tools or technologies you’ve used to collaborate with remote teams. 
• Show, don’t tell: Showcase your work with a portfolio or case studies, even if the application doesn’t ask for it. Visual proof of your work goes a long way.

4. Work with a career coach

Sometimes, you need a fresh perspective to get your remote career off the ground, and that’s where a career coach comes in. 

A coach can help you:

• Refine your strategy: Whether you’re unsure which remote role fits you best or you need help mapping out your job search, a career coach can guide you through the process and provide insights you may not have considered.
• Elevate your application: Coaches are pros at helping you write killer resumes and cover letters that stand out from the crowd. They can help tailor your approach so that your application feels personal, targeted, and unique.
• Ace the interview: Remote job interviews can be tricky — how do you convey energy and enthusiasm over Zoom? A career coach can help you practice virtual interview techniques, boost your confidence, and teach you how to leave a lasting impression on a hiring manager.

While working with a career coach might require an upfront investment, it can pay off by helping you secure that dream remote job faster.

5. No offers yet? Start as a freelancer

If you’re struggling to find a full-time remote role, freelancing is a great way to build your portfolio and develop the skills employers value in remote employees. (Psst… this is how I got started!) 

Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr allow you to start small, gain experience, and eventually land bigger gigs. When I was building my online portfolio, I started with short writing projects on Upwork that eventually led me to work with bigger, multi-national clients on the platform. Once I’d built a strong portfolio and network of clients, career opportunities started appearing organically.  

Consider freelancing as a “try before you buy” phase of your remote career. Many people start with freelance projects, and once they have a steady stream of clients or projects, they’re able to go full-time. Plus, you get to choose your own hours — perfect for enjoying those late Buenos Aires dinners and siestas.

👀 Unconventional tips to get noticed

Alright… so you’re still job searching. Despite sending countless applications, it still feels impossible to cut through the noise. 

First things first, remember that the job search takes time. You need to be constantly nurturing connections, networking, applying, improving your resume — and repeating these steps. 

And in the meantime, try going beyond the traditional with these tips: 

Create a personal website: Having your own website not only showcases your skills but positions you as a professional who takes their remote career seriously. It’s also a great spot to keep all your projects, testimonials, and certifications in one place.

Leverage social proof: Encourage past clients or colleagues to leave reviews or recommendations on LinkedIn, Upwork, or your website. Social proof can be the difference between you and another applicant.

Try remote internships: If you’re transitioning to a new field or just need experience, remote internships can provide the learning curve you need to get ahead.

Keep learning: Remote work thrives on adaptability, and upskilling is key. Take courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Skillshare to build skills in areas that are in high demand for remote roles — whether it’s mastering project management tools like Asana, diving into coding, or sharpening your digital marketing expertise. This not only boosts your chances of landing a job but also gives you the flexibility to pivot when needed.