How to Write a Resume That Gets You Hired for a Remote Job

Read below to see how writing a resume for a remote job is different from a resume for an in office job.

If you're looking for remote work and have a solid resume, you've already taken the first step. But in order to land that dream gig working remotely, you need to make sure your resume reflects the fact that you're a good fit for a remote position.

Here are some tips to help you tailor your resume so that it catches the eye of a recruiter who's looking for a remote employee.

Focus on your adaptability and comfort with digital communication. 

In today's world, more and more companies are looking for candidates who are comfortable working remotely. So, it's important to highlight any skills or experience you have that show you're comfortable with digital communication tools like email, video conferencing, and collaboration tools like Slack, Teams, Zoom, Trello, or Miro.

Include specific examples of how you've used those technical skills in previous roles, even if they aren't directly related to what you're applying for now.

If you're applying for an administrative role, mention specific software programs like Microsoft Office Suite or Google Docs that you use regularly at work or school. Any type of experience that shows you're comfortable working virtually will help set you apart from other candidates.

It may not hurt to mention that you have the resources to do remote work, such as a good internet connection and home office, in the cover letter. Certainly if you're applying for a job in a contact center, it wouldn't be a good idea for you to be taking incoming calls in a coffee shop. If you don't have a home office but have access to a coworking space, mention that too.

Mention any relevant skills.

In addition to highlighting your remote work experience, be sure to include any other relevant skills to demonstrate that you'll be an excellent remote member of a remote team. In this new world of remote work, employers are looking for self starters who feel comfortable creating their own structure managing their own work.

Remote employees also need to be able to focus, be productive, and collaborate with co workers in different time zones.

For example, if you're applying for a remote administrative assistant role, mention any previous experience you have working with scheduling software or managing travel arrangements.

If you don't have any direct experience with remote work technology, focus on transferable skills like time management, communication, self-motivation, and organization. These are all qualities that are important in any type of work but are especially crucial when working remotely.

Highlight remote experience, if you have it already.

Give examples of how and where you've used your remote skills in the past. If you've worked remotely before, be sure to mention that in your resume.

Include the percentage of time you spent working remotely so employers understand what it means for them if they hire someone who works from home full-time (or part-time). This will let them know that it will be a seamless process for you to join the team and immediately become a productive employee.

While you don't need to have years of experience working remotely to get a remote job, any relevant experience you do have will give you a leg up on the competition. So take the time to tailor your resume and include the keywords, skills, and experiences that will help you stand out from other candidates and land that dream gig.

Use "remote-friendly" language.

In addition to using the tips above, it's also important to use language that shows you're comfortable with working virtually. For example, instead of saying "I'd like to work from home," say "I'm looking for a fully remote position."

When writing your resume, be sure to use phrases like "remote work," "virtual work," "telecommute," and "work from home." This will signal to recruiters and managers that you're comfortable with the idea of working remotely and are familiar with the terminology.

Include proof that you're a solid remote worker.

When you're applying for a remote job, it's important to show social proof that you're a solid remote worker. The best way to do this is by highlighting your collaboration skills on your resume. Highlight collaboration skills by focusing on the ones you've used to succeed at work in the past, especially on remote teams, and include specific examples.

For example, if you're applying for a customer service role but have experience managing projects remotely, include that on your resume.

In addition to highlighting your skills, you should also share examples of success stories that demonstrate your ability to work well remotely. For example, if you successfully completed a project despite being in different time zones than your team members, include that as well.

Takeaway: A good resume is key to getting a remote job

While finding remote work used to be very difficult, remote working is definitely becoming more common. There's a lot of benefits over working in a traditional office (to employees and employers alike) such as increased productivity and better flexibility and work life balance.

However, writing a resume for remote jobs isn't the same as writing a resume for in office employees.

By following these tips, you'll be sure to stand out from other candidates and land the remote job you've been dreaming of.

Key points:

  • When writing your resume for remote employment, be sure to include relevant keywords, skills, and experiences.

  • Highlight your experience with working remotely, if you have it.

  • Use language that shows you're comfortable with working virtually, and focus on collaboration skills.

  • Including social proof that you're a solid remote worker will help you stand out from other candidates.

With a resume tailored to the job you're applying for, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream gig.

Happy job hunting!



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