Long commutes. Longer hours. Office politics. Dress codes. Days upon days spent away from home. Limited time for vacation. It’s no wonder why people are leaving traditional jobs and moving into the gig economy! In fact, the most recent “Freelancing in America” report indicates that 57.3 million people (around 36% of the workforce) held part- or full-time remote jobs between 2017-2018.

With so many people making the switch from traditional to freelance work, the independent job market has become increasingly competitive—a fact that can feel daunting if you’re trying to find remote work for the first time.

Don’t panic: there’s an opportunity out there for you, and you don’t have to be a solopreneur work remotely either. Even traditional employers are evolving to adopt independent work models, and are open to hiring freelancers and remote full- or part-time employees for positions that run the gamut from design and writing through web design, data analysis, and more.

With a little savvy and a clear vision for the work you wish to pursue, you can take advantage of the evolving workforce. Here’s what you need to know:

Determining What Type of Remote Work You’re Looking For

Remote work comes in many forms.

Some companies hire remote workers as traditional employees who either work 100 percent of the time off site or those who agree to come into the office on occasion (once per month, for example). These employees may still comply to certain traditional regulations — attending weekly staff meetings and working a steady nine-to-five schedule, for example, but they are location independent.

Other opportunities may be more independent. Often, solopreneurs build their remote businesses from the ground up, contracting with clients on a schedule that works for them.

And often, remote workers will choose part-time or sporadic opportunities in addition to traditional full-time work as a way to supplement their income. Call it a side hustle, if you may.

Before you start your job search, take time to consider what you’re looking for. If benefits are important to you, a remote office position may be your best bet. Willing to sacrifice paid vacation if it means you can work independently from anywhere in the world? Maybe you’ll want to seek out multiple clients to pad out your income and pay your bills.

One thing is certain: This is the time to set clear, concrete expectations for yourself. Each option will require a completely different approach, and you want to be ready to hit the ground running when opportunities come your way.

Where to Look for Remote Work

After you’ve mapped out your needs, it’s time to start surveilling the remote work landscape — and there is no shortage of places to look.

Start with social media. There are many recruiters who actively use LinkedIn as a way to identify talent for remote work of all kinds. Consider using the platform to identify and network with these professionals who can help evaluate your resume and connect you with opportunities. Most recruiters are eager to hear from professionals seeking employment — so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation.

You can also leverage the multitude of groups on Facebook dedicated to remote work and freelance opportunities. Try searching the platform for keywords related to the kind of work you want, and you’re sure to find networks of like-minded people sharing remote work.

Online job boards and job-searching platforms can be particularly guiding for a search. Often, these are places where you can get more granular in your job search, drilling down into the specifics that match the work of your dreams. Many platforms even have apps you can download onto your phone for quick research and applications when you’re on the go. Have your resume, cover letter, and portfolio handy as you search, so you can quickly apply when you encounter work you want to pursue.

Finally, don’t forget to ask your networks. More likely than not, you have a connection who knows a remote worker who is willing to help, or has a resource they can share to support you in your job search.

How to Spread the Word that You’re Looking for Remote Work

You know what you’re looking for, and you know where to look to find it. Now it’s time for outreach.

The truth is this: As with any job search, you’ll want to make finding remote work a second full-time job. You’ll want to scour the internet, take detailed notes of the opportunities you find and apply for, and be at the ready to send a note or make a phone call at a moment’s notice.

That’s where a resource file can come into play. By pulling together some templates for emails, LinkedIn and Facebook messages, and perhaps some talking points for a phone call, you can give yourself a leg up and make it easier to quickly customize and send multiple messages in a shorter time frame.

Here are two samples to get you started:

Social Media Message or Email to People in Your Network

Hi [Name],

I hope this finds you well!

I am actively looking for remote work opportunities in [your field]—and I wanted to reach out and see if you are aware of any openings that might be a fit. If it’s helpful, I am happy to provide my resume and a cover letter, or to chat with you further to give you a sense of my skills and qualifications.

Please let me know your thoughts, and thank you so much for your time!

Best,

[Your name]

Social Media Message or Email to a Recruiter or Connection Outside of Your Direct Network

Dear [Name],

I hope this message finds you well! My name is [your name], and I am [your current job title or a top-line note about your professional identity]. It’s a pleasure to meet you!

I’m reaching out because I am actively seeking remote work opportunities. Ideally, I’m looking for [one- to two-sentence description about your ideal position].

Do you happen to know of any such opportunities?

Please let me know your thoughts, and thank you so much for your time!

Best,

[Your name]

Remote Work Is Within Your Reach

The remote work market is bustling — but there’s still room for you! Once you begin digging into the many resources at your fingertips, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to choose from. You might even find you have opportunities to spare that you can share with other connections in the same situation as you. Keep focusing on that dream work and spread the word about all the skills you bring to the table. With patience and determination, you’ll find that flexible lifestyle that allows you to thrive.