As for me, I’m Team Cover Letter 99% of the time. I know it’s not the answer you were hoping to hear. But, before you show yourself to the virtual exit, hear me out. 

It’s not exactly fun to write a cover letter. I get it. However, there are valid reasons to write one for the majority (not all) remote jobs you apply for. Here’s why. 

First Impression Maker

First impressions are important. Chances are, you’ve heard the old phrase, “You don’t get a second chance at a first impression.” Cliche, but true. In fact, even you regularly make snap judgments about people you meet in a matter of seconds, according to the American Psychological Association. 

Unfortunately, remote job seekers don’t get a chance to make an in-person impression. Instead, career marketing materials (cover letter, resume, social profiles, LinkedIn, etc.) are used by recruiters and hiring managers to size you up.

Since one-third of recruiters read cover letters first, it’s likely to be your only first impression maker at some point in your remote job search. Let’s make it a good one. 

Interview Generator 

The majority of hiring personnel use cover letters to make hiring decisions. In fact, 83% state a well written cover letter can make up for a bad resume. 

Clearly, your interview requests will skyrocket with each cover letter you write. Be sure to use this powerful document whenever you can! 

Written Communication on Display

Pop Quiz: What’s one skill employers universally look for in remote job applicants? 

Answer: Written communication ability. 

Think about it, the majority of your remote interactions will be in writing. For example, remote workers will: 

• Collaborate with coworkers in Slack
• Support customers via chat 
• Send status updates and request information in emails

And that’s just a very short list! Sure, you can put “written communication skills” on your remote resume. But, go a step further and demonstrate your ability through a cover letter.  It’s the perfect platform put your effective communication on display.

Direction Follower

Fun fact, just 38% of applicants send a cover letter when a job listing asks for one. Obviously, it’s not a great look (or good first impression) when you opt to leave one out. If you can’t follow basic directions during the hiring process, why would an employer believe you’ll follow them once hired? 

Don’t be lazy and skip over the cover letter step. Instead, do better than the 62% of job seekers by committing to write a cover letter whenever possible, and especially when required! 

Details, Details, Details

Do you read the entire job description before you apply? If not, you’re placing yourself at a disadvantage. For starters, the job listing provides important clues to key skills and abilities to include in your resume and cover letter. But, it’s also a place where employers will slip in a very specific detail to include in your cover letter. 

For example, specific directives could be: 

• “Please include the word ‘watermelon’ in your subject line.” 
• “Use ‘aloha’ to conclude your cover letter.” 

It seems weird, I know. However, employers do this to instantly weed out applicants who fail to thoroughly read listings. After all, hiring managers want potential employees who actually want the job – not applicants who mass apply to every remote listing they see.  

Career Narrative Controller

Finally, a cover letter allows you to control your career narrative. Your career narrative is the professional story detailing your past, present, and future. This is especially important when: 

• Changing careers 
• Explaining employment gaps 

Hiring personnel will inevitably have questions when you apply for positions that don’t align with previous roles like, “Do they know which position they’re applying for?”  Similarly, when employment gaps are present they’ll wonder, “What were they doing during that time?” 

Don’t let recruiters connect the dots themselves. Instead, take control of your career narrative. Your cover letter is the perfect place to answer these questions in your own words. Now, you’ve erased any roadblocks before they became deal breakers. 

Cover Letter Fast Facts and Stats

Clearly, your cover letter is a critical part of your remote job search. If you’re still not convinced consider these stats*:

• 26% of all recruiters look at cover letters to make hiring decisions
• 56% of companies give preference to applicants who include a cover letter
• 49% of hiring managers believe cover letters make resumes better
• 83% of the time a cover letter can secure a job interview, especially when your resume isn’t an exact match for a role 
• 77% of recruiters prefer applicants who took the time to send a cover letter
• 72% of employers still want to see a cover letter (even when its optional)

Writing Cover Letters with Less Stress

The stats in this post clearly illustrate one thing: Most applicants dread writing cover letters. Remember, just 38% include a cover letter – even  when it’s “required.”

