New Year’s Resolution: Find my dream job
Happy New Year all!
Is 2022 going to be the year you get a remote job? A job that means you have more time to do the things you enjoy and have the freedom to work from where you want?
Do you have a plan of how you're going to get there? Remember, a goal without a plan is just a dream. Applying aimlessly, getting no responses and hoping for results is highly unlikely to work. Take a look at your resume/ CV- how could it be improved? Are you writing a cover letter? Would it be something that would make you read on if you were the hiring manager? Review, analyse, re-write and retry.
How to Write a Remote Resume That Stands Out
Writing a resume for a remote job isn’t like crafting a typical 9-to-5 office application. You’ve got to show that you can handle working from anywhere—and that’s more than just a bullet point about “good time management.” Let’s start with structure. Right off the bat, include a summary that highlights your experience with remote work or independent projects.
Employers need to know you’re someone who can get things done without a boss breathing down your neck, so use that summary to shout about your self-discipline and communication skills. Mention that you’re “remote-ready” right from the start—it grabs attention and gets them in the mindset of “this person gets remote work.”
Next, load up your “Skills” section with remote-friendly assets. Tools like Slack, Trello, Asana, or Zoom? Throw them in there! Employers love seeing that you’re already familiar with remote work essentials because, trust me, they don’t want to train you on managing a Zoom call. Highlight skills that show your ability to thrive remotely—think digital communication, time management, self-motivation, and adaptability. And hey, if you’ve got experience handling different time zones, mention it! Nothing says “remote pro” like being able to coordinate a meeting across five continents without breaking a sweat.
Finally, when listing your past jobs, don’t just say what you did—show how you did it remotely. If you ran a successful project with a fully distributed team, brag about it! Instead of “increased sales by 20%,” say “increased sales by 20% while working across three time zones with a remote team.” Tailor each role to emphasize your remote work experience or skills related to working independently. Employers want to know you can handle the challenges of remote work, so make sure they see exactly why you’re the person for the job.
How to Write a Good Cover Letter for a Remote Job
Okay, now it’s time for the cover letter. This isn’t just any cover letter—it’s your chance to show why you’re the remote worker of your dreams. Start with a personal touch—skip the “To whom it may concern” and try to find the hiring manager’s name. A little sleuthing on LinkedIn goes a long way. And your opening paragraph? Make it pop! Talk about why their company’s remote culture excites you or mention something specific from their blog that stood out. They need to know you’re not just applying for any remote job; you want this one.
In the body of the letter, tell a story. Talk about a time when you excelled working remotely. Maybe you coordinated a big project from your kitchen table or managed a team across different time zones without a hitch. Keep it real—hiring managers want to hear about the times you overcame challenges, stayed productive despite distractions, or managed to keep team morale up over Slack. It’s these anecdotes that prove you know what remote life is really about—the good, the bad, and the Wi-Fi glitches in between.
Finally, wrap it up with some enthusiasm. Companies want someone who’s not only capable but also excited about remote work. Mention how you’ve already got the perfect setup, or talk about how you thrive in environments where you can balance deep focus with flexible work hours. And don’t forget the call to action—invite them to connect with you for an interview, let them know you’d love to discuss how you can contribute to their team. Be confident, be enthusiastic, and show them you’re ready to rock remote work!