Looking for your next remote job? You’re not alone. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, almost half of US workers are looking to work remotely in their next job. On top of that:
- 56% of employees have a job where they could work remotely
- The number of remote jobs has tripled since 2020
It’s a great time to consider going remote, and the good news is that preparing your resume for a remote position is pretty straightforward. After all, remote work is just...work. If you have good communication, time management, and self-motivation in a non-remote work environment, you can apply those same set of skills in a remote environment.
When revamping your remote job resume for your job search, sprinkle in a few remote working indicators to signal to the hiring team that you’re qualified for the role. Companies that are adjusting to a remote business model may benefit from the extra reassurance.
How you prepare your resume for a remote position depends on whether you have prior remote experience, so we’ve broken down the article into two sections—those with previous remote experience and those without.
Note: Throughout the article, we refer to different sections of a resume:
- Title
- Introductory summary
- Key skills
- Experience
Please see the resume template diagrams below to understand which sections we’re referencing.
Previous remote work experience
Most of us have worked remotely in some capacity. Regardless of when you worked remotely or how many years of experience you have working remotely, you can integrate this experience into your resume.
Incorporate ‘Remote Worker’ next to your job title above your contact information
Include your current or most recent title at the top of your resume, under your name. Next to your job title, add ‘Remote Worker.’ Since it’s at the top of your resume, it will immediately indicate to the hiring manager or recruiter that remote working is a priority.
Including a link to your up-to-date LinkedIn profile underneath your email address is an excellent way for hiring teams to gain a more comprehensive look at your background.
Incorporate remote skills into your skills section
The next opportunity to include your remote experience is in the key skills section underneath your introductory resume summary. Highlighting the specific skills required for remote working, such as effective communication skills, good documentation, and proficiency with asynchronous collaboration and communication tools, will instill further confidence in your remote working abilities.
Add ‘Remote Role’ in the location section
Another place to show your remote working exposure is in the experience section, where you typically add the location of your previous employers before explaining your work history. Adding ‘remote role,’ ‘hybrid role,’ or 'partially remote role,’ where applicable, will signal to the hirer that you’ve been entrusted to work remotely.
Highlight your remote skills in the experience section
The final place to indicate your remote experience is in the experience section. While these sections are best kept brief, including accomplishments that demonstrate self-motivation, strong communication, and proficiency with async technologies can be beneficial.
For example: Efficiency with video and communication tools, web-based applications, and project management platforms.
Including a profile picture on your CV is optional. Some hiring managers prefer them as they can help put a face to the name, while others don’t have a preference. Determine what’s common practice in your particular industry or occupation and proceed accordingly. When in doubt, leave it out.
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No remote work experience
If you have no remote work experience, that’s okay—we all have to start somewhere. In this scenario, focus on highlighting the key transferable skills required for remote working, which, as we mentioned at the start, are typically required for any job.
Incorporate communication, self-motivation, and time management into your skills section
If you’re lucky, the job description will mention specific desirable skills related to remote work that you can reference (take a look at our Job Descriptions Templates to get an idea of the most sought after skills) Find the role that best suits your needs and use the template as is, or edit it to fit your needs.
). If not, you should note the following soft skills in the key skills section of your resume alongside your role-specific skills:
- Self-motivated
- Effective time management
- Communicative
- Highly autonomous
Incorporate your proficiency with asynchronous technologies in the work experience section
Many office-based companies have adopted video and communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet to communicate internally and with clients. In addition, these companies use web-based applications to collaborate, such as Google Workspace and Notion, and project management platforms, such as Jira, Asana, and Basecamp, to stay organized.
In the remote world, these tools are called asynchronous technologies, and they’re often essential to enabling dispersed and remote team members to connect and work effectively. If you have experience with these tools in some capacity, include a quick mention in the bullet points of the experience section to demonstrate you’re tech savvy.
For example: Efficiency with video and communication tools, web-based applications, and project management platforms.
Focus your attention on creating a strong resume and cover letter
Ultimately, your success in landing a remote job will depend on your experience and whether you’re a good match for the role. Your ability to work remotely is a bonus and is often a skill many can learn.
Developing your skills and experience and creating a strong resume and cover letter is your best chance at securing your dream remote position.
To get more support with the cover letter and resume writing process, take time to review resume examples for specific positions and check out these articles:
- 5 Easy Tips to Make Your Resume Stand Out
- How to Write a Stellar Cover Letter: Simple 5-step Formula
If you secure an interview, don’t be afraid to express your passion for remote working.
Finally, make sure remote working suits you. If you secure a remote position, be intentional in how you get your daily dose of social interaction to reap the many benefits of remote working and avoid loneliness.
Looking for more career tips?
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In this content series, we share articles, templates, and guides to help job seekers and new hires navigate the world of work. These resources guide you through the entire hiring process, from preparing your resume to interviewing to identifying career growth opportunities.
Stay tuned for more actionable career advice.
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