Reality check: Landing a remote job isn’t as easy as submitting a resume and waiting for a company to pay you to sit on your couch all day.
No, it takes a special kind of person to nail down a full-time gig that lets you work from home (or anywhere you’d like). And by special, I do mean skilled.
The good news about skills is that they can be learned. And what easier way to pick them up than by taking an online class.
If you’re not sure which ones will guarantee you that cushy new job, here are the biggies you should focus on:
1. How to Find Legitimate Work at Home Jobs, Udemy
Customer service, blogging, tech support—there are so many jobs out there where you can work remotely. The key is to know how to find them. Good thing this class covers the whole gamut, from creating your resume to interviewing to finding the right fit.
Cost: $40
Length: 14 lectures/ 1.5 hours
2. How to Be More Productive Working From Home, Udemy
The tricky part about working from home (or anywhere, really) is avoiding the inevitable distractions from not having a closed-off workspace or office. So, maybe you need a class that can teach you all the tips and tricks to being productive away from home base. Oh, what would ya know, this one is perfect.
Cost: $100
Length: 17 lectures/ 43 minutes
3. LinkedIn Profile Awesomeness: Learn Personal Branding, Visual Communication, and LinkedIn Strategies, Skillshare
Getting the job takes impressing the hiring manager—with a killer LinkedIn profile. Here’s how to brand yourself online in a way that makes you the ultimate candidate, no matter where you’re located.
Cost: $0.99 for three months
Length: 14 videos/ 56 minutes
4. Introduction to Personal Branding, Coursera
Or, if you think you need to take a step back, this class is a great introduction to what it means to create an exceptional personal brand, worthy of any job. Plus, it’s taught in a “warm, supportive atmosphere,” and isn’t that just the best way to learn?
Cost: Free without certification
Length: 3-5 hours a week
5. Trello Level One: Little Known Ways to Do More With Trello, Udemy
So what are the big secrets to staying organized while working remotely? Well, to start, Trello is a great (free!) resource to plan out your attack on any project, assignment, or group development. This course is a must if you’re very confused how it works (and want some insider tricks to the trade).
Cost: $25
Length: 17 lectures/ 1 hour
6. Slack: Less Email, More Productive, Udemy
Speaking of helpful apps, Slack will be your best friend while you’re away from co-workers—and a way better alternative than communicating via email (especially for the inbox zero freaks like me). Learn the basics, as well as some great productivity hacks, by taking this class.
Cost: $20
Length: 34 lectures/ 1.5 hours
7. Introduction to Time Management, ALISON
Yeah, yeah—you think you’ve got your schedule down pat. But think about how different it’s going to be not going to an office every day, not having a boss standing over your shoulder, not having to clock in or out. You sure you’re ready for that? This free course might be a nice refresher for even the most organized individuals.
Cost: Free
Length: 1-2 hours
8. Successful Negotiation: Essential Strategies and Skills, Coursera
Soft skills are the hidden tools to landing—and thriving—in a remote role. So, start your personal training with a college-level (and taught by a professor of business law) negotiation class, and you’ll have no problem with dealing clients near and far.
Cost: Free without certification
Length: 7 weeks/ 75 minutes a week
(For more great options, check out these classes on improving your interpersonal skills!)
9. Professional Skills for International Business, Coursera
Looking to work abroad? This class, provided by the University of London, is a great intro to the ins and outs of conducting business globally.
Cost: Free without certification
Length: 4 weeks/ 5 hours a week
10. Financial Planning Bundle, Skillwise
Finally, working remotely might require a little extra financial caution—so, get your money in order for any kind of remote job with this basic training course.
Cost: $39
Length: 65 hours