The Ultimate Guide to Remote Jobs for Malaysians

In 2019, working for a successful startup company, there was one time where the WiFi died, so our boss said "Just go home la" and everyone became accidental remote workers by 2PM. That was my first taste of freedom, and let me tell you, it was glorious! (Not the dodgy WiFi, but the freedom!) It got me thinking: what if I could ditch the daily commute and work in my oversized t-shirt with seluar pendek all the time?

Fast forward to early 2022, suddenly, a message pops up on my LinkedIn – a Product Manager from a hybrid company in Korea is looking for a UI/UX Designer. Interview nailed, contract signed, and the rest, as they say, is history. But the plot twist? In 2023, I snagged a new remote job, this time with a company based in Denmark and a salary in Euros! *wink wink*

Chapter 1: So, why remote work?

Let's face it, the whole cubicle life isn't exactly everyone's cup of teh ais. Some of us thrive in the social whirl, while others crave the quietness. Remote work embraces this diversity, allowing us to tailor our work environment to our unique needs and styles.

Remote work: Is it for you?

Forget the snooze button wars, the soul-crushing commutes, or office distractions. Picture this: just you, your trusty laptop, and the freedom to work from, well, anywhere on this amazing planet!

Sounds pretty nice, right? But hold on — before that, it’s important to consider whether remote work is truly the right fit for you.

If you’re a self-starter with a strong sense of discipline and organization, remote work could be your paradise.

You'll need to be a master of time management, stay motivated without a colleague cheering you on, and feel comfortable conquering projects independently.

Here are some signs you might be a remote work superstar:

• You crave autonomy and freedom.

• You’re highly organized and efficient.

• You excel at self-motivation and focus.

• You enjoy clear communication and working asynchronously.

• You’re comfortable with technology and navigating online tools.

• You thrive in a quiet environment with minimal distractions.

• You have a dedicated workspace at home.

But unfortunately… Remote work isn’t for everyone.

Here are some signs you might struggle with remote work:

• You need constant supervision and feedback.

• You’re easily distracted and require a structured environment.

• You struggle to stay motivated without a physical office setting.

• You have difficulty working independently and collaborating virtually.

• You’re uncomfortable using technology for communication and project management.

• You have limited access to a dedicated workspace at home.

Ultimately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The most important thing is to find a work arrangement that fosters your productivity, well-being, and overall happiness.

Chapter 2: Types of Remote Jobs

Today, the remote job market has exploded, offering a vast array of opportunities across various fields. So, whether you’re a creative soul or a tech-savvy whiz, there’s a remote job waiting for you!

1. For the Creatives:

Writers: Content writers, copywriters, editors, and even authors can find remote work crafting engaging content for websites, blogs, and publications.

Designers: Graphic designers, web designers, and UI/UX designers can build stunning visuals and user interfaces remotely, contributing to projects across the globe.

2. For the Tech-Savvy:

Software Developers: From web developers to mobile app developers, these tech wizards can build and maintain software remotely, shaping the digital world from anywhere.

Data Scientists and Analysts: Analyze and interpret data remotely, helping businesses make informed decisions and solve complex problems.

IT Specialists: Network administrators, cybersecurity experts, and other IT professionals can troubleshoot issues and provide technical support remotely, keeping businesses running smoothly.

3. For the Business-Minded:

Marketing and Sales: Remote marketing and sales professionals can use their communication skills and digital savvy to reach customers and generate leads, even without a physical office.

Project Managers: Keep projects on track and communicate effectively with remote teams, ensuring successful outcomes across different time zones.

Virtual Assistants: Provide administrative and operational support to individuals and businesses, handling everything from emails and scheduling to social media management.

4. Other Remote Opportunities:

Teachers and Tutors: Share your knowledge and passion with students worldwide by teaching online courses or offering virtual tutoring sessions.

Translators and Interpreters: Bridge the gap between languages and cultures, connecting people and businesses across borders.

