Why Is It So Challenging to Find Remote Work?

After hearing from dozens of highly qualified jobseekers looking for fully remote roles, it got me thinking – is seeking a fully remote role a double-edged sword? Do you set yourself up for a much more difficult job search?

The short answer is -- Yes! Let's explore why securing a fully remote role may be more challenging and why a hybrid role might work better for your short and long-term career goals.

Why Fully Remote Jobs Are Harder to Secure

1. A Flood of Applications from Across the Country

A remote job posting isn’t just visible to candidates in a specific city—it attracts applicants from across the nation or even the world. The sheer volume of resumes can be overwhelming. For example, a recent job opening for a remote marketing role at Airbnb received over 10,000 applications.

By contrast, hybrid roles often limit the applicant pool to candidates who live within commuting distance of the office, reducing competition and improving your chances of getting noticed.

2. Higher Standards for Qualifications

Because companies hiring for remote roles have access to an expansive talent pool, they can afford to be highly selective. Quite literally, they can choose from the best applicants from across the country. In addition, to be seriously considered, applicants may need extensive remote work experience. Entry-level professionals or those transitioning to remote work for the first time may find it challenging to meet these elevated standards.

3. Bias Toward In-Office Employees

While fully remote roles remove physical barriers, they often introduce an unseen one: presenteeism bias. Research indicates that employees who regularly interact with managers in person are more likely to be considered for promotions and new opportunities. According to the 2024 Work Remastered study, 27% of remote workers reported being overlooked for promotions, with younger workers feeling this even more acutely.

4. Job Security Concerns

Unfortunately, fully remote workers may also be at greater risk during layoffs. LeanIn.org and McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace 2022 report revealed that fully remote employees were 50% more likely to face layoffs than their in-office counterparts. Employers often prioritize in-person teams when making cuts, potentially perceiving them as more central to company culture or operations.

5. Uncertain Future of Remote Policies

In the current job market, companies regularly announce rollbacks on remote work policies, requiring employees to return to the office. Accepting a fully remote role could introduce uncertainty if your job transitions to an on-site requirement, potentially causing significant disruptions.

The Hybrid Advantage: A Middle Ground with Long-Term Benefits

Hybrid work environments can offer the flexibility of remote work while addressing its limitations. Here’s why hybrid roles might be better for job seekers:

1. Lower Application Volume

Unlike fully remote roles, hybrid jobs naturally limit the applicant pool to candidates within a specific geographic area. You may have competition from 100-200 candidates vs thousands. This localized approach reduces competition, increasing your chances of standing out.

2. Opportunities for Networking and Visibility

Hybrid roles facilitate in-person interactions with colleagues and management, enabling you to build stronger relationships. These connections can translate into mentorship opportunities, better performance evaluations, and access to internal growth paths.

3. A Smooth Transition to Remote Work

For those aiming to work fully remotely eventually, hybrid roles offer a stepping stone. By gaining remote experience part-time, you can develop skills like time management, virtual communication, and independent problem-solving, which are crucial for excelling in fully remote positions. In addition, once you have proven to the organization you are invaluable to their success they can be more open to you working remotely.

4. Career Longevity and Job Security

Hybrid workers often enjoy greater job security and access to internal opportunities. Being present in the office—even occasionally—keeps you top of mind for promotions, project assignments, and organizational decisions.

5. Work-Life Balance with Perks

Hybrid setups allow you to enjoy remote work’s flexibility while benefiting from in-office perks like team-building activities, gym memberships, store discounts, networking events, and office amenities.

Striking the Right Balance

While fully remote roles may seem like the ultimate goal for many post-pandemic job seekers, they aren’t always the best option—especially for candidates navigating a competitive market. Hybrid roles strike a balance between flexibility and visibility, providing a platform for growth, connection, and career security.

Starting in a hybrid role not only increases your chances of securing a position but also helps you build a foundation for success. And who knows? Once you’ve proven your value, you might have the leverage to transition into a fully remote role if it’s the best fit for your needs.

When considering your next career move, weigh the challenges of remote work against the opportunities in hybrid settings. Shifting this expectation could lead to a much shorter job search.

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