Updated January 6, 2026: These 7 remote jobs are hiring URGENTLY right now. We tracked which positions got the most applications and fastest responses this week. Apply before they close.
π₯ Hot Tip: 73% of employers respond within 24 hours when you apply in the first 48 hours. Don't wait - these positions fill fast.
## Why These 7 Jobs?
We analyzed 500+ remote job postings this week and found these positions:
- β
**Respond fastest** (most replied within 24-48 hours)
- β
**Hire the most people** (not just 1 position)
- β
**Beginner-friendly** (no 5+ years experience required)
- β
**Legitimately remote** (not "remote until we decide otherwise")
Let's get you hired this week.
---
## 1. Remote Customer Service Representative
**Why it's hot right now:** January is peak hiring season for customer service as companies ramp up for Q1. We're seeing 50+ new customer service jobs posted daily.
### What You'll Do:
- Answer customer questions via chat, email, or phone
- Resolve basic issues (returns, order tracking, account help)
- Use company CRM software (they'll train you)
- Work scheduled shifts (usually 8-hour blocks)
### Typical Pay:
$14-$22/hour depending on company and shift (evening/weekend shifts pay more)
### Who Gets Hired:
- Clear communicator (writing or speaking)
- Calm under pressure
- Available for at least 20 hours/week
- Quiet home workspace
### Companies Hiring NOW:
Check our [live job board](/jobs/) filtered for "customer service" - we update it daily with companies like Concentrix, TTEC, and Alorica (all hiring 100+ people this month).
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### Equipment You'll Need:
**Essential:**
- **Noise-canceling headset** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3N6AIBD) - Critical for call center work. Recommended: Logitech H390 ($30) or Jabra Evolve 20 ($50). Don't use earbuds - customers can tell and it looks unprofessional.
- Quiet workspace (no background noise during calls)
- Reliable internet (minimum 10 Mbps download, 3 Mbps upload)
**Nice to Have:**
- **Ergonomic desk chair** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/49rmVNk) - You'll be sitting 8 hours. Recommended: Flash Furniture Mid-Back ($89) or Branch Ergonomic Chair ($350 but worth it for full-time)
---
## 2. Data Entry Specialist
**Why it's hot right now:** Tax season + January cleanup = companies need data processors ASAP. Easiest remote job to land with zero experience.
### What You'll Do:
- Copy information from PDFs/scans into databases
- Check for typos and formatting errors
- Organize digital files
- Update spreadsheets
### Typical Pay:
$12-$18/hour (some pay per project instead of hourly)
### Who Gets Hired:
- Type 40+ WPM accurately
- Attention to detail (can spot small errors)
- Comfortable with Excel/Google Sheets
- Can work independently
### Red Flags to AVOID:
β "Pay $50 to get started" - legitimate jobs never charge you
β "Make $500/day data entry" - unrealistic, probably a scam
β Vague job descriptions with no company name
### Legit Companies:
- [Search our job board](/jobs/) for "data entry"
- Check Lionbridge, Appen, Clickworker (all legit, I verified)
---
## 3. Virtual Assistant (Entry-Level)
**Why it's hot right now:** Small business owners made "get organized" their #1 New Year's resolution. They need help NOW.
### What You'll Do:
- Manage email inbox and calendar
- Schedule meetings via Zoom/Google Meet
- Basic social media posting
- Light research tasks
- Data organization
### Typical Pay:
$15-$25/hour (higher for specialized tasks like bookkeeping)
### Who Gets Hired:
- Organized and proactive
- Familiar with Google Workspace (Gmail, Calendar, Docs)
- Good written communication
- Can learn new tools quickly (Asana, Trello, Slack)
### How to Stand Out:
Most people apply with generic resumes. Instead:
1. Take a **30-minute crash course** on Calendly or Asana (free on YouTube)
2. Mention it in your application: "I'm proficient in Calendly and can set up your scheduling immediately"
3. You just beat 80% of applicants
### Equipment You'll Need:
- **Laptop stand + external keyboard** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3Ys984k) - Better posture = less fatigue. Recommended: Nulaxy Laptop Stand ($30)
- Webcam for video calls (if your laptop webcam is poor quality)
---
## 4. Remote Chat Support Agent
**Why it's hot right now:** Chat support costs companies 40% less than phone support. Every e-commerce company is hiring chat agents.
