How To Get Remote Jobs In The US From Nigeria

Introduction.

Working remotely for a company based in the US while living in Nigeria is becoming an increasingly realistic goal.

Thanks to advances in technology and the rising global demand for skilled professionals, many Nigerian workers are tapping into the US job market from the comfort of their own homes.

But, landing that dream US remote job isn’t just about sending off resumes to job boards and waiting. It takes a bit of strategy, knowledge, and preparation to stand out.

From understanding visa requirements to knowing where to look for these jobs and how to compete in an international pool, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get a remote job in the US, all the way from Nigeria.

Why Remote Jobs in the US?

Why even look to the US market in the first place? One simple answer: opportunity. The US tech industry alone has over 10 million open positions, and many companies are open to hiring talent globally due to the shift towards remote work brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Besides tech, industries like finance, healthcare, education, and customer service have been offering remote roles to international applicants.

According to a 2022 report by FlexJobs, about 15% of remote job listings on their platform were open to applicants from outside the US.

Combine that with the fact that salaries for remote roles in the US tend to be higher than local counterparts in many countries, and it’s clear why many Nigerians are looking west for job opportunities.

How Do I Get Remote Jobs In The US From Nigeria?

1. Identify Your Niche and Build the Right Skills

Before anything else, you need to identify the types of remote jobs that match your skills. Are you a software engineer?

A content writer? A graphic designer? You’ll need to research roles that are in high demand in the US and ensure your skills are aligned.

If you’re a tech professional, for example, learning programming languages like Python, and JavaScript, or cloud technologies like AWS can open doors to remote opportunities.

Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wealth of courses that can help you enhance your skills.

And certifications matter too. US companies often look for candidates with specific certifications, whether it’s a PMP (for project managers), Google certifications (for digital marketers), or AWS certifications (for cloud computing).

2. Polish Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

Your resume needs to stand out. US companies value clear, concise, and results-driven resumes. Quantify your achievements, focus on the impact you’ve made, and tailor your resume to each role you apply for.

Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn either. According to Jobvite’s 2021 Recruitment Benchmark report, 77% of recruiters use LinkedIn to find top candidates.

Make sure your LinkedIn profile is updated, includes a professional photo, a clear headline, and detailed descriptions of your work experience.

3. Know Where to Look for Remote Jobs

Not all job boards are created equal when it comes to remote work. Some focus specifically on remote jobs or international talent. Here are a few key sites that I recommend:

• We Work Remotely: A popular site for tech jobs, design, marketing, and more.
• Remote OK: Lists remote jobs from various industries and lets you filter for roles open to candidates outside the US.
• FlexJobs: This paid platform verifies job listings to make sure they are legitimate.
• Indeed and LinkedIn: Both of these platforms allow you to search for remote jobs globally. Just make sure to filter for “remote” when searching.

Networking can also play a crucial role. Engage with professionals on LinkedIn, attend virtual career fairs, and join relevant online communities in your niche.

4. Understand the Legal Aspects

Although you don’t need a work visa to get a remote job with a US company while living in Nigeria, there are some legal and tax-related matters to consider.

You’ll likely be hired as a contractor (instead of a full-time employee), meaning you’ll have to handle your own taxes. Make sure to understand Nigeria’s tax laws for remote workers and consider consulting a tax advisor if necessary.

Some US companies may use platforms like Deel, Remote.com, or Payoneer to handle international payments, contracts, and tax forms. Research these platforms to know how you’ll get paid and what compliance issues are involved.

5. Tailor Your Applications

Generic applications won’t cut it. Personalize each cover letter and application to the company and role you’re applying for.

Address the company’s needs and explain how you can solve their problems, rather than just listing your own achievements. Show them you’ve done your homework and that you’re invested in the role.

6. Prepare for Interviews

Once you land an interview, you’ll often find US employers emphasize culture fit and communication skills as much as technical ability.

Practice common interview questions, and make sure you can articulate your value clearly. Interviewing across time zones can also be tricky, so be flexible with scheduling and aware of time differences.

Pros and Cons of Working a Remote Job in the US from Nigeria

Pros:

• Higher Salaries: US remote jobs often pay more than local Nigerian roles.
• Access to Global Opportunities: You’ll be working with cutting-edge tools, technologies, and business practices.
• Flexible Work Hours: Many remote jobs offer the flexibility to create your own schedule.
• International Networking: You get to build a global network, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.

Cons:

• Time Zone Challenges: Nigeria is 5 to 6 hours ahead of Eastern US Time, which means you may have to work late into the night or early in the morning.
• Communication Barriers: Miscommunication can occur when working with international teams, especially when it comes to cultural differences.
• Isolation: Remote work can sometimes feel lonely, especially if you’re not engaging with a team in real time.
• Tax and Legal Complexities: Handling taxes and payments as an international contractor can be tricky.

Conclusion

Securing a remote job in the US from Nigeria isn’t as daunting as it might seem at first glance. By building the right skills, making your applications stand out, understanding the legal implications, and navigating the interview process, you can successfully break into the US job market.

As more companies embrace remote work, especially in a post-pandemic world, opportunities for Nigerian professionals to work with US firms will continue to grow. So, what’s holding you back from starting your journey toward securing a remote job in the US?