Technology evolves and so does the workplace.

Ever since Covid and the ever tightening labor market of a few years ago working from home has become more of a reality than ever before.

 For millions of workers it's become the norm. 
Though less so than just recently.
Nevertheless if working from home is of interest to you there's a few things to know first.

As a rule, companies don't like it. 
There's exceptions of course but the rule remains the same.
You have to be somewhat tech-savvy.
You'll need good equipment already. 
That means a newer desktop, high speed and reliable internet service, a second monitor, a printer, scanner, fax, etc.  
In most cases you have to buy this equipment yourself. 
Some companies might help you but most won't.

When you encounter workplace issues you can't just walk over to someone's desk for help.
 It's a text or phone call then wait for a response. 
Take note, while you may take your work from home job seriously, there's always at least one who doesn't. 
And in a workplace environment nothing will move faster than that specific weakest link.

Now all this doesn't mean work from home jobs don't exist.
Even though most companies don't like it there's many that offer it.
In more recent times snagging one of these stay at home jobs have become downright difficult.Not impossible (obviously) but more difficult still. 
Opportunities do still exist though.
Here's what you can do to better stack the odds in your favor.

* Be qualified!
 If you're not qualified your (probable) not getting the job anyway. 
That means concentrating your efforts on job opportunities that you have the best chance.

* Have a great resume. 
Not good. Great. 
Some things you SHOULD pay for. 
Unless your certain you can write a resume as good as or better than a professional get some help here. 
Not everything is a do-it-yourself project.

* Emphasize WHY you're specifically looking for a remote work.
Some employers tend to look down on applicants who just don't want to work in person.
 Now's the time to stress to a prospective employer why you need to work from home.
  Such as being tied to home because of kids, a loved one that needs care, or some other legitimate reason (by legitimate we mean according to an employers perspective-not yours).

* It's not enough to have the necessary equipment. 
 You have to REALLY know how to use it. Make sure your extremely familiar in using it. 
The best way is by using tools like Zoom, Skype, the most common messaging apps, and really knowing your way around an email account. 
Just for starters.

* Don't lie! 
It's wrong and it always hurts more than it helps. 
If your tech skills are competent enough then most likely you'll still be fine.
 If the company exclusively uses Skype and your an old hand at Zoom tell them.
 Your not going to be an expert at everything and they know that. 
It's far better for them (the company) to know what you don't know up front. 
They don't want to find out by surprise.

* Learn as much about the prospective company/position your applying for in advance. 
It can only help. 

* Don't get ripped off! 
Look up "work from home" on the internet and there are hundreds of rather dubious listings.
 If you see ads like "work from home. No experience needed, $18 - $25 per hour" RUN!

Remember what your trying to accomplish here.
To get a work from home job that suits you.
 If you can't find the right position you might have to make some compromises. 
Some companies will require you to work in person at least until they're comfortable enough allowing you to work from home. 
The more skills you have the more leverage you have. 
Simple as that. 
So be sure by constantly improving them.