How to Get a Remote Job Without Previous Remote Work Experience

You've been searching for remote jobs in Australia, but there's one problem: you've never actually worked remotely before.

Perhaps you've spent your career in an office, retail store, restaurant or another traditional workplace. You have professional experience, you're comfortable using technology and you're confident you could work effectively from home.

But when you see remote job advertisements asking for experience in distributed teams, digital collaboration or independent working, it's easy to feel disadvantaged.

How are you supposed to get remote work experience if employers won't hire you without it?

The good news is that you don't necessarily need previous remote work experience to get a remote job.

Many employers are more interested in whether you can perform the position, communicate effectively and manage your responsibilities than whether your previous workplace was an office or your living room.

The challenge is demonstrating that your existing experience is relevant.

In this guide, we'll explain how to get a remote job without previous remote work experience, which positions to target, how to update your resume and what to say when an employer asks whether you've worked from home before.

We'll also explore practical ways Australian job seekers can build remote-ready skills and find opportunities beyond traditional recruitment platforms.

Can You Get a Remote Job Without Previous Remote Experience?

Yes. It's possible to secure remote employment without having previously worked from home.

However, the requirements depend on the employer and position.

Some remote-first companies prefer candidates who have already worked in distributed teams. Others consider applicants with relevant professional experience and transferable skills.

For example, GitLab's published remote hiring guidance explains that previous remote experience can be valuable, but qualities such as dependability, written communication, self-management and collaboration are also important.

That distinction matters.

An experienced customer service representative doesn't necessarily become unsuitable for customer support simply because they've always worked in an office.

Similarly, a sales professional who has independently managed commercial accounts may already possess many capabilities needed for remote account management.

The important question isn't only whether you've worked remotely before.

It's whether you can demonstrate the skills required to perform the job successfully.

Understand the Difference Between Remote Experience and Job Experience

One of the biggest mistakes applicants make is treating remote work as an entirely separate profession.

Remote work is usually a working arrangement rather than a specific occupation.

A remote accountant still needs accounting knowledge.

A remote software developer still needs programming skills.

A remote customer service representative still needs to communicate with customers and resolve enquiries.

The working location changes, but many of the core responsibilities remain the same.

For example, imagine you've spent five years working in an office-based customer support position.

You've answered enquiries, resolved complaints, maintained CRM records and coordinated with colleagues through email.

You may already meet many of the requirements for a remote customer support role.

The employer might need to provide training on its remote systems and communication processes, but your professional foundation is relevant.

This is different from applying for a completely new profession.

If you've never worked in accounting, applying for a remote accountant position will generally require more than demonstrating that you're organised and comfortable with technology.

Focus on jobs where you already have relevant professional skills, even if you don't have experience performing them remotely.

1. Identify Your Transferable Skills

Transferable skills are capabilities you can use across different positions, industries and working environments.

They are particularly important when transitioning into remote employment.

The Australian Government's career-change guidance recommends identifying existing skills and comparing them with the requirements of potential new roles.

For remote work, several transferable capabilities can be valuable.

Communication

Remote employees frequently communicate through email, messaging platforms, telephone calls and video meetings.

If you've handled customer enquiries, coordinated suppliers or worked with colleagues across different departments, you may already have relevant communication experience.

For example, a retail employee who regularly resolves customer complaints may have skills that transfer into remote customer support.

An account manager who communicates with clients through email and telephone may be well prepared for remote relationship management.

Independent working

Many remote employers want employees who can manage responsibilities without constant supervision.

You may have developed this skill through managing customer accounts, coordinating projects, supervising shifts or operating a business.

Think about situations where you've been responsible for completing work independently.

Time management

Remote employees need to understand deadlines and prioritise their responsibilities.

However, this isn't unique to working from home.

Administration, hospitality, retail and sales positions often involve balancing competing tasks.

For example, someone who has managed several urgent customer enquiries while coordinating deliveries can demonstrate prioritisation and organisation.

Problem-solving

Remote workers sometimes need to investigate issues before colleagues or managers are available.