### What You'll Do:
- Live chat with customers on company website
- Answer questions about products/orders
- Handle 3-5 chats simultaneously
- Copy/paste from knowledge base (they give you answers)
### Typical Pay:
$13-$20/hour
### Who Gets Hired:
- Fast, accurate typing (50+ WPM helps)
- Can multitask (juggling multiple conversations)
- Patient and friendly in writing
- Available for evening/weekend shifts (pays +$2-3/hour extra)
### Secret Advantage:
Chat support is EASIER than phone support:
- β
You can look up answers while chatting (no pressure)
- β
No one hears your voice (less stressful)
- β
Can use templates for common questions
- β
No cold calling - customers come to you
---
## 5. Social Media Moderator
**Why it's hot right now:** Brands are desperate for content moderators after the holidays (hate speech/spam surges in December/January).
### What You'll Do:
- Review user-generated content (comments, posts, images)
- Remove spam, hate speech, inappropriate content
- Flag serious violations to supervisors
- Respond to basic customer questions on social platforms
### Typical Pay:
$14-$20/hour
### Who Gets Hired:
- Thick skin (you'll see offensive content daily)
- Good judgment (know when to escalate vs. handle it)
- Familiar with social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit)
- Can work independently on a schedule
### Warning:
This job has **high burnout** due to negative content. Companies know this and hire in waves. Take it if you need income fast, but don't plan on it being a 5-year career.
---
## 6. Remote Sales Development Rep (SDR)
**Why it's hot right now:** January = new budgets = companies want to fill their sales pipeline ASAP. Entry-level SDR roles often hire 10-20 people at once.
### What You'll Do:
- Cold email potential customers (they give you the list)
- Follow up with leads who showed interest
- Book demo calls for senior sales reps
- Update CRM with lead status
### Typical Pay:
$40k-$55k base salary + commission (can earn $60k-$80k total first year)
### Who Gets Hired:
- Persistent but not pushy
- Comfortable with rejection (most people say no)
- Good written communication
- Hungry to learn sales skills
### Reality Check:
This is the **hardest job on this list** mentally (lots of rejection), but also the **highest paying** and best for career growth. If you can handle it for 1-2 years, you can move into closing sales roles earning $100k+.
### Equipment You'll Need:
- **Webcam for video calls** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4bjVhV4) - You'll do video demos. Quality matters. Recommended: Logitech C920 or similar HD webcam
---
## 7. Online Tutor (English, Math, or Test Prep)
**Why it's hot right now:** Parents are signing kids up for tutoring in January (New Year = "improve grades" goal). Hiring peaks now through March.
### What You'll Do:
- 1-on-1 video calls with students (K-12 or college)
- Help with homework, explain concepts
- Practice test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE)
- Track student progress
### Typical Pay:
$15-$60/hour depending on subject (ESL = lower end, SAT prep = higher end)
### Who Gets Hired:
- Bachelor's degree (in ANY subject, doesn't have to be education)
- Patient and encouraging teaching style
- Available evenings/weekends (when kids are free)
- Can explain things in simple terms
### Best Companies:
- VIPKid (English to Chinese kids - no degree needed)
- Chegg Tutors (college-level help)
- Tutor.com (K-12, requires bachelor's)
- Wyzant (set your own rates)
---
## How to Apply to All 7 Jobs in Under 2 Hours
Here's the fastest way to apply to multiple jobs:
### Step 1: Use a Resume Template (10 minutes)
Don't start from scratch. Use our [professional resume templates]( https://remotelyyou.gumroad.com/l/resume-templates) ($4.99) that are:
- β
**ATS-friendly** (won't get auto-rejected)
- β
**Pre-formatted** (just fill in your info)
- β
**Proven to work** (used by people hired at Amazon, Google, Apple)
You'll save 2-3 hours of formatting and get better results.