This is just a glimpse into the diverse world of remote jobs. With the ever-evolving landscape of work, new opportunities emerge every day. So, explore your interests, discover your skills, and embrace the freedom!

Chapter 3: Mastering the Remote Job Search

So from my experience with remote job search, there’s a few ways to get remote jobs, and one of them is the online platform dedicated to remote job listings. Examples like:

1. FlexJobs

2. Remote.co

3. WeWorkRemotely

4. Kerja-Remote

5. LinkedIn

For some of these platforms, like LinkedIn, you will have to use the Filter function. Filter ‘remote’ or ‘hybrid’.

So what if you’re done with applying on those platforms? I would suggest that you continue your journey by searching on.. Google. How? Easy peasy.

Just type this in your search bar ‘Remote job Malaysia [role]’. So if you’re looking for UIUX role, you will have to search for ‘Remote job Malaysia UIUX’. Next thing you can do is to use to Filter function. And you’re done!

For some of these platforms, like LinkedIn, you will have to use the Filter function. Filter ‘remote’ or ‘hybrid’.

Build the bridge to remote job search

Tbh I’m a very introverted person. Networking can be a struggle for us introverts. But hey, no pain, no remote work gain, right? I promise, it’s not as scary as it sounds. Think of it like building a bridge to your remote career destination. The more connections you make, the stronger and sturdier that bridge becomes, leading you straight to your dream job. :)

Chapter 4: Building a Remote-Ready Resume and Portfolio

If you’re interested in landing a remote job, one of the most important things you need to do is build a strong remote-ready resume and portfolio. These documents will be your first impression on potential employers, so it’s important to make sure they are well-crafted and showcase your skills and experience in the best possible light.

What is a Remote-Ready Resume?

A remote-ready resume is a resume that is specifically tailored for remote job applications. It should highlight your skills and experience that are relevant to remote work, such as:

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Time management and self-motivation

• Proficiency in virtual communication tools

In addition to these skills, you should also highlight any experience you have working remotely in the past, such as freelance work or contract work. This will show potential employers that you are already familiar with the challenges and rewards of remote work.

What is a Portfolio?

A portfolio is a collection of your work that showcases your skills and experience. When building your portfolio, it’s important to include examples of your work that are relevant to the remote jobs you’re applying for. For example, if you’re applying for a remote writing job, include writing samples in your portfolio.

Tips for Building a Remote-Ready Resume and Portfolio

1. Adapt your resume to highlight relevant skills and experiences for specific remote job positions.

   I have said this many times. NEVER use one resume for all the vacancies that you apply. It’s a big no. Each resume should be tailored according to the job description.

   
   

2. Use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work, showcasing your value to potential employers.
   I give a few good examples about how to improve your resume content in my e-book ‘30 Gemini Prompts to Improve Your Resume‘. Click HERE to learn more.

   
   

   3. Creating a compelling online portfolio. Build a professional site to showcase your work samples, projects, and achievements.
   a) For designers, you can use: Behance, WordPress, Wix (Isra*l supporter unfortunately), or Framer.

   b) For writers & marketers, you can use: Notion.

   c) For software engineers, you can use: Github or Netlify.

Almost thereee!

Now, let's get you prepped to shine brighter than the sun in Malaysia.

Acing the interview: First things first, ensure you have a stable internet connection and the necessary equipment for a smooth interview. Think good lighting, a quiet background, and a top that screams professionalism (even if your seluar tidur are calling from underneath the desk). Also, no laundry piles in the background. Absolutely essential.

Know your worth: Do your homework on industry rates. Google is your friend here: "Salary for [your role] Glassdoor Malaysia" can be your magic formula. With this knowledge in hand, you can confidently negotiate a fair offer during the interview. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way!

Landing your dream remote job requires preparation, strategic planning, and a positive attitude. By following the tips and resources shared here, you can increase your chances of getting a fulfilling career journey filled with freedom, flexibility, and growth.