When you apply for a remote job, the application process has some specific nuances compared to a traditional office-based role. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or someone new to remote work, understanding what to highlight in your resume and cover letter can make the difference in landing the job.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to write the perfect application for a remote job by breaking it down into easy-to-follow steps. We cover your resume and cover letter and look at some tips on communication skills and the tools you need to succeed in the remote work environment.
Table of Contents
1. Resume for a Remote Job Application
I won’t go into detail on how to write a perfect resume in general. That would be too much for this blog post. Instead, I’ll focus on the parts that are particularly important for remote jobs. The right resume can make a significant difference in your remote job search, and while remote work does not necessarily require a completely different resume format, it’s critical that you tailor yours to stand out for remote employers.
Remote Work Experience: Show What You’ve Done, Even If It’s Small
Let’s assume you don’t have any substantial remote work experience yet. But maybe you’ve done tasks or part-time jobs in the past that were remote, even in a limited capacity. Perhaps you were on business trips but still had to do some of your regular in-office tasks while traveling. Or maybe you’ve prepared meetings or presentations from home.
Even if your remote work experience is limited, find ways to highlight any relevant experience that proves you understand the unique dynamics of remote work. If you don’t have enough experience to create a separate “Remote Work Experience” section in your resume, integrate it into your regular work experience.
For example:
- Customer Support Manager, Temporary (worked from a dedicated home office)
- Social Media Assistant, Freelance (worked online from various locations across the United States)
If you’ve never worked remotely at all, consider taking on a remote part-time job or freelancing gig in your spare time. You don’t have to love the job — this is more about gaining experience and building a remote portfolio.
Tip: Check out the online platform FlexJobs to find legit part-time or full-time remote jobs with reputable companies, such as Apple, Dell, or The American Red Cross.
Remote Work Skills: Show How You Excel in a Remote Environment
When applying for remote jobs, employers typically look for specific qualities and skills. These are the skills that will make or break your remote job application:
- Good time management skills
- High level of discipline
- Excellent communicators
- Tech-savvy
- Very organized
- Problem-solvers
Make sure your resume highlights how you’ve applied these skills in previous jobs, even if they weren’t remote. Be sure to give these examples a “remote twist” to show that you can adapt to working outside a traditional office. Here are some ways to showcase your skills:
- Time Management: You could mention your ability to manage multiple tasks at once while working independently, and your experience with self-imposed deadlines, whether for a project at work or personal goals.
- Communication Skills: If you are a great communicator, emphasize that you’re comfortable using chat platforms (e.g., Slack), instant messaging, or video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom) to stay in touch with colleagues and clients.
- Collaboration: If you’ve worked in a team, discuss your experience using collaboration tools like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to share files and work together remotely. If you’ve conducted daily check-ins or facilitated regular meetings, mention this as part of your experience with remote collaboration.
- Tech-Savviness: Many remote teams rely on project management tools like Asana, Trello, or Basecamp. If you’re familiar with these platforms, mention them on your resume. If you haven’t used these tools before, consider taking the time to familiarize yourself with one of them. You can start by using it for personal or small-scale projects to build your confidence.
As with any resume, don’t forget to update your business media profiles, such as LinkedIn, to match your resume. Ensure that your online presence reflects your ability to work remotely.
2. Cover Letter for a Remote Work
Your cover letter is your chance to go beyond your resume and speak directly to the hiring manager. This is where you can really shine and explain why you’re the best fit for the job. Don’t just focus on why the company should hire you; talk about what you can bring to the table in a remote context.
Focus on How Your Skills Benefit the Company
In your cover letter, don’t make it all about you. Emphasize how your remote work skills can directly benefit the company. Share how your previous remote experience or skills have made a positive impact on the organizations you’ve worked for. Highlight your problem-solving skills, your discipline, and your ability to manage projects with little to no oversight.
For example, you could write:
“I have successfully managed remote teams for the past three years and led projects in a fully virtual environment. By using project management software like Trello and conducting weekly video check-ins, I’ve ensured the timely completion of tasks, even across different time zones. I’m excited to bring my experience in remote collaboration and productivity to your company.”
Highlight Your Remote Work Qualities
In addition to talking about your experience, it’s important to explain why remote work suits you specifically. For some people, remote work is a natural fit — they thrive when working independently and enjoy the flexibility it offers. In your cover letter, mention the qualities that make you suited for remote work.
For example:
“I find that I’m most productive in a remote environment where I can focus without the distractions of a traditional office setting. I’m highly self-motivated and disciplined, and I’ve developed strong organizational strategies that help me manage my time effectively and meet deadlines without direct supervision.”
Discuss Your Availability and Time Zone
If your remote work location is in a different time zone than your potential employer, it’s important to mention your availability. Be upfront about the hours you can work and how you plan to collaborate across time zones.
For example:
“I am currently based in [City, Country], and I am available to work between [your working hours] to overlap with your team’s core hours. I am flexible and can adjust my schedule to ensure effective communication and collaboration.”
Master Remote Communication Tools
Remote employers expect candidates to be comfortable with a variety of communication apps and tools. Employers want to know that you can collaborate and communicate effectively with your team, even when you’re not physically present. Be sure to mention your experience with some of the popular tools used in remote work environments.
Some common tools include:
- Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype
- Project Management: Asana, Trello, Basecamp, Monday.com
- File Sharing and Collaboration: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive
If you’re not familiar with any of these, don’t worry! It’s easy to learn the basics, and many of these tools offer free versions. Get comfortable using one or two of them before applying for jobs so you can confidently mention your proficiency.
For example:
“I’m proficient in using tools like Slack for team communication, Trello for project management, and Zoom for virtual meetings. I believe using these tools effectively fosters collaboration, even when working remotely, and ensures smooth project execution.”
Be Transparent About Your Home Office Setup
When applying for remote roles, it can help to show that you have a dedicated workspace. This is particularly important if you’ve never worked remotely before, as it reassures employers that you’re ready for the demands of working from home.
In your resume or cover letter, briefly mention that you have a reliable home office setup, including a good internet connection, a quiet workspace, and any necessary tools or technology you’ll need to perform your duties. For example:
“I have a dedicated home office equipped with a reliable high-speed internet connection, a comfortable workspace, and all the necessary tools to ensure I can work productively and efficiently.”
Tip: Make sure you have a reliable VPN service (NordVPN is my personal favorite that I’ve been using for years now) to protect sensitive data when working online.
Follow Up After Submitting Your Remote Job Application
Once you’ve sent your resume and cover letter for your remote job application, don’t forget to follow up. After a week or two, send a polite follow-up email to express your continued interest in the position. A follow-up email can keep you on the hiring manager’s radar and show your proactive approach.
For example:
“Dear [Hiring Manager’s Name],
I wanted to follow up on my recent application for the [Job Title] position. I remain very excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name], and I would appreciate any updates you may have on the hiring process. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”
Conclusion
In today’s remote work world, standing out with a well-crafted application is essential. When applying for a remote job, tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience, skills, and qualities that align with remote work. Showcase how your communication, time management, and problem-solving abilities will help you excel in a remote environment.
Remember to demonstrate that you are tech-savvy and comfortable using remote tools. If you don’t have remote experience yet, don’t worry — focus on transferable skills and consider gaining some freelance or part-time remote experience to enhance your resume.
A great remote job application speaks not just to your qualifications but to your readiness for the remote work environment. With the right approach, you’ll be well on your way to landing the remote job of your dreams.
And if you manage to get invited to an interview, make sure to check out these tips on how to excel in a remote job interview.