How to get hired for a remote job

Plus: Our take on COVID contact tracing apps, the best pencils and more [Wirecutter logo]( Ridofranz/iStock [How to get hired for a remote job]( Working from home is part of our “new normal.” Some 42% of US workers currently work from home full-time, and many companies are planning on allowing more employees to work remotely even after the pandemic. If you’re ready to work from home too, [we have tips from hiring managers and career consultants]( to help you get the job. New picks The best video-conferencing service: [Zoom Basic and Zoom Pro]( After a new round of testing, we think [Zoom]( is once again the best video-conferencing platform for businesses large and small. If you’re worried about security, Zoom has spent the past year fixing issues regarding its privacy and security policies. We are confident that the major issues Zoom has faced—such as users being pulled into meetings against their will and “Zoombombing”—have been fixed. [Read our full review here](. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. [Learn more]( → More this week [COVID Contact Tracing Apps Are Far From Perfect]( Although long-promised [contact tracing apps]( a quick fix for the COVID-19 pandemic, they can help with reducing spread—assuming people use them correctly. [Gear for Foul-Weather Bike Commuting]( Hard-core bike commuters share the seven things that keep them (and their stuff) [safe and dry]( in winter. [The Best Pencils for Writing and Schoolwork]( After seven hours of research and 18 hours of testing, we think Palomino’s ForestChoice is [the best pencil]( to use for writing and schoolwork. [Our Favorite Bedside Lamps Under $200]( We researched and tested dozens of [bedroom lamps]( and we found seven [styles we love]( in a range of prices, to suit any bedside table. Deals These are some of the best deals we’ve seen this week (that are still around). [Kasa Smart Wi-Fi Power Strip (HS300)]( $60 $70 [Buy now from Amazon]( This Kasa power strip turns one outlet into six independently controlled smart ones, with built-in energy monitoring and integration with smart-home platforms. It also has three USB ports, and it's the only smart power strip we reviewed that includes manual controls on the actual device for each of its outlets. [Read the review]( [Anker PowerLine II USB-C to Lightning Cable (3ft)]( $10 $15 [Buy now from Amazon]( This cable is MFi-certified, meaning it meets Apple's standards to ensure optimal performance with the company’s devices. The PowerLine II also has sturdy housings to withstand frequent plugging and unplugging, and it’s compact enough to fit in a purse or pocket. Anker cables are also backed by a lifetime warranty. [Read the review]( For more great prices on our picks, check out [our Deals page](. Copyright © 2020 Wirecutter, Inc., all rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you signed up for Wirecutter's newsletter. [Forward this email to a friend](. [View this email in your browser](. To stop receiving all our emails, [unsubscribe here](. Our mailing address is: Wirecutter, Inc. 620 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10018‌ [Privacy Policy]( | [California Notices]( | [Terms of Service]( | [Contact Us](