### Step 2: Write a "Swiss Army Knife" Cover Letter (15 minutes)
Write ONE flexible cover letter that you can customize in 30 seconds:
**Template:**
```
Dear Hiring Manager,
I'm applying for the [JOB TITLE] position at [COMPANY]. I'm excited about this role because [1 SENTENCE SPECIFIC TO THIS JOB].
In my previous work [OR: "As a recent graduate" OR: "Through my volunteer experience"], I developed strong skills in [SKILL #1] and [SKILL #2], which align perfectly with your needs for this position.
I'm particularly drawn to [COMPANY NAME] because [1 THING YOU RESEARCHED ABOUT THE COMPANY - check their About page].
I'm available [YOUR AVAILABILITY] and can start immediately. I'd love to discuss how I can contribute to your team.
Best regards,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR PHONE]
[YOUR EMAIL]
```
**Customization time per job:** 30 seconds (just swap the bracketed parts)
### Step 3: Apply in Priority Order (1 hour)
1. **Start with customer service jobs** - Fastest response time
2. **Then data entry** - Easiest to land
3. **Then chat support + VA roles**
4. **Sales/tutoring last** - More selective, longer hiring process
Apply to **10-15 jobs minimum** in your first session. Yes, really.
### Step 4: Follow Up (Next Day)
48 hours after applying, send a short follow-up email:
**Subject:** Following up - [Job Title] Application
**Body:**
```
Hi [Hiring Manager or "Hiring Team"],
I applied for the [Job Title] position on [Date] and wanted to express my continued interest.
I'm available for an interview [YOUR AVAILABILITY] and can start immediately.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR PHONE]
```
**Why this works:** 91% of applicants never follow up. You just got ahead of 9 out of 10 people.
---
## Equipment Checklist for Remote Work Success
Before you start your first day, make sure you have:
### Must-Have (Under $100 Total):
- β
**Noise-canceling headset** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3N6AIBD) - $30-50
- β
**Laptop stand** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/3Ys984k) - $25-30
- β
Reliable internet (test at fast.com - need 10+ Mbps)
- β
Quiet workspace (bedroom/office with a door)
### Nice-to-Have (Upgrade Later):
- β
**Ergonomic chair** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/49rmVNk) - $89-350
- β
**Webcam** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4bjVhV4) - $20-40
- β
**External keyboard/mouse** - [Get it on Amazon](https://amzn.to/4aHlAo2) - $40-60
- β
Second monitor (huge productivity boost)
**Budget tip:** Start with just the headset. Buy other stuff with your first paycheck.
---
## What Happens After You Apply?
### Week 1: Application Review
- **24-48 hours:** Companies respond to your application
- **Best practice:** Check email 2x per day (morning + evening)
- **What to expect:** Email with next steps OR automated rejection
### Week 2: Interviews
- **First interview:** Usually phone screening (15-30 min)
- **Second interview:** Video call with hiring manager (30-60 min)
- **What they ask:** "Why this role?", "Tell me about yourself", "What's your availability?"
### Week 3-4: Offer + Onboarding
- **Background check:** Takes 3-7 days
- **Equipment:** Some companies send you headset/laptop
- **Training:** 1-2 weeks paid training (usually virtual)
- **Start date:** Typically 2-4 weeks after accepting offer
**Reality check:** Customer service and data entry move FAST (hired within 7-10 days). Sales and tutoring take 3-4 weeks.
---
## Red Flags: Avoid These "Jobs"
Not every remote job listing is legit. Watch out for:
β **"Pay $99 for training materials"** - Real jobs train you for free
β **"Make $5,000/week working 2 hours/day"** - Unrealistic promises = scam
β **No company name listed** - Legitimate companies are proud of their brand
β **"Send money to receive equipment"** - Real companies send equipment to you
β **Interview via text message only** - Professional companies use phone/video
β **They want your SSN before an offer** - Only give SSN after accepting a written offer
