Working in today’s competitive job market, getting a remote job can seem like a long shot. With applicants from all over the world competing for the same job, standing out is not just luck but requires some strategy, hard work, and a dash of imagination. To assist you in beating this challenge, we have collected information from career professionals who present their most advantageous tips for getting a location-independent job. These are nine secrets to assist you in getting your ideal remote job and starting your work-from-anywhere profession.
1. Make Your Materials Fit Every Job
Single-application resumes won’t work in the global remote labor market. It’s essential to tailor your resume and cover letter for each job to grab the attention of a hiring manager.
“Don’t use the same, general resume for every job you apply for,” says Martin Luenendonk, co-founder and CEO of Cleverism, an online job site. “Make it according to the needs of the job.
Ciara Van De Velde, Employment BOOST Career Engagement Manager, underscores the importance of reflecting the job description within your application documents.
“When looking for a remote position, make sure to read the qualifications in the job description and bring out your experience, achievements, and skill sets to highlight those areas,” she advises. Showcase any previous remote experience or skills, for instance, working with distributed teams, to prove your fit.
Tailoring your materials not only shows you’re a strong fit but also helps your application pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies use to filter resumes. Incorporate keywords and phrases from the job posting to boost your chances.
2. Consider Adding a Video to Your Application
Amid a sea of text-based programs, a video can be the differentiator. Sean Pour, co-founder at SellMax, an auto buying company that leverages remote workers, says multimedia applications have staying power.
To differentiate yourself from the competition, you should include an out-of-the-box resume,” Pour says. “The candidates that we like the most are the ones who differentiate themselves in the resume by taking a fun video, while also showing their skills.
Pour remembers a top candidate who created programming puns in a video, demonstrating both effort and personality. “He put a lot of effort into it, and that indicated he was serious and interested in the position,” he says. A video can express your humor, personality, and fit with the company’s culture, providing hiring managers with an insight into you as a person that isn’t available on the page.
3. Show You’ve Done Your Homework on the Employer
Researching the firm and incorporating that information into your application demonstrates sincere interest. “If you have done your research on the company and know something about them, it matters,” says Pour. “If you have done your homework on us, we are more likely to find that you truly want this job.”
Avoid generic applications that could apply to any company. Instead, mention specific details about the organization—its mission, recent projects, or values—and explain why they resonate with you. This tailored approach demonstrates that you’re not just casting a wide net but are truly invested in the role.
4. Send Follow-Ups to Your Application
Persistence does pay. If you don’t hear from them after turning in your application, don’t be afraid to follow up. “Follow-ups work really well,” says Pour. “Sometimes we miss an email—we get busy, and it gets buried in the inbox. If you send a follow-up, it shows us that you’re persistent and serious.”
Send a friendly email to the hiring manager or LinkedIn with someone at the company to reiterate your interest. Be careful not to be too pushy—pace out follow-ups and keep them professional—but a timely message can keep your application fresh in their minds.
5. Highlight Your “Remote Working” Skills
Remote work involves a special skill set, and how you highlight your success in a remote scenario can differentiate you. Emma Liebmann, talent acquisition head at Collage.com, an all-remote firm, suggests that job applicants showcase some familiarity with how remote work works.
“Remote job seekers can differentiate themselves by presenting an analytical appreciation of remote work,” Liebmann continues. “Portray an understanding that you acknowledge and have given much consideration to challenges, such as establishing successful interaction with co-workers and establishing relationships or being more active about soliciting assistance.”
If you have remote work experience, highlight that. Otherwise, highlight qualities such as proactiveness, autonomy, and problem-solving. “Consider the qualities that you think would make one successful in remote working,” Liebmann recommends, “then point to examples where you have exhibited these qualities.”
6. Search Remote Job Boards for Jobs
Though general job sites such as Monster and Indeed post some remote job listings, specialty sites that are focused on remote work are generally a better bet. Sites such as Remote Bliss and FlexJobs exclusively post location-independent jobs. Create email notifications on these websites to receive updates about new job postings, and join groups like the Remote Bliss Slack community to network with other remote employees and access unposted jobs.
Luenendonk also suggests a look on company websites directly. “Look ‘hiring’ or ‘careers’ pages of various companies,” he advises. “Visit company’s websites directly and see if they are posting any remote jobs.” Also, reaching out to the companies you respect in advance can yield some hidden job opportunities.
7. Network, Network, Network
Networking continues to be an effective tool in job hunting, according to LinkedIn, where 85% of employees find work through connections. “Make connections,” Luenendonk advises. “You can increase the likelihood of obtaining a remote job by making a personal connection with someone who works at or knows the company.”
Join Facebook groups for your industry, reach out to professionals on LinkedIn using custom messages, or use networking apps to connect with others in your profession. Fostering relationships can result in recommendations, inside information, or even direct contacts with hiring managers, providing a major competitive advantage.
8. Demonstrate That You’re Tech Smart
Technical proficiency is especially important for remote work, which will depend extensively on software applications. Mark Webster, who oversees the entirely remote marketing company Authority Hacker, seeks applicants that prove tech savvy.
We want to make certain that you are technically proficient and equipped to do the day-to-day tasks that are applicable to telecommuting,” Webster states. Minor additions to your resume—such as attaching a snapshot of an internet speed test, providing your computer specifications, or specifying your time zone and working hours—can confirm employers of your preparedness for telecommuting.
These facts indicate that you are aware of the realities of working from home and ready to confront them professionally.
9. Do the Extra Mile in Preparing for Your Interview
Getting an interview is a big step, and proper preparation will secure the deal. Ciara Van De Velde suggests reading up on the mission and values of the company and preparing insightful questions for the interviewer. “Tell why you are keen to take up a job with that particular company,” she suggests, “and give examples of how you have succeeded with communicating with people in or out of remote jobs.”
Rob Williams, head of remote job platform Folyo, recommends applying the “briefcase technique” to impress hiring managers. “Take an hour to do research on the company, and make a plan for how you would make the company better through your position,” he advises. “When you’ve completed the interview questions, ask the interviewer if you may have a moment to discuss some ideas. Walk down your list rapidly, and you will be surprised at how impressed you will leave the interviewer.
For digital interviews, have your equipment ready. “Make sure you have good sound and video,” Pour recommends. “Since the major mode of communication will be through these means, you want the employer to understand that you’ll be able to communicate just as well.” Dress up, select a quiet space, and pretest your equipment so as to steer clear of hiccups.
Follow these tips to put your best foot forward
Finding a remote position is no easy task—it’s been described as a job unto itself. But with focused application materials, incorporating individualized touches such as video, highlighting your ability to work remotely, and using networking, you can stand out in the pack. Take these insider tips, remain diligent, and you’ll be on your way to securing an engaging remote position that allows you to work anywhere.
