A Guide to Working Remotely Abroad for a US Company

Picture this: You're collaborating on cutting-edge projects with top-tier professionals, expanding your global network, and potentially earning a competitive US salary – all while enjoying your own corner of the world. 

Sounds like a dream? Well, pinch yourself, because this is the new reality of work.

US companies are finally waking up to the fact that talent doesn't need a US zip code to be valuable. 

A recent Remote report found that 66% of decision-makers believe distributed remote workforces are set to become more common than local-only teams.

That's a serious shift in global opportunity! We're here to help you grab it.

Welcome to our 6-step guide on how to land a remote role with a US company. Ready to level up your career? 

Step 1: Understand Your Employment Status

Think you'll be a traditional employee with all the trimmings? Not so fast.

When working remotely for a US company from abroad, you'll likely be reclassified as an independent contractor. In other words, you're no longer an employee. 

You're your own business.

It's not that US companies don't want to hire international talent. They do!

But employing someone in a foreign country often requires maneuvering through a maze of international labor and tax law. Hiring you as a contractor lets US companies tap into your talent while staying legally compliant.

Here's what this means for you:

• You're no longer climbing a career ladder. You're building a portfolio. Forget about the traditional path of annual reviews and steady promotions. As a contractor, your career growth is in your hands.
• You're the CEO of You, Inc. Taxes, employee benefits, retirement planning? Congratulations, it's all up to you. No more company-sponsored health insurance or end-of-year bonuses. You'll need to become your own financial department.
• Holidays require strategic planning. No paid time off means every day you're not working is a day you're not earning. You'll need to master the art of balancing rest with productivity, saving for downtime, and maybe even working ahead to create your own "paid" vacation.
• Networking isn't just for job hunting anymore. As a contractor, your network becomes your lifeline. It's your source of new opportunities, your sounding board for advice, and your safety net when contracts come to an end.

But don't let this scare you off. Being a contractor isn't easy, but it's definitely not a downgrade either.

It's just a different playing field with its own set of advantages. You're no longer a cog in the corporate machine. You're a valued business partner bringing your unique skills to the table.

Action Step: Take time to thoroughly understand what being an independent contractor means in your country. Research the legal and financial implications.

Ask yourself: Does this align with my career goals and work style? Am I ready to take on the responsibilities that come with this status? There's no shame in wanting more safety and structure. You need to make sure you're ready for the ride.

Step 2: Craft Your Strategy

Finding a remote job with a US company isn't just your average resume polishing. Remember, you're your own company. It's not a job search. You're launching a global marketing campaign.

Here's how to stand out:

• Optimize Your Online Presence: Your digital footprint needs to speak fluent 'US professional'. That means leveraging keywords that US recruiters are looking for, crafting a portfolio that showcases your international perspective, and publishing content to demonstrate your expertise.
• Develop a Compelling Personal Pitch: Generic cover letters are out. You need a compelling story that explains why a US company should hire you – a professional from halfway across the world – instead of Jerry next door. Find your unique value and sell it hard.
• Address the Time Zone Challenge: Working with a US company means embracing the fact that when they're starting their day, you might be ending yours. Show them you've got this covered. Highlight your flexibility, and experience working across time zones. Being proactive about this concern can turn a potential obstacle into a selling point.
• Focus Your Job Search: Don't spray and pray with your applications. Research companies that have a history of hiring international contractors. Look for those expanding into your region or in need of your specific contextual expertise.

Action Step: Create a target list of 10 US companies that align with your skills and have a track record of hiring international talent. Research them thoroughly.

What problems are they trying to solve? How could your unique background help them? This is your ammunition.

You're not just another applicant in a sea of resumes. You're a global talent offering unique value.

Step 3: Land That Interview

Time to get your foot in the virtual door. Landing an interview with a US company requires more than just a click-and-pray approach. It's about smart positioning and showing what you can do.

Here's how to help your application rise to the top of the pile:

• Let Your Skills Do the Talking: Forget endless resume tweaks. Instead, focus on platforms that use skills-based assessments. These are real-world tasks that showcase your style, thought process, and problem-solving abilities. It's not about where you've been – it's about what you can do right now. They save you time and eliminate a boatload of bias.
• Follow Up Without Being a Pest: Sent your application and heard crickets? A polite follow-up can put you back on the radar. But timing is everything. Wait about a week, and keep it short and sweet. There's nothing more frustrating for a hiring manager than someone thinking they're the only priority.

Action Step: Wave goodbye to outdated resumes and cover letters, and get ready to show what you can do in the real-world. Future forward companies like Crossover use aptitude testing and skills-based hiring to see the true professional you. 

Prepare by getting clear on your personal work flow, how you approach challenges and what considerations you make along the way. It all helps the recruiter cut through the noise.

