Remote work has changed work everywhere.
Once a perk for only a select few, remote working is now an integral part of our professional fabric. This transformation ushers in a new demand for skills that traditional office settings often don’t require.
For those navigating the virtual corridors of digital workspaces, cultivating a robust “virtual skillset” isn’t just advantageous—it’s essential.
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The Definition and Evolution of a Virtual Skillset
The skills that comprise the “virtual skillset” are the skills needed to excel in remote working conditions. This isn’t about proficiency in creating emoticons—although a well-placed GIF can brighten any remote meeting—but rather a blend of technical, communicative, and self-directed skills that make remote work possible.
There will be some leeway as to what these skills should specifically be, but generally, you can break these skills down into two categories: technical and soft skills.
Let’s dive deeper into each.
Technical Skills
Mastery of collaboration tools, basic IT skills, and project management software are necessary for remote work today. But technical proficiency means more than just using these tools effectively. It’s about becoming your own first line of defense when tech issues pop up.
For example, remote workers are more vulnerable to cyberattacks as they usually lack security infrastructure. This makes it crucial to learn about cybersecurity basics. For example, familiarizing yourself with the signs of suspicious emails helps you mitigate the risk of business identity theft. Should you encounter any suspicious communication, you can promptly forward it to the relevant team.
In the same vein, you should have the capacity to troubleshoot common technical issues on your own, such as internet connectivity problems or software glitches. When you can solve simple tech issues, you reduce your reliance on IT support and keep your work moving forward.
Soft Skills
Soft skills are more important in remote work than they are in a traditional office setting.
With the lack of face-to-face interaction, it’s important to be able to understand and empathize with your colleagues’ experiences, challenges, and feelings.
Time management and self-motivation are also crucial. Without the structure of a traditional office, it’s easy to let distractions and procrastination take over. Knowing how to prioritize tasks, set goals, and stay motivated are key to achieving success in a remote role.
Building Your Virtual Skillset
Most remote workers already have a strong foundation of technical and soft skills, but there’s always room for improvement. Here’s how to do that without having to take a break from your busy work schedule:
Continuous Learning and Upskilling
Staying updated with industry trends is vital for remote workers to remain competitive.
Engaging in online learning through courses, webinars, and tutorials across various platforms to earn certifications is a good way to broaden your skill set. If you’re in HR, for example, recruiter certifications could just be the thing you need to land that dream remote role; for digital marketers, courses on the latest social media marketing trends and tools will help you stay ahead of the curve.
Remember: learning shouldn’t be confined to your job role. Broadening your skill set in related fields enhances your adaptability and value as a remote professional, so don’t be afraid to explore new topics and learn new skills.
Google-Fu
Remote workers often face technical hurdles or new software challenges. The solution usually exists online, but the key is finding it swiftly and accurately. Mastering how to use Google effectively is how you do it.
Google-Fu guides you through the vast world of information, helping you pinpoint exactly what you need amidst the noise. This skill set includes knowing how to frame your questions, distinguish between sources you can trust and those you should probably bypass, and apply some neat tricks that search engines offer to make your quest for answers more accurate.
Networking and Mentoring
Working remotely doesn’t mean you’re on your own. In fact, building a solid network and finding mentors while telecommuting can seriously up your game.
From LinkedIn Groups to digital meetups and Twitter chats, these spaces are gold mines for tips, support, and new chances. Plus, chatting with people who’ve been telecommuting for ages can give you a real leg up. They’ve been there, done that, and can help you avoid common slip-ups while giving you the lowdown on how to make remote work, well, work.
Wrapping Up
Cultivating a virtual skillset isn’t just a response to the current climate; it’s an investment in a flexible and dynamic future of work. The remote work revolution is only in its infancy, and those who choose to scale its learning curve will carve out a robust and fulfilling professional path.
It’s not where or when or how, but the very act of taking a small step toward building your virtual skillset every day that will make all the difference. Start sharpening them today!
Originally written by Sophia Young.
