More and more bilingual or language experts are working remotely at the moment and it can sometimes seem difficult to stay connected. Remote workers need to make an extra effort to get noticed without face to face interaction.
There are many language-based roles that are great work but it can be tough to get noticed when you’re not in the physical settings you’re perhaps used to. Of course, technology can help – social media is a useful tool for example, and video networking is becoming an increasingly popular tool for workers and job seekers alike.
Whether you’re a freelancer or a new team member at a company, here are a few tips for remote working and getting noticed by your current employer and potential new ones.
Be proactive
If you’re working remotely then it’s more important than ever to be proactive. If you work with a team then you need to try and anticipate their needs ahead of time. Make an extra effort to be prepared for any new challenges that may occur. If you prove yourself before you’re asked then this could help you with getting noticed while remote working.
Don’t forget, where possible, shout about your successes publicly – what exciting work have you been involved in that you can talk about on social media, for example? You might not be able to discuss it with new people you meet at job fairs or networking events right now, but proactively sharing your success will help get you noticed. And if you’re a freelance expert, now more than ever the need to actively seek clients and proactively network is important.
Explore professional development options
The ability to speak more than one language can get you some great work, but it’s still a good idea to work on your professional development. Look at other courses you could study or any further qualifications that will be useful for you and your current or potential employer. Remote working and getting noticed is about making yourself appear as the best candidate for the job.
Potential employers will look for remote workers who have a strong focus on learning and improving their skills as this shows you are personally motivated and will be a valuable part of the company. With commuting no longer needed, you’re likely to have more free time if you’re working from home, so make the most of this and spend time expanding your knowledge and skillset.
Use social media to your advantage
Social media is a great tool for networking if you’re trying to get noticed while remote working. Use your social media accounts to sell yourself professionally. You can celebrate your achievements on social media and spread the good news about your latest successes.
If you work in languages you could include examples of your work or posts in different languages to express your interest in other cultures. Post regularly and stay in touch with your followers and this will help you stand out.
Getting noticed by collaborating with team members
When working remotely, you do need to make an extra effort to prove yourself as a valuable team member – it’s something that everyone simply has to do during these unusual times. But small steps can really make a big difference.
Consider volunteering for more projects and making sure you provide extra support to your team whenever they need it. Always look for any opportunity to collaborate with your team and show your dedication. You could even network socially with your colleagues by organising a virtual coffee or group phone call. Getting noticed while remote working means maintaining a good level of communication with your boss and team and building strong professional relationships.
Be accountable and trustworthy
Potential employers or clients will be looking for remote workers who are both accountable and trustworthy. Show your willingness for being accountable for your work at all times. Admit your mistakes and be transparent.
If you’re a freelancer in a language profession, such as translation, be very clear about your rates and timeframes for projects, for example. This will also help you to develop a better reputation and lead to good word of mouth between clients. It’s important for the people who employ you to feel as though you are trustworthy and professional at all times – whether or not you’re working remotely.
Be visible
Without face-to-face meetings, you will need to make an extra effort to be visible. If you are involved in conference calls, don’t be afraid to use the camera. People like being able to put a face to a name from time to time, even though many employees are remote working. Getting noticed is much easier if people can actually see you.
Stay in touch with your clients or employers as often as possible and communicate any positive feedback or achievements. You might need to remind them a little more of your presence while remote working, but it will pay off in the long-run.
Remote workers who speak multiple languages can be very valuable to a lot of companies. If you make the effort to stay connected you could really go far. If you would like more advice about remote working and getting noticed, here are some extra tips for working from home.
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