Experience resolving customer complaints, sourcing alternative products or improving workplace processes can demonstrate this capability.

Digital confidence

Experience using email, spreadsheets, CRM systems, online calendars and other business software can also be valuable.

You don't need to know every platform a remote employer uses.

However, demonstrating that you're comfortable learning and using digital systems can strengthen your application.

2. Target Remote Jobs That Match Your Existing Experience

When you're trying to secure your first remote position, choosing suitable roles is one of the most important decisions.

It's tempting to apply for every vacancy labelled "Work From Home".

However, this can lead to repeated rejections if the positions don't match your background.

Instead, identify two or three remote job categories where you have relevant experience.

For example, someone with retail experience might explore customer service, sales support and appointment scheduling.

A hospitality supervisor could investigate customer support, operations coordination or hospitality software companies.

An administrative professional might consider remote administration, executive assistance or project support.

A business-to-business sales professional could explore account management, customer success or business development.

This approach allows you to build applications around genuine strengths.

You may still need to learn new systems or processes, but you're not starting from scratch professionally.

3. Look for Remote Customer Service Jobs

Remote customer service can be a practical option for people with previous customer-facing experience.

These positions may involve answering enquiries through telephone, email or live chat.

Some employers provide training on their products, systems and customer service procedures.

However, requirements vary.

Certain roles involve complex technical support or specialist industry knowledge.

Others may require previous contact centre experience.

If you've worked in retail, hospitality or another customer-facing position, focus on the skills you've developed.

For example, you've probably dealt with customer questions, handled complaints and explained information clearly.

Your resume should demonstrate those responsibilities.

Instead of simply writing "customer service experience", explain how you've resolved problems and maintained professional communication.

This can help employers understand how your background relates to remote support.

4. Consider Remote Administration and Operations Roles

Administration is another field where many traditional workplace skills can transfer into remote employment.

Remote administrators may manage calendars, process documentation, coordinate appointments and maintain business records.

Operations support positions may involve tracking tasks, communicating with suppliers and helping different departments work efficiently.

If you've previously handled scheduling, correspondence, data entry or purchasing, you may have relevant experience.

For example, someone who has coordinated supplier orders and customer deliveries could explore remote operations support positions.

A receptionist with strong scheduling and communication experience might consider remote appointment coordination.

However, remote administration positions can be competitive.

Employers may also expect familiarity with Microsoft 365, Google Workspace or other digital systems.

Review the requirements carefully and prioritise roles where your experience matches the main responsibilities.

5. Explore Remote Sales and Account Management

Sales experience can transfer well into certain remote positions.

Many businesses employ remote account managers, business development representatives and customer success professionals.

These roles may involve managing customer relationships, contacting prospects, preparing quotations or coordinating ongoing accounts.

For example, someone who has worked in electrical wholesaling might have experience managing commercial customers, negotiating with suppliers and sourcing specialist products.

That background could be relevant to remote sales positions with industrial technology companies.

Similarly, a retail salesperson might consider entry-level inside sales or sales support opportunities.

However, not every remote sales role is entry-level.

Some positions require specialist industry knowledge, proven revenue achievements or experience with particular sales systems.

Focus on opportunities where you can demonstrate commercial ability and customer relationship experience.

6. Update Your Resume for Remote Positions

Your resume is one of the most important parts of your job search.

If you've never worked remotely, you don't need to invent experience.

Instead, explain how your existing responsibilities demonstrate remote-ready skills.

For example, a generic resume statement might say:

"Responsible for customer enquiries and processing orders."

A stronger version could be:

"Independently managed customer enquiries, prepared quotations and coordinated supplier orders while maintaining accurate digital records."

The second statement demonstrates communication, organisation and independent working.

You should also update your professional summary.

For example:

"Customer service professional with five years of experience resolving enquiries, maintaining accurate records and supporting customers across multiple communication channels. Skilled in independent task management, digital systems and professional communication. Seeking a remote customer support position."

This explains your relevant experience without falsely claiming that you've worked remotely.