As a career coach, I’m here to make your job search simpler and more effective. And, like it or not, an effective job search includes a cover letter. 

But, don’t panic! Your cover letter doesn’t have to stress you out. In fact, writing one is as easy as 1-2-3. 

One: Format

First, you need to know what goes into a cover letter. This is called its format. An effective cover letter is made up of five simple parts: 

1. Contact Information
2. Greeting & Introduction 
3. Body Paragraphs
4. Call to Action
5. Sign Off

Contact Information 

The contact information includes your name, phone number, email address, and location. Even though you’re looking for remote work, make sure to include your city and state. Remember, many companies have location requirements for remote workers. 

Additionally, include your LinkedIn Profile and personal website or portfolio, if you have them. If you don’t, I highly recommend setting them up. Both play an important role in building your personal brand. 

Greeting & Introduction

Rarely, will you know the name and/or title of the person reading your resume and cover letter. After all, job listings typically ask you to submit your cover letter and resume online through a portal or Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). When you don’t know the person’s name, stick with something generic like “Dear Hiring Manager.” 

After the greeting comes the introduction paragraph. Open your cover letter with an attention grabbing hook that reels the reader in. With the right opener, your cover letter is likely to be read in full instead of briefly scanned. 

Body Paragraphs 

The middle of your cover letter includes the body paragraphs. If possible, draw a connection to the company you’re applying to. You can reference an upcoming event, press release, social media posts, or news mentions.

Then, showcase your relevant skills, experience, education and how they will benefit the company’s goals or mission. Remember, keep paragraphs short and use bullet points when possible. Nobody likes to be hit with walls of text! 

Call to Action

Any good salesperson will tell you to always ask for the sale. This is known as a “call to action.” As a job seeker, you’re selling your skills and abilities in hopes of getting an interview. So ,use your final paragraph to ask for an interview. It’s not pushy. You’re being proactive!

Sign Off 

You’re in the home stretch now! Lastly, end your cover letter with a professional closing like “Regards,” “Best Regards,” or “Sincerely.” Then simply type in your name to act as your signature. That’s it. Your cover letter is complete. 

Two: Template 

Remember, do not use a cookie cutter cover letter. A cover letter is only effective when it’s tailored to the company and position you’re applying for. However, this doesn’t mean you have to start a cover letter from scratch every time. Instead, opt for a template that is easily updated for effortless customization. 

With a template, all you have to do is pull it up, make a copy, and change relevant sections, sentences, or statements. Once you’ve done this a few times, you’ll be a cover letter pro. 

Three: Content 

So far, you know what the parts of a cover letter are and the importance of using a customizable template every time. Now, what exactly should you say in your cover letter? 

Great question. This is what trips most people up. Fortunately, it’s not complicated. All you need to remember are the three Cs:

1. Credibility
2. Connection
3. Clarity. 

1. Credibility 

Remember, your cover letter can help you get an interview even when your resume isn’t an exact fit for the job. To do this, state what you can do for the company. Then, lend credibility to those statements by sharing relevant examples of previous accomplishments. 

2. Connection

Always create a connection between yourself and the company. This is important for two reasons: 1. It demonstrates your genuine interest in the company 2. Clearly shows a thoughtful cover letter written specifically for that role. 

3. Clarity

Finally, write clearly and concisely. There is no need to be clever, cute, or quirky. Your cover letter’s main mission is to demonstrate ability and enthusiasm. Use short sentences and bullet points to highlight your skills and how they’ll benefit the company.  

Yes, You Should Include A Cover Letter for Remote Jobs

In the end, my answer is “Yes, you should write a cover letter- even if it’s optional.” Honestly, they aren’t difficult to write. In fact, if you use a template, it will take just a matter of minutes to customize it to a particular job. 

