When Kate Smith was stuck in a conventional 9-to-5 office job, she often felt burned out, suffering from persistent migraines, and contemplating, “I can’t do this for the rest of my life.” Little did she know, a life change was on the horizon.

Smith transitioned into a remote, full-time marketing role that allowed her the freedom to travel the world. This change led her to Bali, where she spent a year and a half living and working amidst breathtaking rice fields. “Every day, I rode my scooter through the rice paddies, thinking, ‘I love my life, this is amazing,’” she reflected. “That feeling never fades; I feel incredibly grateful for the freedom and flexibility.”

While Smith has enjoyed remote work for over a decade, the trend accelerated in 2020 due to the pandemic, prompting many workers to perform their jobs from home. Once they experienced the benefits of remote work—including no longer enduring long commutes—employees were eager to embrace this new lifestyle. Parents relished the opportunity to greet their children at the school bus, and others found more time for fitness and social activities.

However, as the pandemic eased, numerous major companies began calling employees back to the office. This led to a competitive job market, with remote positions drawing hundreds, or even thousands, of applicants. “Fully remote roles are increasingly rare in the U.S.,” noted Mark Ma, an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh. “It’s crucial to seek opportunities at smaller or medium-sized firms, which may offer more flexibility even if their financial packages don’t compare to those of larger companies.”

According to LinkedIn data from July, only about 9% of paid job postings in the U.S. were remote, yet these roles attracted a staggering 37% of all applications. Given this context, it’s essential to employ strategic tactics when seeking remote job opportunities.

Highlight Your Autonomy

Employers’ primary concern when hiring remote workers is ensuring accountability and productivity. Carla Rover, co-founder of Strategy and Content, emphasized the importance of showcasing your work history. “I present a structured schedule, demonstrating how much I create daily and what I’ve accomplished over time,” she explained.

Effective time management, self-motivation, and independence are crucial for success in remote roles, notes career expert Toni Frana of FlexJobs. If you have prior remote work experience, be sure to spotlight it on your resume, listing the communication tools you’ve utilized, such as Slack or Microsoft Teams. “It’s essential to emphasize your successful independent work experience,” added Dawn Fay, operational president at Robert Half International.

Focus on Similar Roles

After escaping her dull office role, Smith turned her passion for freedom into a coaching side hustle aimed at helping like-minded professionals. Eventually, this side gig transformed into her full-time job.

When transitioning to remote work, it’s advisable to pursue roles similar to your current job instead of competing with highly qualified candidates. “Secure your entry into the remote job market and then work towards your long-term goals,” Smith advised. Also, consider negotiating to make your current position remote. This strategy worked for Courtney Sandifer, who, amid her family’s challenges, successfully arranged to work remotely in video production.

Trends in Remote Jobs

Your location can impact your remote job prospects. Regions like Europe and Australia are seeing an increase in remote work opportunities, with some Australian lawmakers proposing laws that would guarantee workers the right to work from home twice a week. Additionally, numerous countries now offer “digital nomad visas,” allowing remote workers to live and work abroad.

In the U.S., sectors such as education, administration, and social media are witnessing the fastest growth in full-time remote jobs. For part-time roles, top positions include nursing, telehealth, and licensed therapy, according to Frana. Smith sees ripe opportunities in fields like marketing, product management, sales, human resources, software development, and data analysis.

Scrutinize Job Listings

PJ Hruschak, a job seeker in web design and writing, has encountered numerous listings claiming to be remote but ultimately requiring candidates to reside in specific locations or come into the office periodically. “It’s frustrating,” he lamented. “It often feels like a waste of time.”

Be Proactive in Your Search

Investor Francesca Conti’s venture capital role allows her to work remotely from London while traveling to the U.S. to visit family. “The opportunities are scarce, but they do exist,” she acknowledged. She recommends networking at industry events or alumni gatherings, pointing out that in-person connections are invaluable, even in a remote job search.

“Remember, remote roles are unique; patience and aggressiveness in your approach can yield fruitful results,” she concluded.

Bussewitz writes for the Associated Press.