Remote work has become increasingly popular since the Covid-19 pandemic’s onset. In fact, when given the opportunity to work from home, 87% of U.S. workers take it.
You may be wondering how to find a remote job yourself. With more employers offering flexible work options—and a long list of benefits to remote working—many workers are taking the plunge. Here’s how to find remote jobs.
Optimize Your Resume for Remote Jobs
Whether you’re applying for an in-person job or a remote one, you’ll need to tailor your resume to match the job description. For remote jobs, this process takes a little extra fine-tuning.
Specify That You’re Looking for Remote Work
Be clear about your intentions on your resume. If your resume includes a summary or objective statement, use that section to state that you’re looking for remote work. Be specific: Mention if you’re open to hybrid or fully remote work environments, or both.
You might also consider writing “location independent” on your resume instead of offering up a physical address. That said, some remote jobs are location-specific (especially if they follow a hybrid work model). If that’s the case, include your proximity to that location.
Emphasize Remote-Relevant Skills
Remote employers seek employees who can thrive in a remote workplace. Showcase exactly how you’re the right fit by emphasizing remote-relevant skills, like time management and flexibility.
Moreover, remote organizations require solid communication capabilities and the ability to learn new technologies quickly. You’ll want to mention your knowledge of digital collaboration tools like Zoom, Google Drive and Microsoft Teams.
Highlight Any Previous Remote Work
Be sure to include any previous remote work experience. Underscore your wins and how you contributed to the remote work culture. Were you an excellent communicator? Did you improve remote workflows and processes?
If you haven’t had a remote job in the past, think about the times you’ve demonstrated remote-relevant skills in other positions. For example, perhaps you’ve worked flexibly with colleagues across time zones. Or maybe you’re a master self-starter with very little need for direct supervision. These experiences and characteristics are worth mentioning.