Remember, many hiring managers believe cover letters secure interviews when a resume isn’t the best fit. Plus, almost two-thirds of applicants fail to write one even when asked. Writing a cover letter already places you ahead of the majority.

So, open Google Docs right now (yes, right now) and put together your cover letter template. It’s a seriously easy yet effective way to get more interviews. Sign up for my weekly newsletter – Happy Mail – and I’ll send you a free cover letter example template as a thanks.

Happily, 

Ashlee Anderson, CPCC

*Cover letter statistics courtesy of Resume Lab.

P.S. This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement to learn more.

The post Do I Need a Cover Letter for Remote Jobs? appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.

And, I get it. Remote job searches (like all job searches) are draining. It’s incredibly frustrating to find the *perfect* remote job only to realize the company doesn’t hire in your state. Cue sad trombone noises…

Fortunately, you quickly brush off this setback only to find even more remote jobs that exclude your state. What gives?

Doesn’t “work from home” mean just that whether your home is in Iowa, Florida, or California? 

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. In fact, just 5% of remote jobs posted on FlexJobs have no location restrictions.

Clearly, these location requirements are there for a reason, and that reason isn’t just a dislike for your state and the people within it. Instead, the answer boils down to money and state laws.

State Registration Requirements

First, a company must register its business in each state to legally hire there. With 50 US states (plus D.C., Puerto Rico, and other territories) registering is time consuming, complicated, and expensive. 

Registration Rules

For example, Arizona asks companies to provide certified copies of its articles of incorporation and a certificate of good standing. Both documents must be dated within 60 days. Plus, there’s a filing fee as high as $365 (not to mention obtaining certified copies of business documents costs money too). It all adds up quickly.

In-State Address

Additionally, most states require a local physical address (not a P.O. box) for out-of-state companies. To comply, companies hire registered agents in each state to receive mail, subpoenas, tax notices, and other important documents from state agencies. 

That’s a lot of moving parts for a single company to handle. Some states make it a bigger hassle to hire locally. Often, remote-friendly companies opt out of registering to hire in those states. 

State Taxes

Next up, a company opens itself up to tax implications with each new state they hire in. For starters, employers need to register with the correct state agencies and follow state-specific tax rates. As you know, taxes are never fun to deal with. This holds true for companies, too!

Tax ID

A state-provided tax ID is needed in addition to a federal tax ID or employer identification number (EIN). Why? A state ID is used by companies to legally take money from paychecks to pay state taxes (called withholding).

The amount and type of withholdings varies by state.

Some states don’t withhold income taxes at all. Others require companies to tax employees based on the employee’s location and not the company’s home state. There are select states that require companies to pay both local AND home state taxes. 

For example, if a company headquartered in California hires you remotely in North Carolina they have to pay California and North Carolina state taxes.

Of course, companies prefer to hire in states with favorable tax rules. 

Hiring Laws, Rules, and Regulations

Even after a company files to hire and set up taxes, there are more rules to follow during the hiring process.

First, the content of applications has to comply with state-level laws.

Non-discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunity 

Each state has rules banning employment discrimination based on marital status, sexual identity, and gender identity/expression. Plus, some states offer additional protection for whistle-blowers. There are even state specific laws that regulate an employer’s rules about off-duty conduct (smoking, posting on social media, etc.). 

Criminal History 

 At some point, you’ve likely filled out an application that asked whether you’ve been convicted of a crime. Today, some states have regulations that prevent employers from asking about criminal history during the application process. However, this rule doesn’t apply once a conditional job offer is given. 

Background Checks, Drug Testing, and References 

Many companies require background and reference checks for potential employees. Of course, every state has unique rules covering when companies can ask for screening, which positions need to be drug tested, and who will pay for the background check and/or drug testing. There are also rules regarding running credit checks on applicants. 

