How I Got a Remote Job Without Even Applying | Remote Jobs in 2025

Summary

In this video, the creator shares the reality of landing a remote job, based on their personal experience working remotely for a bank in Eastern Europe while living in India. The creator warns against quick fixes and emphasizes that securing a remote job takes time—usually over a year. They debunk common myths like the importance of college background and highlight the need for both technical and soft skills, especially communication. The video stresses strategic, consistent effort over applying to endless job postings, and offers advice for building a strong online presence to stand out to potential employers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Remote jobs are not an overnight success story; they require long-term, consistent effort, often taking at least a year.
• 😀 The belief that remote jobs can be cracked quickly, like a Swiggy delivery, is a misconception.
• 😀 You don't need to come from a prestigious college to land a remote job; the focus is on your technology competence and skills.
• 😀 Remote jobs don’t rely on traditional college-based recruitment, but rather on a search-based approach where companies look for specific skills.
• 😀 Technical skills alone are not enough; you must be discoverable online for recruiters to find you through searches.
• 😀 Effective communication skills, including a stable internet connection and good quality audio/video for remote calls, are essential for remote jobs.
• 😀 English proficiency is important for remote jobs, but it’s more about clarity and simplicity than an accent or advanced vocabulary.
• 😀 Applying to hundreds of remote jobs without a strategic approach will not work; you need a focused plan and persistence.
• 😀 Most online remote job portals are not effective for people in India, so a more targeted approach is necessary.
• 😀 The path to securing a remote job is incremental: start by getting any job, then a good job, followed by your dream job, before aiming for remote work.
• 😀 While exceptions exist (such as Imran's success with less experience), remote jobs generally require strategic effort and time to secure.

Q & A

What is the main message of the video?

The main message is to provide a reality check on the process of landing a remote job. The video stresses that securing a remote job is not quick or easy and requires at least a year of consistent effort, not just luck or applying to hundreds of jobs.

How did the speaker land their remote job?

The speaker landed their remote job by being discovered through their conference talks and blog articles, long before they started creating YouTube content. The employer found the speaker's work and decided to reach out, essentially offering them the job before an interview.

What mistake do people commonly make when applying for remote jobs?

A common mistake is thinking that being from a tier-3 college or lacking a prestigious background will prevent them from securing a remote job. The speaker emphasizes that what really matters is competence in the required technology, not the institution you graduated from.

Why does the speaker suggest that college reputation doesn't matter when applying for remote jobs?

The speaker explains that people outside India, especially employers in Western countries, don’t care about where you studied. They are more concerned about your skills and technical competence. In fact, some well-known professionals outside of India may not even know what IITs are.

What is the difference between search-based recruitment and college-based recruitment?

In search-based recruitment, companies look for specific skill sets in certain technologies, regardless of the candidate’s background or college. For example, a company in Lithuania looking for a Terraform expert will first search locally and then expand to other countries if needed, such as India, to find the right talent.

What are some key skills needed for remote jobs, beyond technical expertise?

Beyond technical skills, remote job success requires strong communication skills, a good webcam and mic, stable internet, and the ability to present oneself well on camera. These soft skills are critical for remote jobs where virtual meetings and clear communication are essential.

How does language proficiency impact remote work?

In remote work, especially with international teams, clear and simple communication is more important than having a perfect accent or advanced vocabulary. The speaker shares their experience working with non-native English speakers and emphasizes the need for clear, simple, and repeated explanations to ensure understanding.

Why does the speaker discourage applying to hundreds of remote job listings?

The speaker warns against mass applications because most online remote job portals are not effective for people in India. Instead, they recommend focusing on strategic steps, creating a strong online presence, and gradually building up experience and visibility to get noticed by recruiters.

What is the suggested roadmap for landing a remote job?

The speaker suggests a four-step approach: first, get a job, second, get a good job, third, get your dream job, and fourth, think about remote jobs. This progression ensures that you have the necessary experience and credibility to attract remote job opportunities.

Can someone with less experience still land a remote job?

Yes, it is possible. The speaker shares the example of Imran, a civil engineering graduate with less than 2 years of experience who secured a remote job with a company in London. However, this outcome is not guaranteed for everyone and depends on their effort and approach.