Step 4: Navigate the Interview Process

Congratulations, you've landed an interview! 

Now, it's time to settle in for a low pressure chat. Your skills assessment already told the recruiter you can do the job, now they want to meet you. This is all about understanding culture fit and professional alignment. You don't need to prove yourself anymore.

Here's how to ace your virtual interview:

• Present Your Best Professional Self: Dress professionally and ensure your background is clean and appropriate. Your appearance and environment speak subconscious volumes about your readiness for remote work.
• Show Up As the Real You: Show your personality and what it would be like working with you. Share your values, what gets you up in the morning and what keeps you pushing forward when the going gets tough. Why does this role at this company scratch your professional itch?
• Ask Thoughtful Questions: You're interviewing them too. Ask about their experience with remote workers, their communication style, and their team dynamics. This is your opportunity to get clear on what you’re getting into.

Action Step: Create a list of potential interview questions, focusing on your ability to work remotely, handle role specific challenges and keep pushing the needle forward. Practice your responses - ensuring they're concise, relevant, and showcase the real you.

Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the company's remote work practices, other remote employees and culture. No surface-level limits here. Go deep.

Step 5: Seal the Deal - Negotiation and Contracts

Big news – they want you on the team! But before you start celebrating, it's time to navigate the trickiest part of the process: contracts.

Here are some things to consider:

• Know Your Worth: According to CEO World Magazine, the United States ranks 3rd globally for gross average monthly wages. Research what your skills are worth in the US market. You're not cheap, outsourced labor. You're a global asset bringing diverse insights to the table. Get paid accordingly.
• Factor in the Contractor Lifestyle: Remember all those perks you're not getting as a contractor? Health insurance, paid time off, equipment costs – it all adds up. Make sure your rate reflects these expenses. You're not being greedy. You're running your business.
• Get Crystal Clear on Expectations: Make sure the details of your working relationship are clearly outlined. Work hours, project scope, payment terms, confidentiality agreements – if it's important to you, get it in writing. Don't be afraid to ask for clarification on anything that seems vague.
• Understand US Work Culture: Familiarize yourself with US work norms. The mix of competitiveness and meritocracy might be different from what you're used to. Also, be aware that US workers generally take fewer vacation days (10-15 on average). You're entitled to time away but get transparent.

Action Step: Draft a working agreement for yourself that outlines your ideal terms. Include your rate, working hours, communication expectations, and any other factors important to you. 

This isn't to send to the company, but to use as your personal checklist while reviewing your contract. Crossover shares a lot of this information upfront. You’ll know the hours you’ll work and the pay you’ll get, regardless of your time zone or zip code. It’s all front and center.

Step 6: Set Yourself Up for Remote Success

You've landed the gig – now it's time to prove they made the right choice. 

Setting yourself up for success as a remote worker is about creating the right environment, habits, and mindset to win in your new role.

Here's how to knock it out of the park:

• Create a Productive Space: Kind of goes without saying, but you need to carve out a dedicated workspace. Make sure you're set up with a good desk and chair, a reliable computer, and solid Wi-Fi. It doesn't need to be fancy, but it does need to do the job.
• Master Time Zone Management: Get intimate with world clocks. Use tools like World Time Buddy to easily visualize time differences. Set clear expectations and boundaries about your working hours and focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
• Communicate with Purpose and Clarity: In a remote setting, quality communication is key. Be clear, concise, and proactive in your updates. Use asynchronous communication to respect everyone's focus time. It's not about constant chatter, but about ensuring everyone has the information they need when they need it. This is an overpowered value-add considering Asana's State of Collaboration Technology report found knowledge workers sink 84 minutes per day into finding the information they need.
• Embrace the Team Culture, Virtually: You're not an outsourced role. You're part of the team. Find ways to connect with your colleagues. Building connections with team members will make work more enjoyable, but could also lead to future opportunities. You don't want to be out of sight, out of mind.
• Be Adaptable: US work culture may be different from what you're used to. Stay open-minded, ask questions when you're unsure, and be willing to adapt your working style as needed.

Action Step: Create a 30-60-90 day plan for your new role. What do you want to accomplish? Have clear goals, push the limits but be realistic. Being clear on what you're aiming for will keep you focused and demonstrate your value to the company. Share this plan with your manager.

Your Launchpad to a US Job

Whew! Take a deep breath.

If your head's spinning from all this information, we don't blame you. Landing a remote job with a US company is no small feat. 

It's like trying to get backstage at a sold-out Taylor Swift concert. Exciting, but daunting.

But here's the thing: you're now armed with insider knowledge. You know what to expect, how to prepare, and what it takes to stand out in the global talent pool

The opportunities are massive. It's time to throw your hat in the ring.

Ready to see what's out there? Check out our job page! We've got tons of fully remote jobs ready and waiting just for you!