Also, there is a long list of employment regulations each state has regarding topics like: 

• Child labor
• Immigration
• Interview questions
• Lie detectors
• Public records 

Some states have many rules to follow throughout the hiring process. Others take a more relaxed approach. Either way, companies will consider each state’s regulations and employment laws before they decide to hire there. Highly restrictive states often get passed over for those that are more employer-friendly. 

Payroll 

Last but certainly not least, states have payroll rules in place (try saying that five times real fast) that companies have to follow. Payroll, of course, is the important process of paying workers. Understandably, there are plenty of statewide payroll restrictions to protect workers’ paychecks.

Minimum Wage

Minimum wage in the US is a hot topic. Currently, the federal minimum wage is a measly $7.25/hour. This rate hasn’t increased since 2009!

In response, many states have their own minimum wage – some higher and some lower than the federal standard.

For example, Wyoming & Georgia have rates at just $5.15 an hour. However, many states have higher minimum wage rates (as of 01/01/2022) including: 

• Florida: $10.00
• California: $14.00
• Washington: $14.49
• Arizona: $12.80
• New Jersey: $13.00
• New York: $13.20 

Remember, companies have to follow the state rules where its employees live.

For example, a company located in Wyoming must pay remote employees living in Washington $14.49/hour – a whopping $9.34 lower than Wyoming’s minimum wage.  

Unfortunately, restricting hiring in states with higher minimum wages saves companies plenty on payroll. You might see fewer remote jobs if you live in a state with better than average minimum wage.

Paycheck Frequency 

Most companies choose to pay workers weekly, biweekly, or semimonthly. However, when hiring out-of-state, companies must meet that state’s guidelines. 

For example, Florida doesn’t have pay frequency rules. However, a Florida company that hires in New York must pay remote New Yorkers weekly to comply with state law.

And, running payroll isn’t exactly cheap. According to Cost Owl, companies pay about $5 per employee for each pay cycle. Of course, more pay cycles = more money.

Companies looking to save cash might forgo hiring in states requiring weekly pay. Check out your state’s payday requirements to see how it stacks up against others. 

Overtime

Overtime compensates employees at a higher pay rate when they work longer hours. Per Federal rules, overtime pay of time and half is given to employees who work more than 40 hours in a week.

For example, an employee who earns $20/hour will be paid $30/hour for any overtime worked. 

• Half of $20 = $10
• Time ($20) + Half ($10) = $30 

Some states are more generous with overtime than Federal Laws. Alaska, California, and Nevada require overtime pay whenever an employee works more than 8 hours in a day.

In these states, remote companies default to the rule that is most favorable to workers.

Additional Payroll Rules

Pay is important to the workforce. It makes sense that states have strict rules to protect their workers.

Honestly, I could write ten blog posts on payroll restrictions by state. But, that would be incredibly boring for most to read.

Instead, I’ve condensed major payroll rules down to a readable list. Below are state payroll rules that complicate hiring for remote companies.

• Fair scheduling with predictable schedules and adequate time between shifts
• Check deductions for uniforms, office equipment, and drug tests
• Meal time and breaks for eating/resting/nursing during work hours.
• Final pay determining how quickly a company must pay and whether it includes unused vacation days
• Sick days to pay employees when illness prevents working

Of course, companies are in business to make money. Part of that includes saving money whenever possible. States with high minimum wage, strict tax laws, and frequent pay cycles are less attractive to employers. As a result, its often easier (and more affordable) to skip over these states.

How to Find Remote Jobs in Your State

By now, you’ve learned way more than you wanted to about remote hiring rules. Hopefully, your excess knowledge explains why companies might not hire remote workers in your state.

Ideally, remote-friendly companies open up virtual doors to all applicants regardless of location. However, this isn’t the current state (no pun intended) of remote work in the US. 

Does that mean you’re out of luck if your state is often excluded from remote jobs? Of course not. You just need to fine tune your job search. 

Look Into Startups 

First, consider startups. Typically, a startup is a young company (less than 5 years old) that was founded to disrupt an industry. Airbnb, Angry Birds, Uber, and Instagram are all well-known and extremely successful startups. 