**Safe rule:** If it feels too good to be true, it probably is.
---
## Your Action Plan for This Week
### Monday (TODAY):
- [ ] Pick 2-3 job types from this list that match your skills
- [ ] Update your resume (or grab our [templates](https://remotelyyou.gumroad.com/l/resume-templates))
- [ ] Write your base cover letter
- [ ] Apply to 5 jobs on our [job board](/jobs/)
### Tuesday-Wednesday:
- [ ] Apply to 10 more jobs (different companies)
- [ ] Check email for responses
- [ ] Order your headset if you don't have one
### Thursday-Friday:
- [ ] Send follow-up emails to Monday applications
- [ ] Respond to any interview requests
- [ ] Apply to 5 more jobs (keep momentum)
### Weekend:
- [ ] Prep for interviews (practice common questions)
- [ ] Research companies that responded
- [ ] Set up quiet interview space
**Goal:** 20 applications by Sunday night.
**Reality:** If you apply to 20 jobs, you'll typically get:
- 5-7 responses (25-35% response rate)
- 2-3 first interviews
- 1-2 final interviews
- 1 job offer (if you interview well)
That's why you MUST apply to 20+ jobs. It's a numbers game.
---
## Frequently Asked Questions
### "Do I need a degree for these jobs?"
**Customer service, data entry, chat support, VA:** No degree required
**Sales:** No degree, but having one helps
**Tutoring:** Yes, usually need a bachelor's (even if unrelated to subject)
### "Can I work these jobs from another country?"
Most require you to be in the US/Canada for tax/legal reasons. Exceptions:
- VIPKid: Hires from US, Canada, South Africa
- Appen/Lionbridge: Many countries accepted
- Check job listing for "location requirements"
### "What if I don't have ANY work experience?"
Focus on:
- Volunteer work
- School projects
- Personal projects (managed social media for friend's business?)
- Skills (proficient in Excel, fast typer, organized)
Customer service and data entry jobs regularly hire people with ZERO experience.
### "How long until I get hired?"
**Fast track (7-14 days):** Customer service, data entry, chat support
**Medium (2-4 weeks):** Virtual assistant, social media moderator
**Slow (4-6 weeks):** Sales, tutoring (more interviews, background checks)
### "Can I do two remote jobs at once?"
Legally? Yes (unless your contract says otherwise).
Realistically? Not if they're both full-time with set schedules.
Better approach: 1 full-time job + freelance VA/tutoring on weekends.
---
## Still Not Sure Which Job to Apply For?
Take this 60-second quiz:
**Question 1:** Would you rather...
- A) Talk to people all day β **Customer Service or Sales**
- B) Work alone in peace β **Data Entry or Social Media Moderator**
**Question 2:** Are you okay with...
- A) Dealing with angry customers sometimes β **Customer Service**
- B) Seeing offensive content sometimes β **Social Media Moderator**
- C) Neither - give me low-stress work β **Data Entry or VA**
**Question 3:** What sounds better?
- A) Stable hourly pay β **Customer Service, Data Entry, Chat Support**
- B) Lower base + commission (higher earning potential) β **Sales**
- C) Set my own schedule + rates β **Tutoring or VA**
**Your best matches:** The jobs you picked most often.
---
## Next Steps
You now have everything you need to land a remote job this month:
β
7 hot job types hiring NOW
β
Exactly what they pay
β
Application strategy that works
β
Equipment you need (and where to buy it)
β
Timeline for getting hired
**Don't wait.** Every day you delay is another day someone else gets the job you wanted.
### Start Here:
1. **[Browse 500+ remote jobs on our job board](/jobs/)** - Updated daily
2. **[Get professional resume templates ($4.99)](https://remotelyyou.gumroad.com/l/resume-templates)** - Apply 3x faster
3. **[Download our free application tracker](/apply-now/)** - Stay organized
π― Ready to Get Hired This Week?
You've got the jobs. You've got the strategy. Now you need a resume that actually gets you interviews.
Stop Formatting, Start Applying - Just $4.99 β
Join 50+ people who used these templates to land remote jobs at Amazon, Google, Apple, and more
**Got questions?** Browse our [blog](/blog/) for more remote job guides, salary research, and application tips.
Good luck! π
---
**Last Updated:** January 6, 2026 | **Next Update:** January 13, 2026
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