What I Learned From Reviewing 970 Remote Job Applications
The last time we posted a Social Media & Community Manager role, we got 970 applications in 10 days. Here’s some tips based on what we saw…
TIP 1: Read the job ad/questions carefully before submitting your application 👀!
One of the requirements was “great attention to detail” and we mentioned that the secret code is 28 and they should answer this in the form. 46% did not do this!
TIP 2: If you’re going to use Chat GPT, make sure you add in some personalisation.
I rejected anyone who had used Chat GPT without personalising it ❌.
One example: “ I look forward to bringing my technical skills and creative strengths to advancing a company’s digital presence in my next opportunity.”
NOPE. Too generic. Be more specific.
TIP 3: Read the question and answer only that question, don’t just write what you want to talk about 🤦!
We didn’t ask for a CV, instead, we just asked a few questions.
One of them: “Summarise your experience according to the 'Attributes/ Skills Required’”.
So many just listed the required skills back to me…
Others just wrote a generic message that didn’t give what was asked for.
TIP 4: Ensure that your LinkedIn aligns with the role you’re applying to ✅!
I saw so many with “Electrical Engineer” “Data Analyst” or other non-relevant job titles. Yes, I understand that you may be switching careers, but make it clear to the person reading your profile why you may be applying to a different role to your experience.
TIP 5: It’s OK to be a bit cheeky, depending on the audience!
This doesn’t apply to all roles/ companies, but given that my business is called Remote Rebellion and I don’t mind calling people out on their BS, being a bit cheeky can make you stand out.
One application said :
“Sign me up for that newsletter, if for nothing, I can at least roast your CTAs.”
HA HA! Nice job- it got my attention!
Out of the 970 applicants, I ended up hiring the funny and quirky, Gabby Yan, she has done a fantastic job over the past 9 months:
Increased my LinkedIn following from 30,000 to 70,000
Increased my LinkedIn newsletter subscribers by 132%
Successfully launched the Remote Rebellion Community, now with 260+ paying members
Rebranded Remote Rebellion
Spearheaded the revamping of the Remote Rebellion Website
All while working remotely! And people dare say remote work is not productive!! 🙄
Gabby and I working together in person from Bali
Sadly, all good things must come to an end. Gabby will be moving on next year to focus on her sustainable tourism business, for which she recently secured VC funding as a solo female founder! 👏
As you may have seen, we recently advertised this role again, so if we had the pleasure of receiving your application - thank you. We appreciate your interest and the time taken to apply. So many great applicants and we’ll be making a decision later this month!
And if you’re stuck in an office job and want to work remotely, let us help you too.
I WANT A REMOTE JOB!
… a little bit more about remote job applications and how to approach the process.
What Makes a Remote Job Application Different?
Remote job applications aren’t just traditional applications with “remote” in the subject line. They require a different mindset—and a different strategy.
Hiring managers for remote roles are looking for more than qualifications. They want to know if you can work independently, communicate clearly, and thrive without constant oversight. It’s less about where you went to school and more about how you manage your time and collaborate across time zones.
If your resume doesn’t reflect remote-readiness, you’ll get filtered out—even if you’re otherwise a great fit.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Remote Job
Remote job searching can feel like a black box. Here’s a proven process to follow:
Find reliable job boards. Use platforms like We Work Remotely, FlexJobs, Remote OK, Remote.co, and Wellfound for vetted listings.
Check time zone requirements. Many companies want overlap with their working hours, even if the job is remote.
Do a quick culture check. Browse the company’s careers page, Glassdoor reviews, or LinkedIn posts. Look for clues on how remote-friendly they really are.
Customize your application. Mention remote tools you’ve used (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Trello). Talk about how you manage projects independently.
Write a clear, concise cover letter. Keep it short. Get to the point. Highlight remote experience and show you’ve researched the company.
Polish your LinkedIn profile. Use a professional headline. Add “Open to Remote Work” in your settings. Include a short summary that highlights self-direction and async work.
Follow up professionally. If you haven’t heard back in 7–10 business days, send a polite, enthusiastic follow-up email.
Remote Resume Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants get rejected before a human ever sees their resume. Why? Their application doesn’t speak “remote.”
Avoid these mistakes:
Listing no remote or hybrid experience—even if you have it
Using bland, generic bullets (e.g., “Managed projects”) without outcomes
Forgetting to mention tools like Zoom, Notion, Asana, GitHub, etc.
Leaving off your time zone or current location
Using vague job titles like “Consultant” without explanation
Remote companies want clarity. If your resume raises questions, you’re not getting a callback.
Tools That Can Help You Apply Smarter
Want to apply like a pro? These tools streamline the process and improve your chances:
TealHQ – Free platform to manage job applications, organize resumes, and keep track of follow-ups
JobScan – Checks your resume against job descriptions to improve keyword matching
Grammarly – Helps keep your writing clear and typo-free
Loom – Record a 30-second intro video to add a personal touch (when appropriate)
Bonus: If the application allows it, a brief video message can help you stand out—especially for roles in support, client-facing, or communications.
Where to Find the Best Remote Jobs in 2025
Skip the scammy listings and outdated boards. These platforms consistently offer high-quality remote jobs:
FlexJobs – Curated, high-trust listings (paid access)
We Work Remotely – One of the longest-running remote boards
Remote OK – Tech-heavy listings with great filters
Remote.co – Full of non-tech roles too
Wellfound (AngelList) – Great for early-stage startup jobs
Working Nomads – Updated regularly, across industries
Remotive – Remote job board + community with weekly job digest
LinkedIn – Search with the “remote” filter for company-posted roles
Use alerts and saved searches to avoid missing new listings.
How to Stand Out in a Sea of Remote Applicants
Remote jobs get hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applicants. So how do you stand out?
Include a personal website, blog, or Notion resume
Address your application to a real person if possible
Reference the company’s mission, tech stack, or recent product launch
Mention time zone compatibility clearly
Focus on outcomes. Instead of “Managed a team,” try “Led a team that launched a new platform in 4 months.”
And don’t forget to show personality. A little voice goes a long way in remote-first teams.
This week’s article is sponsored by Teacher’s Friend. Fulfill your dream of a remote life! Travel the world while making a difference! Teaching English abroad or online opens doors to remote work opportunities. Discover how to get started with Teacher’s Friend.
FAQ
-
The best site for remote jobs is FlexJobs, known for its vetted listings and scam-free job postings. Other top platforms include We Work Remotely, Remote OK, and Wellfound for startup roles.
-
The best apps for finding remote jobs include FlexJobs, LinkedIn, and Remotive. FlexJobs offers a premium experience with verified roles, while LinkedIn and Remotive provide robust mobile tools for applying, saving jobs, and tracking applications on the go.
-
You can earn $25/hour online through freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, offering services like writing, graphic design, bookkeeping, or customer support. Remote customer service, transcription, and virtual assistant roles also frequently pay $20–30/hour.
-
To make $70,000 a year from home, consider roles like remote software developer, digital marketer, UX designer, or financial analyst. Companies like GitLab, Zapier, and Deel hire for these positions, many starting at or above $70k annually.