Don’t spend more time in remote job hunting. Do better targeting!
(And we’re about to make that easier than ever.)
Let’s get one thing clear:
Applying to 100 jobs a week is NOT a strategy.
It’s a fast-track to burnout, ghosting, and questioning your entire career.
But if you’ve been stuck in the cycle of “apply, wait, refresh inbox, repeat,” you’re not alone.
Remote job hunting feels harder than ever.
Too many platforms. Too many so called "remote" jobs that…aren’t actually remote!
And the most common response is:
“I just need to apply to more jobs.”
Nope. That’s the trap.
Because when everyone’s playing the numbers game, no one stands out.
Why Remote Job Hunting Feels Chaotic
Here’s what job seekers tell us every day:
“I spend hours on job boards and still feel like I’m missing something.”
“Most of the ‘remote’ roles I find are actually hybrid.”
“I’m qualified but I’m not even getting interviews.”
“I applied to 60+ jobs last week and only heard back from one.”
Sound familiar?
This isn’t a you problem.
It’s a strategy problem.
We’ve been taught that volume = success.
But in today’s remote job market, volume just creates noise.
If you want to succeed at remote job hunting in 2025, what you really need is:
Clarity
Intention
Targeting
More Applications ≠ Better Results
Let’s break it down:
You apply to 100 jobs.
90% aren’t even really remote.
75% are generic applications.
50% ghost you.
20% send rejection emails without reading past your name.
And the one interview you do get? Not even the right fit.
Here’s the thing: remote-first companies can spot a spray-and-pray applicant from a mile away.
If your resume screams “I applied to 87 other roles today,” they’ll keep scrolling.
The truth? Remote jobs are too in demand for you to sprat and pray- you need to be more considered.
What Actually Works: Focused Targeting
You don’t need more opportunities.
You need to spend your energy on the right ones—roles aligned with:
Your lifestyle goals
Your skills and experience
Your values
Your non-negotiables
Your remote work preferences
Step 1: Define Your “Remote Sweet Spot”
Before you apply to another role, pause and reflect:
What’s my ideal working style? Async? Flexible hours? Autonomy vs. structure?
What kind of remote culture do I thrive in? Corporate, startup, global, collaborative?
Which industries do I have experience with? SaaS? Health tech? Non-profit? EdTech?
What am I great at ? Writing? Leading teams? Building systems?
What are my dealbreakers? Time zones? Benefits? Required video calls?
If you wouldn’t date someone just because they have a nice photo…
Why apply to a remote job just because it says “remote”?
Remote job hunting starts with knowing what you actually want and what you can bring to the table.
🔍 Step 2: Go Where the Right Companies Are
Here’s where most job seekers waste time:
Chasing roles on generic job boards
Falling for “remote” listings that are really hybrid
Applying to companies that don’t value remote work culture
Using platforms that prioritize reach, not relevance
Shift Your Remote Job Hunting Mindset
Instead of asking:
❌ “How many jobs can I apply to this week?”
Start asking:
✅ “Which companies align with how I want to live and work?”
✅ “What remote roles energize me and use my strengths?”
✅ “How can I make 3 high-quality applications instead of 30 forgettable ones?”
Quality beats quantity.every.single.time.
Because the goal isn’t just to “get a remote job.”
It’s to land the right one and actually enjoy showing up every day.
Conclusion: Stop Applying Blind. Start Targeting Smart.
🚫 No more wasting hours on LinkedIn jobs that aren't really remote
🚫 No more throwing your resume into the void
🚫 No more accepting interviews “just to see”
✅ Start remote job hunting with intention
✅ Apply to companies that actually fit your lifestyle
✅ Connect directly with people who are already hiring
Make this the last time you say, “I’ve applied everywhere and heard nothing back.”
Remote job hunting doesn’t have to be a numbers game.
It just has to be smarter.
See you at the fair ;-)
Stay rebellious,
Michelle
This week’s article is sponsored by espresso Displays. Power your remote setup with espresso’s sleek, lightweight displays giving you the flexibility to plug in and work from anywhere.
People also ask
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Remote job hunting is competitive because remote roles attract global applicants. Companies receive hundreds of applications from qualified candidates, making it harder to stand out—especially if your application isn’t tailored or targeted for remote-first teams.
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To improve your remote job hunting strategy, focus on targeting the right companies instead of applying everywhere. Define your ideal remote role, avoid generic applications, use curated job boards or events like the Remote Job Fair, and connect directly with remote-first employers.