For more detailed advice, see our guide on how to demonstrate remote working skills on your resume.

7. Write a Cover Letter That Explains Your Transition

A cover letter can be particularly useful when you're moving from a traditional workplace into remote employment.

It gives you an opportunity to explain why your experience is relevant.

However, avoid spending most of the letter discussing how much you'd enjoy working from home.

Employers are hiring someone to perform a particular role.

Your cover letter should focus on what you can contribute.

For example:

"With five years of experience in customer service and account management, I've developed strong communication, problem-solving and organisational skills. My previous responsibilities involved independently managing customer enquiries, maintaining digital records and coordinating with suppliers across different locations. I'm interested in applying those skills in a remote customer success position."

This demonstrates a credible professional connection.

You can acknowledge that you're transitioning into remote work, but you don't need to apologise for your lack of previous experience.

The goal is to explain why your background makes you suitable.

8. Learn the Digital Tools Used by Remote Teams

Many remote employers use collaboration and project management software.

Common examples include Microsoft Teams, Slack, Zoom, Google Workspace, Asana, Trello and Jira.

Customer-facing positions may also use CRM or support platforms such as Salesforce, HubSpot or Zendesk.

You don't need to learn every system.

Instead, research the software commonly used in your target profession.

For example, if you're interested in remote administration, familiarity with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace may be useful.

If you're targeting customer support, understanding how ticketing systems and CRM platforms work could help.

Some software providers offer free introductory training or documentation.

You can also practise using certain tools through personal projects.

However, be accurate when describing your abilities.

Completing a beginner tutorial doesn't make you an expert.

You might describe yourself as familiar with a platform rather than claiming professional experience.

9. Build Evidence That You Can Work Independently

If you've never worked remotely, demonstrating independent working can help address an employer's concerns.

Think about responsibilities you've managed without continuous supervision.

Perhaps you've independently handled a customer portfolio.

Maybe you've coordinated supplier orders, managed a shift or completed a project.

You might also have relevant experience through volunteering, study or running a small business.

For example, someone who manages an online store may have experience responding to customers, maintaining product information and organising orders through digital systems.

That experience could demonstrate communication, organisation and accountability.

However, it should be presented accurately.

If you've operated a business part-time, don't describe it as full-time employment.

If you've completed a personal project, explain its scope rather than exaggerating the results.

Employers generally benefit from specific, credible examples.

10. Practise Asynchronous Communication

Some remote-first companies use asynchronous communication.

This means employees exchange information without expecting everyone to respond immediately.

For example, someone in Australia might provide a written project update that a colleague in Europe reads when their working day begins.

This approach relies on clear documentation and communication.

GitLab's public remote working handbook describes the importance of written processes and asynchronous collaboration.

You can begin developing these skills before securing a remote position.

For example, practise writing concise updates that explain what has been completed, what remains outstanding and whether any assistance is required.

When communicating through email, make sure your messages contain enough information for the recipient to understand the request.

If you're coordinating a personal project or volunteering activity, maintain clear written records.

These habits can help you become more comfortable with distributed collaboration.

However, not every remote employer operates asynchronously.

Some require employees to be available during fixed business hours.

11. Research Companies That Hire Remote Employees

Many job seekers focus exclusively on searching for vacancies.

Another approach is to identify companies that employ remote workers.

Start by researching businesses in industries you understand.

For example, if you've worked in hospitality, investigate software companies that provide booking systems, rostering tools or payment technology to restaurants.

If you have construction experience, explore businesses developing project management software for builders.

If you've worked in sales, research technology companies employing account managers or business development representatives.

Visit their official careers websites.

Look for information about remote working arrangements and available positions.

Some employers publish vacancies through recruitment systems such as Greenhouse, Lever, Ashby or Workday.

You can also review their careers pages to understand whether they employ people in Australia.

However, don't assume that a company described as remote-first can hire from every country.

International employers may have specific geographical restrictions.

12. Check Whether International Remote Jobs Accept Australians

One common mistake is applying for international remote positions without checking location eligibility.

