Remote CV Tips
Searching for your dream remote job can feel like a rollercoaster ride. One moment you’re motivated and determined, the next you feel confused and disheartened because all of your efforts lead to nothing.
Remote Rebellion is here to help you stay on track so that you land a fully remote job.
Let’s start with some resume (CV) tips because a strong resume is vital if you want to get a remote job you enjoy!
Check the following tips to learn what you should and shouldn't include on a winning remote work resume.
1) Personal Details
Other than your name and contact details, take out any other personal details. This includes your date of birth, nationality (unless relevant), religion, address and any references. It's not needed for remote jobs and could lead to conscious or unconscious bias!
2) A winning Summary
In 30- 70 words summarise your experience and what sets you apart from other [INSERT JOB TITLE]. Be sure to include specialisms and industries. The last sentence should be what you're looking for- be as specific as you want and be sure to include 'remote'!
3) Key Skills/ Achievements
Make it easier for recruiters and hiring managers to see what your highlights are- these should be mostly hard skills (such as technical, and sales) with around 30% soft skills, such as communication. Include the top 4-8 depending on the job you're applying to and be sure to include metrics/ proof of the skill.
4) Work rights & Timezones
Rather than add your location, state which time zones you can work in. Whilst employers don't need to know where you're from (nationality), some need to know if you have the right to work in a particular country. If you have citizenship/work rights that are relevant to the companies you're applying to be sure to add them. If not, leave it out.
Want to land a fully remote job? Download the free CV Checklist to get started.
How to Use Keywords & SEO in Your Remote CV
Hiring platforms often use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan CVs before a human ever sees them. These systems look for keywords—specific tools, skills, and job titles—taken directly from the job description.
Here’s how to optimize your remote CV for ATS:
Scan job listings for the remote role you’re targeting. Note recurring phrases like “async communication,” “time zone flexibility,” or “project management software.”
Mirror the language from the job ad. If they say “remote-first culture,” include that phrase naturally in your summary or experience.
Use a Skills section that includes both soft and hard remote-related terms:
Example: “Slack • Notion • Self-Management • Virtual Collaboration”
Pro Tip: Don’t overstuff keywords. ATS systems rank relevance, not repetition.
Make Your CV ATS-Friendly
Most remote-first companies rely on ATS software to streamline hiring. A beautiful design means nothing if your CV can’t be read by the system.
Make your format machine-readable by following these best practices:
Stick to standard fonts like Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica
Avoid images, tables, text boxes, or icons—these often confuse ATS parsers
Use standard section headings like “Experience,” “Skills,” “Education”
Save your file as a PDF or Word doc (.docx) depending on what the job ad specifies
Avoid creative layouts. You can always link to a more visual portfolio in your contact info.
Show Your Remote Readiness
Companies hiring remotely want to know you’re self-sufficient and ready to hit the ground running—especially if there’s no office or IT team to onboard you.
Demonstrate your remote setup in a subtle but effective way:
Add a line under your contact info:
Timezone: CET | Remote-ready workspace with 200 Mbps WiFiMention tools you use regularly:
“Experienced with Slack, Zoom, ClickUp, Notion, and Google Workspace”Note remote-specific communication habits:
“Proficient in async updates, documentation-first communication, and video reporting”
Bonus: If you’re comfortable working across time zones, say so!
Highlight Remote Work Achievements with Metrics
Don’t just say you worked remotely—prove you excelled remotely.
Instead of vague duties, write quantified achievements:
❌ Before:
“Managed project teams and updated stakeholders.”
✅ After:
“Led a 5-person remote team across 3 time zones, delivering 15+ cross-functional updates per sprint.”
💡 Quantify everything: % increases, team sizes, time saved, budgets handled, number of clients or tickets, etc.
Soft Skills That Set You Apart Remotely
Remote work relies heavily on communication, autonomy, and trust. These aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re essential.
Highlight key soft skills like:
Self-discipline and proactive problem-solving
Clear written and verbal communication
Time management and async workflows
Adaptability to tech and process changes
Tip: These belong in both your summary and work experience bullets. Show, don’t just tell.
No Remote Experience? Here’s What to Do
Even if you’ve never held a fully remote job, chances are you’ve worked in ways that translate well.
Here’s how to frame your experience:
“Completed a fully virtual internship using Zoom and Trello.”
“Collaborated with overseas clients in a hybrid role.”
“Delivered freelance design projects with remote teams via Slack.”
Use these examples to show you’re remote-ready—even without the title.
FAQ
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To make a CV for a remote job, focus on remote skills like communication, time management, and self-direction. Include tools like Zoom or Slack, mention your time zone, and highlight remote experience. Tailor your summary to emphasize your adaptability and independence in virtual environments.
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Optimize your resume for remote jobs by using keywords from job listings, such as “remote collaboration” or “distributed teams.” Highlight tools like Trello or Notion, quantify remote achievements, and mention your availability across time zones. Use clean formatting and standard fonts for ATS compatibility.
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List a remote job by writing “Remote” in place of a location (e.g., “Company Name — Remote”). Include remote-related duties, tools used, and time zone collaboration. Use bullet points to showcase results and remote efficiency. Clarify hybrid roles by stating “Hybrid (Remote and On-site).”
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Important keywords for a remote job resume include: “remote work,” “virtual collaboration,” “asynchronous communication,” “distributed teams,” and tools like “Slack,” “Zoom,” or “Notion.” Also include soft skills like “self-motivated,” “independent,” and “time management.” These terms improve ATS visibility and recruiter relevance.