These newer companies want to hire the best talent to help fuel growth. To do this, startups often hire remote workers from around the world. Global hiring provides access to a much larger talent pool.

In fact, many startups build remote work right into their company culture. It’s really a win-win: The startup has tons of options to hire and candidates enjoy the perk of working remotely from almost anywhere.

Freelancing

Don’t want to rely on companies to hire in your state? No problem. Freelancing is a good solution. As a freelancer, you sell services to clients. Then, you bill the client for your services. 

Popular freelance skills include writing, editing, proofreading, transcription, and virtual assisting. This is a short list. Honestly, if you’re proficient in a computer-based skill you can sell it as a freelance service.

Freelancing is great for digital nomads or anyone who wants the freedom to work where and when they want to. This remote work type is also attractive to parents who need flexibility to work from home with kids. 

Self-Employment 

Today, it’s easier than ever to start your own online or home-based business (without resorting to MLM or direct sales). In fact, you can get a money-making website up in a matter of days!

Examples include e-commerce, Etsy shop, job board, and blog – to name a few. 

Plus, you can even start an online business. For example, bookkeeping, coaching, author, creator/crafter, content marketer, and consultant are businesses easily conducted entirely online.

As a bonus, self employment allows you to work anywhere with an internet connection. After all, you are your own boss!

Resources to Overcome a State Restricted Remote Job Search

Finally, I want to share resources to improve your remote job search – especially if your state is holding you back. The more tools you have in your pocket, the easier your remote job search becomes.

Remote Job Search Sites

Remotive – A go-to site for remote startup jobs with a free webinar and a remote companies list

FlexJobs – A membership site with hand-screened remote jobs and filters you can use to exclude jobs not hiring in your state (Save 30% with FlexJobs Promo Code SAVE30)

Freelance Job Boards

Upwork – Create a profile and pitch your services to gigs posted by clients

Fiverr – Get creative and set up a profile with services laid out for people to buy directly.

Work from Home Staffing Agencies

Kelly – Find freelance, part-time, full time, and temporary remote jobs here.

Kforce – Tons of remote jobs in tech, finance, and accounting. Options include short-term contract, 100% remote, and temporary roles.

Robert Half – A global staffing agency consistently ranked as one of the Top 100 companies with remote work.

Remote Job-Ready Skills Training

Transcribe Anywhere – Free mini course to introduce you to transcription work as a remote worker.

Proofread Anywhere – Free 76-minute webinar for learning about working online as a paid proofreader.

LinkedIn Learning – Quickly learn job skills and share your completed lessons directly on your LinkedIn Profile.

Coursera – Learn in-demand work skills from top universities.

Online Business Building 

Wandering Aimfully – An amazing coaching program I used to grow my blog and career coaching business. I highly recommend it if you already have an online business you want to build up intentionally.

Bookkeeper Business Launch – Start (and scale) a bookkeeping business from scratch. Sign up for free training series first!

SmartBlogger – Turn a love of writing into a thriving online content marketing business. Read the free roadmap first!

Edit Republic – My friend, Phon, started and scaled an amazing editing and proofreading business. Now, she teaches others how to do the same.

Location Requirements in Remote Work

You can’t control whether a company hires remote workers from your state. And, that’s okay.

Remember, companies can’t just decide to one day start hiring in a certain state. Instead, they have to go through long and expensive processes just to get set up. After, companies must continue to follow employment laws based on the state each employee works in!

Fortunately, your location doesn’t necessarily need to hold you back in your job search. Consider freelancing or self employment instead. Plus, there’s staffing agencies, startups, and job boards to help you find remote work in your neck of the woods.

Happily,

Ashlee Anderson, CPCC

PS This post contains affiliate links. Please read my disclosure statement for more details.

The post Why Do Remote Jobs Have Location Restrictions? appeared first on Work from Home Happiness.