A vacancy may be labelled "Remote" but only accept applicants living in the United States.

Another employer may recruit across Europe but not Australia.

Even positions advertised as "Worldwide" can have restrictions.

These may relate to employment arrangements, payroll, tax obligations or time-zone requirements.

Before applying, check the job description carefully.

Look for references to Australia, ANZ, APAC or explicit worldwide eligibility that includes Australia.

If the location requirements are unclear, check the company's careers information or contact its recruitment team.

Also consider the expected working hours.

A position based around American business hours may require evening or overnight availability in Australia.

Remote doesn't always mean flexible.

13. Apply Directly Through Employer Careers Pages

Many remote vacancies are published through official company careers websites.

Applying through the employer's designated recruitment process can help ensure you're using the current advertisement and providing the information requested.

It can also help you verify whether the position is still available.

However, applying directly doesn't necessarily mean there will be fewer candidates.

Employers frequently advertise the same vacancy across several recruitment platforms.

The advantage of researching employer websites is that you can discover companies and positions you might otherwise overlook.

You may also find more detailed information about the company's working arrangements, culture and hiring requirements.

Avoid assuming that an employer-sourced vacancy is automatically exclusive or less competitive.

Focus on whether the role genuinely matches your experience.

14. Prepare for Questions About Your Lack of Remote Experience

If you've never worked remotely, an interviewer may ask how you expect to manage the transition.

The best approach is to answer honestly and explain your transferable skills.

For example:

"I haven't previously worked in a fully remote position, but my experience has involved independently managing customer accounts, coordinating with suppliers through email and telephone, and maintaining accurate digital records. I'm comfortable organising my workload and communicating proactively, so I believe those skills would transfer well into a remote environment."

This acknowledges the situation without making it the focus of the interview.

You should also prepare examples of independent working, time management and problem-solving.

Employers may ask how you'd handle an urgent issue if your manager wasn't available.

They might also ask how you'd communicate with colleagues in different time zones.

Use genuine professional experience to demonstrate your approach.

15. Don't Focus Entirely on Wanting to Work From Home

Remote flexibility may be your main reason for changing jobs.

Perhaps you want to reduce commuting, move to a regional area or have more control over your working environment.

These are understandable motivations.

However, employers still need someone who can perform the position effectively.

If your application focuses almost entirely on wanting to work from home, you may miss opportunities to demonstrate your value.

Instead, explain why you're interested in the responsibilities.

For example, someone applying for remote customer success might discuss their experience supporting business customers and interest in technology.

Someone applying for remote administration could highlight their organisational skills and experience coordinating operations.

You can mention that the remote working arrangement suits your preferences.

But make sure the employer understands what you can contribute.

16. Be Selective About Entry-Level Remote Jobs

If you're changing careers, entry-level remote positions may seem like the obvious starting point.

However, some of these vacancies attract substantial interest.

Remote data entry, general administration and customer service positions can appeal to applicants from many professional backgrounds.

That doesn't mean you should avoid them.

But it may be worth exploring roles where your previous experience provides an advantage.

For example, an experienced retail employee might be more competitive for a remote customer support position serving retail businesses than for a generic data entry vacancy.

A hospitality supervisor could consider customer success positions with hospitality technology providers.

An experienced trades industry salesperson might investigate remote account management with specialist suppliers.

Your previous industry knowledge can be valuable.

The goal is to find a position where you're new to remote work but not completely new to the responsibilities.

17. Watch Out for Remote Job Scams

People searching for their first remote job can encounter misleading or fraudulent advertisements.

Be cautious of positions promising unusually high earnings for very little work.

Some scams involve requests for upfront payments, purchases of equipment through specific vendors or the transfer of money through personal accounts.

Others impersonate legitimate employers.

Before sharing sensitive information, verify the company's official website and recruitment process.

Check whether the position appears on its careers page.

Be particularly cautious if someone contacts you unexpectedly through a messaging application and offers employment without a meaningful recruitment process.

Legitimate employers may use messaging platforms, but unusual payment requests or pressure to provide sensitive financial information are warning signs.

