How To Get Remote Jobs In The US From Pakistan

Introduction.

Landing a remote job in the US from Pakistan might seem like a stretch, but in today’s globally connected world, it’s not only possible—it’s happening all the time.

With remote work on the rise, especially after the pandemic, companies are more open than ever to hiring talent from anywhere, as long as you’ve got the skills and the right setup. So, how do you get one of these coveted remote positions?

Let’s break it down into actionable steps that anyone from Pakistan can follow to increase their chances of securing a remote US job.

Understanding the Remote Work Landscape

Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand why remote work is booming. According to a 2021 McKinsey report, the global shift towards remote work has accelerated, and US companies have been particularly enthusiastic about the model.

In fact, a 2022 survey by FlexJobs found that 97% of workers wanted some form of remote work post-pandemic.

This shift has opened the door for professionals from Pakistan and other countries to access opportunities that were previously limited to local candidates.

Step 1: Build a Global Skillset

The first step to landing a remote job in the US is to have a skill set that is in demand and can be marketed globally. Some of the top fields hiring for remote work include:

Software Development: Full-stack developers, frontend engineers, and data scientists are in high demand.
Digital Marketing: SEO specialists, content marketers, and social media managers.
Customer Support: Multilingual support agents, technical support specialists.
Design: Graphic designers, UX/UI specialists.
Writing and Editing: Copywriters, editors, content strategists.

Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer courses and certifications that can help you develop these skills. For instance, a certified digital marketing specialist can easily find remote job openings, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Step 2: Create an Impressive Online Presence

In a remote-first world, your digital presence is the first thing recruiters will look at. Start with these key areas:

LinkedIn Profile: Make sure it’s polished and optimized with relevant keywords. Mention your key skills, experience, and certifications, and be active in industry-relevant groups.
Personal Website/Portfolio: If you’re a designer, writer, or in tech, having an online portfolio can make a huge difference. Showcase your work, past projects, and achievements.
GitHub (for Developers): If you’re a software developer, your GitHub profile can act as a digital resume. Recruiters often look at your repositories and coding skills to assess your expertise.

Step 3: Leverage Remote Job Boards

To find remote jobs in the US, I recommend focusing on specialized job boards that list global opportunities. Some of the best ones are:

We Work Remotely: It lists jobs from top companies that hire remote workers worldwide.
Remote OK: This site has a dedicated section for jobs based in the US but open to international candidates.
AngelList: A platform focused on startups, where many companies hire remotely.
Turing.com: Specifically for developers, this site helps non-US candidates find remote software jobs.

Set up alerts on these platforms, and apply early, as remote roles often get a flood of applications.

Step 4: Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter for Remote Work

When applying to US-based remote jobs, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills. Show that you have what it takes to thrive in a remote setting. Mention:

Experience with remote tools (Slack, Trello, Zoom, etc.).
Time management and communication skills, especially if you’ve worked remotely before.
Any experience working with international teams or across time zones.

Also, be mindful of cultural nuances. American employers typically appreciate straightforward, concise communication in applications.

Step 5: Overcome the Time Zone Challenge

One of the trickiest parts of working remotely for a US company from Pakistan is the time zone difference (which is typically between 9 to 13 hours).

Many employers will expect some overlap in work hours, especially for team meetings.

Highlight your flexibility and willingness to adjust your schedule to fit the company’s needs. I’ve seen people succeed by offering to work late evenings or early mornings.

Some remote jobs, especially in customer service or software development, may even require working US hours entirely. Be upfront about your availability during the interview process.

Step 6: Networking and Referrals

A good 85% of jobs are filled through networking, according to a LinkedIn study. This statistic holds for remote jobs too.

Start building connections with professionals in your industry who are already working remotely for US companies. Join relevant groups on LinkedIn, Reddit, or other platforms where remote workers hang out.

If you’re serious about a particular company, try to connect with current employees and ask them for insights or even referrals. In many cases, getting an internal referral can significantly boost your chances of landing an interview.

Step 7: Preparing for Interviews

When it comes to remote job interviews, you’ll often be assessed on your ability to work independently, communicate clearly, and handle potential tech challenges.

Most interviews will take place over Zoom or Google Meet, so make sure you’re comfortable with these platforms.

Be prepared to talk about:

How you manage your time and productivity.
How you handle communication and collaboration with teams across different time zones.
Specific examples of when you worked independently and delivered successful results.

Step 8: Legal and Payment Considerations

Once you land a remote job in the US, there are a few logistical things to sort out, including how you’ll get paid. Many US companies pay international contractors via services like PayPal, Payoneer, or Wise (formerly TransferWise). Make sure you’re clear on the payment terms and whether any fees apply.

Also, understand the legal requirements of working as a freelancer or contractor in Pakistan. You may need to set up a sole proprietorship or small business depending on the regulations.

Pros of Getting a Remote Job in the US from Pakistan

Higher Pay: US-based jobs generally offer higher salaries compared to local opportunities in Pakistan.
Access to Global Companies: You get a chance to work with some of the most innovative companies worldwide.
Flexibility: Remote work allows you to work from anywhere, giving you more control over your environment and schedule.
Skill Development: Working remotely often demands high levels of self-discipline and time management, which are valuable professional skills.

Cons of Getting a Remote Job in the US from Pakistan

Time Zone Differences: Managing time zones can be difficult, especially when you’re required to work during US hours.
Isolation: Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you don’t have regular face-to-face interaction with colleagues.
Currency Fluctuations: Payment in USD can fluctuate in value due to currency exchange rates.
Legal and Tax Issues: Managing taxes as a freelancer or contractor can be complicated, and it’s important to understand both US and Pakistani regulations.

Conclusion

Getting a remote job in the US from Pakistan isn’t easy, but it’s certainly doable with the right approach.

By developing a global skillset, creating a strong digital presence, networking effectively, and tackling time zone challenges, you can set yourself up for success.

Have you considered working remotely for a US company? What’s holding you back from making the leap?