Must-know Resume Tips to Land A Remote Job – DND Podcast
If you’re dreaming of landing a remote job but aren’t sure what to add to your resume, you’re not alone! Digital nomad and career expert Michelle, who has been a recruiter for over 8 years, has seen countless resumes and understands what remote-friendly companies look for in their candidates. In this blog, she shares valuable tips and practical advice on how to structure your resume and update your LinkedIn profile to attract your next dream job.
Michelle is the founder of a community called Remote Rebellion, where she guides people toward remote roles that align with their personal and professional goals. Here, she dives into what makes a remote resume effective and how you can stand out from the crowd in an increasingly competitive remote job market.
Tune in for a vibrant conversation between Michelle and Nina, the founder of Digital Nomads Daily, full of brilliant analogies and learn how to stand out from the crowd.
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What to Do to Land a Remote Job
If you’re dreaming of a remote gig, it’s time to get strategic. First, make a list of companies known for being remote-friendly, then actually research them—find out what makes them tick. Tailor your applications to show you get their mission and culture. Employers want to know you’re not just skilled, but that you thrive in remote settings. Highlight your self-starter attitude, how you handle time management, and your ability to collaborate virtually. Be selective and personal, and focus on quality applications, not mass applying.
Do You Know What to Add to Your Resume?
To catch the eye of a hiring manager, emphasize your self-starter attitude, time management skills, and your ability to collaborate across virtual channels. Make sure to focus on quality applications rather than sending out as many as possible. Remote employers value candidates who are selective and intentional in their job search.
Key Remote Skills to Highlight
To truly shine in the remote world, you’ll need to showcase specific skills. Here are some Michelle suggests adding to your resume:
Digital Communication: Remote work relies heavily on written and digital communication, so demonstrate your ability to convey ideas clearly through email, chat, and video conferencing.
Time Management: Highlight any experience where you successfully managed your time across various projects or time zones.
Remote Collaboration: Experience with virtual collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, Trello, or Asana shows that you’re prepared to work efficiently without face-to-face interaction.
These skills are considered “remote buzzwords” and are essential in proving you’re not just a capable worker, but a valuable remote asset.
Tailor Your Experience with Examples
To make your resume even more compelling, include specific examples of your remote skills in action. Here’s a tip: Instead of saying “collaborated remotely,” get more detailed. For instance, “Led a team across three time zones using Asana, resulting in a 20% increase in project efficiency.” Quantifying your achievements shows that you’re results-oriented and capable of thriving in a remote setup.
Adding relevant details to each experience makes your resume more engaging and demonstrates how you’ve handled remote work challenges. If you’ve done freelance or contract work, make sure to list it—even if it was short-term. Employers are interested in candidates who have real-world experience managing the responsibilities that come with remote work.
Why Your LinkedIn Profile Matters
Your resume is important, but your LinkedIn profile can be just as valuable. Many recruiters search LinkedIn for remote candidates, so take the time to update your profile to reflect your remote capabilities. Make sure your headline highlights remote work skills or specific roles you’re targeting.
Use your LinkedIn summary to describe your remote work experience and how you adapt in a digital environment. Include keywords like “remote collaboration,” “virtual project management,” and any specific remote tools you’ve mastered. Endorsements and recommendations from previous colleagues or clients can also add credibility to your profile, showing potential employers that others have valued your contributions in a remote setup.
Stand Out by Showing Your Personality
Finally, remember that remote roles require more than just skills; they require adaptability and a great cultural fit. Michelle emphasizes the importance of letting your personality shine through in your applications. Whether through your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile, show a bit of who you are. Share a brief story of how you solved a problem remotely, or mention what motivates you in a digital environment. Hiring managers want to know that you’re not just qualified but that you’ll bring positivity and resilience to the team.