In Australia, you can review current scam guidance through Scamwatch.

18. Track Your Applications and Learn From the Results

Finding your first remote job may take time.

Instead of submitting applications without keeping records, track the positions you've applied for.

Record the company, job title, date and outcome.

You can also note whether the employer required previous remote experience.

Over time, look for patterns.

Are you receiving interviews for customer service positions but not administration roles?

Are Australian employers responding more frequently than international companies?

Are you being rejected before interviews or progressing to later stages?

These patterns can help you refine your approach.

However, don't draw strong conclusions from only a few applications.

Recruitment outcomes depend on many factors, including competition and employer requirements.

Use the information to make gradual improvements.

A Practical Example: Moving From Retail Into Remote Customer Support

Imagine you've spent four years working in a retail store.

Your responsibilities include assisting customers, resolving complaints, processing orders and using point-of-sale systems.

You've never worked from home.

However, you're interested in transitioning into remote customer support.

Instead of applying indiscriminately to every remote vacancy, you identify employers looking for customer service experience.

You update your resume to emphasise communication, complaint resolution and digital recordkeeping.

You research the software used in customer support and become familiar with how ticketing systems operate.

Your cover letter explains how your retail experience has prepared you to support customers through different communication channels.

During interviews, you provide genuine examples of resolving difficult enquiries and managing competing responsibilities.

You don't claim to have previous remote experience.

Instead, you demonstrate that you already understand the core responsibilities of customer support.

This doesn't guarantee an offer.

However, it creates a more credible application than simply explaining that you want to work from home.

A Practical Example: Moving From Hospitality Into Remote Operations

Now imagine you've worked as a restaurant supervisor.

You've coordinated staff rosters, handled bookings, resolved customer complaints and managed daily operational problems.

You want to transition into a remote operations support position.

Your previous experience may be relevant to scheduling, stakeholder communication and problem-solving.

You could target companies that provide software to hospitality businesses.

Your understanding of restaurant operations might help you support customers using their systems.

You might also consider remote appointment coordination or administrative support positions.

Your resume should explain your responsibilities in terms relevant to the new role.

For example:

"Coordinated daily staffing schedules, customer bookings and operational requirements while maintaining accurate records and resolving competing priorities."

This demonstrates organisational experience without exaggerating your qualifications.

A Practical Example: Moving From Office-Based Sales Into Remote Account Management

Someone with several years of office-based sales experience may already be well positioned for certain remote sales roles.

Imagine you've managed commercial customers, prepared quotations and negotiated with suppliers.

You've regularly communicated through email and telephone, maintained CRM records and managed your own customer portfolio.

Your challenge isn't necessarily learning how to sell remotely.

It's demonstrating that you can perform those responsibilities in a distributed workplace.

You could target remote account management, inside sales or customer success positions.

Your resume might highlight independent account management, customer communication and commercial achievements.

During interviews, you could explain how you've managed responsibilities without continuous supervision.

You may still need to learn new software or adapt to a different industry.

But your existing sales experience provides a relevant foundation.

How Long Does It Take to Get Your First Remote Job?

There's no universal timeframe.

Some applicants secure remote employment quickly because they already have experience that closely matches available positions.

Others may need several months, particularly when changing careers or targeting competitive entry-level roles.

Your location, qualifications, professional background and salary expectations can all influence the process.

The types of positions you're targeting also matter.

Someone with specialist technical experience may face a different recruitment market from someone seeking general administration work.

Rather than focusing on an arbitrary number of applications, evaluate whether you're making progress.

Are you finding suitable vacancies?

Are your applications generating interviews?

Are employers responding positively to your experience?

If you're repeatedly receiving no interviews, review your resume and role selection.

If you're reaching interviews but not receiving offers, focus on preparation and how effectively you explain your skills.

A 30-Day Plan to Start Your Remote Job Search

If you're starting from zero, a structured approach can make the process more manageable.

Week 1: Identify Your Target Roles

Review your professional background and identify the skills you've developed.

Choose two or three remote job categories where your experience is relevant.

