5 Resume Writing Tips for Remote Jobs

Since 2005, the remote workforce has grown 173 percent—and it doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon. In fact, 74 percent of the workforce would prefer to quit their current jobs for ones that offer remote opportunities. And it's no wonder. Remote work means little to no commuting, more flexibility with where and when you work, fewer unproductive meetings, and extremely casual attire (outside of Zooming). So, if you're currently looking for a remote role and need to get your resume up to scratch, here are five simple resume writing tips that will have you ready to enter the remote job market in no time.

1. Let it be known you're looking for a remote position

First and foremost, you need to make sure your resume reflects the fact that you're looking for a remote position. This will ensure that recruiters are in no doubt about the type of job you're applying for. You can mention this in your personal profile as you introduce who you are and outline your career goals. You might also mention this in your LinkedIn profile and cover letter.

2. Showcase the skills you need for a remote position

Certain skills are more desirable in a remote position, so you need to be able to demonstrate that you’ve got what it takes to be successful in the role. For example, communication is going to be vital if you're working remotely, as you’ll need to stay in touch with colleagues, managers, customers, and clients without seeing them in person. You'll also need to be self-motivated, flexible, organized, tech-savvy, and able to work independently.

3. Highlight your achievements

One of the best ways to show that you’ve got what it takes to succeed in a remote role is to not only list your key skills but to also give real examples of your past achievements. If you can quantify these, even better. By giving real examples—with numbers, percentages, and dollar amounts where possible—you can demonstrate how you’ve made a real difference in the past.

4. Show off any and all previous remote experience

If you’ve got any previous remote work experience, be sure to shout about this on your resume. You could even start a new section that outlines your remote positions. This could be anything from working as an intern during your studies to helping out with a company's social feeds after working hours. Of course, if you've been working during quarantine, address the remote experience you've recently gained. Include anything that you completed from home or a remote location. And make sure to list your key responsibilities and the skills involved.

5. Tailor every resume

Finally, you need to tailor every resume you submit. It’s not enough to make one generic remote resume and fire it off to tons of different employers. Recruiters can spot this from a mile away. So, spend some time carefully tailoring every resume to the specific company and role you're applying to and for. Before you apply for each role, make sure you’ve carefully read the job description highlighting the key traits and skills that the employer is looking for. Don’t overdo it, but make sure to use these keywords throughout your resume to help the recruiter quickly identify that you're a good fit for the role.

Andrew Fennell is the founder of CV writing advice website StandOut CV—he is a former recruitment consultant and contributes careers advice to publications like Business Insider, The Guardian, and The Independent.