Research the typical responsibilities and qualifications.

Avoid choosing positions based solely on their working arrangements.

Week 2: Update Your Resume and Skills

Tailor your resume to the types of roles you're targeting.

Highlight independent working, communication and digital systems where relevant.

Review common software requirements and identify any gaps.

If necessary, complete introductory training in a relevant platform.

Week 3: Research Employers and Apply

Identify companies that hire remote employees in your target professions.

Check official careers pages and confirm geographical eligibility.

Submit tailored applications to suitable positions.

Keep records of the employers you've contacted.

Week 4: Prepare for Interviews and Review Progress

Practise explaining your transferable skills.

Prepare examples of independent working, problem-solving and communication.

Review your applications and identify any patterns.

Adjust your approach based on the quality of opportunities and responses.

Thirty days may not be enough to secure a position, but it can help establish a more focused and effective job search.

Find Your First Remote Job With Deskless

If you're ready to transition into remote employment, finding suitable opportunities is the next step.

Deskless is a dedicated remote job board featuring opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.

Rather than relying exclusively on traditional recruitment platforms, Deskless helps job seekers discover remote vacancies published through employer career pages.

New opportunities are added daily, with positions across customer service, administration, sales, marketing, technology, finance and other professions when available.

Deskless operates through a paid membership model.

For Australians searching for their first remote position, employer-sourced listings provide another way to discover opportunities beyond conventional recruitment websites.

However, not every vacancy is fully remote, and international employers may have geographical restrictions.

Before applying, confirm that the position accepts Australian-based applicants and matches your experience.

Explore Remote Jobs on Deskless

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a remote job without ever working remotely before?

Yes. Some employers consider candidates with relevant professional experience and transferable skills, even if they've never worked from home.

What are the easiest remote jobs to get without remote experience?

Customer service, sales support and certain administration positions may be accessible to applicants with relevant experience. However, competition and requirements vary significantly.

Do remote employers require previous work-from-home experience?

Not always. Some employers prefer it, while others prioritise professional skills, communication and independent working.

How do I explain having no remote experience in an interview?

Be honest and focus on transferable skills. Provide examples of independently managing responsibilities, communicating digitally and meeting deadlines.

What skills do I need for my first remote job?

Commonly useful skills include communication, time management, organisation, digital confidence, problem-solving and accountability. Role-specific qualifications remain important.

Can I transition from retail into remote work?

Yes. Retail experience may be relevant to remote customer service, sales support and other customer-facing positions.

Can I transition from hospitality into remote work?

Yes. Hospitality experience can provide transferable skills for customer support, scheduling and operations roles, particularly with businesses serving the hospitality industry.

Do I need a university degree to work remotely?

Not for every position. Some remote careers don't require a university degree, although professional and technical roles may have specific qualification requirements.

Are international remote jobs available to Australians?

Some international companies hire Australian-based workers, but others have geographical restrictions. Always check eligibility before applying.

Where can I find remote jobs without previous remote experience?

Research employer careers pages and use dedicated remote job boards such as Deskless. Focus on positions where your existing professional experience matches the responsibilities.

Final Thoughts

Getting your first remote job can feel difficult when advertisements mention previous experience in distributed teams.

However, remote work isn't an entirely separate profession.

Many of the skills employers value are developed in traditional workplaces.

If you've managed customer enquiries, coordinated projects, maintained digital records or worked independently, you may already possess capabilities relevant to remote employment.

The key is presenting those skills effectively.

Focus on positions that match your professional background, tailor your resume and provide specific examples of your experience.

Learn the digital tools commonly used in your target profession and prepare to explain how you'd work effectively in a remote environment.

Most importantly, don't assume that never having worked from home automatically makes you unsuitable.

Your first remote employer doesn't necessarily need proof that you've worked remotely before. They need confidence that you can perform the job.

Ready to find your first remote opportunity?

Explore remote jobs on Deskless and discover vacancies sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.

Find remote careers across customer service, administration, sales, technology, marketing, finance and more, and take the next step towards working remotely.