Remote Job Applications: Stand Out in 3 Ways

Last Updated on December 24, 2024

Remote work has become a cornerstone of today’s employment landscape. Recent statistics indicate that approximately 14% of the U.S. workforce, around 22 million adults, now work entirely from home, and this figure is projected to increase to 32.6 million by 2025.

This shift has brought significant flexibility for job seekers but has also increased the competition for remote positions. Standing out in a global talent pool requires a strategic approach and a solid understanding of the evolving dynamics of remote work.

To stand out from the competition, there are various strategies you can implement when applying for a remote job.

What This Article Covers

• The growing prevalence of remote work and its future projections
• How to research companies and roles to tailor your application
• The importance of highlighting previous remote work experience
• Strategies to optimize your LinkedIn profile for remote job applications
• How to showcase technical skills relevant to remote roles
• Tips for preparing and excelling in remote job interviews
• The power of networking to uncover remote job opportunities
• The benefits of additional training to enhance your qualifications

Research the Company and Role

Before applying for a remote position, thoroughly research the company and the specific role you are interested in. Visit the company’s website, explore its mission and values, and review recent news or updates. Understanding the company’s goals and culture helps you tailor your application and show genuine interest. Dive deeper into the job description, identifying key skills and qualifications they are seeking. Highlighting how your experience aligns with these requirements in your application increases your chances of making a strong impression on hiring managers.

Highlight Remote Work Experience

Employers value candidates who have proven experience working remotely. If you have previous remote work experience, be sure to showcase it prominently in your application. Mention specific tools you’ve used, such as project management software (e.g., Trello or Asana) or communication platforms (e.g., Slack or Zoom). If you haven’t worked remotely before, highlight transferable skills like time management, self-motivation, and adaptability. Demonstrating your ability to thrive in a remote setting helps employers see you as a capable candidate who is ready to excel.

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Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place recruiters look when evaluating remote job applicants. Optimize your profile by ensuring it is complete and up to date. Use a professional photo, craft a compelling headline, and write a summary that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Incorporate keywords relevant to remote work, such as “remote collaboration,” “distributed teams,” or “virtual project management.” Additionally, ask for recommendations from previous colleagues or managers to boost your credibility. A polished LinkedIn profile can help you stand out in the competitive remote job market.

Demonstrate Your Technical Skills

Remote jobs often require proficiency with various digital tools and technologies. Showcase your technical skills in your application by listing tools and platforms you are proficient with, such as Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace, or video conferencing software. If the job posting mentions specific software, make sure to highlight your experience with it. You can also provide examples of how you’ve successfully used technology to collaborate with teams or manage projects. Demonstrating strong technical skills reassures employers that you are ready to work effectively in a virtual environment.

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Prepare for Remote Job Interviews

Remote job interviews often take place via video calls, making it essential to prepare accordingly. Test your equipment and internet connection before the interview to avoid technical issues. Choose a quiet, well-lit space with a professional background, and dress appropriately for the role. Practice answering common interview questions and prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to succeed in remote settings. Strong communication skills are crucial, so ensure you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently. A polished video interview can leave a lasting positive impression.

Leverage Your Network

Networking is a powerful tool for landing remote jobs. Reach out to your professional connections to inquire about remote opportunities or seek referrals. Use platforms like LinkedIn to connect with individuals working in companies or industries you are interested in. Participate in online forums, webinars, or virtual industry events to expand your network and showcase your expertise. Building strong relationships with professionals in your field can lead to valuable recommendations and increase your visibility to potential employers. Networking effectively positions you as a serious candidate for remote roles.

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Take Additional Courses

While you may already have a relevant degree, it’s important to consider taking additional courses that are hyper-relevant to the type of role(s) you apply to. For example, if you notice that many of the programming positions you’re applying to require knowledge of Amazon Web Services, you might take an AWS technical essentials course. Similarly, if you’re applying to marketing jobs and notice that HubSpot is a frequently requested skill, go out of your way to get your HubSpot certification.

Throughout your job hunt, you’ll notice that there are specific programs and skills that employers tend to ask for in your role. Give yourself the time to partake in continuing education. This doesn’t just add a skill or certification to your resume; it also makes you more confident throughout the job-hunting process and can even make the onboarding process easier.

Furthermore, the employer might find it beneficial that you’ve been recently trained or that you’ve gone out of your way to learn a program that they use in their organization. And lastly, taking an additional course to supplement your resume helps you with any position you apply to, making it a scalable and financially worthy investment.

Redesign Your Resume

First impressions are lasting impressions. Hiring managers will take a first-glance skim of your resume and make initial judgments about its quality, and therefore initial judgments about you. Improperly formatted or wordy resumes not only prevent you from standing out, but can be difficult to interpret at a glance.

Take a step back and approach your resume with design in mind. Is your resume easy to read and friendly to look at? There are plenty of free resume templates available online, some catering to specific industries. If you want to go the extra mile, you can pay a few dollars and download resume templates on sites like Etsy. These are well-crafted and well-designed; they’ll give your resume that extra boost of “read me” attention. All you’ll have to do is plug in your information and experience.

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Consider working with a resume writer or designer to help you perfect the content and design of your resume. You can find affordable freelancers on platforms like Upwork. These freelancers have profiles with examples and reviews, and you can talk to multiple professional resume writers before you hone in on one that’s best for you.

Craft a Custom Cover Letter

Your cover letter is much more important than you might think. A survey from OfficeTeam showed that 86% of executives who were questioned agreed that cover letters were highly valuable when evaluating candidates. When you have the option to provide a cover letter or upload your resume, always take the time to provide a cover letter. It will show the company that you are willing to put in the extra effort.

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With that in mind, don’t use the same cover letter for each company. A template is fine, but it’s crucial that you customize each cover letter based on the position you’re applying for. Mention why the company intrigues you and how previous roles apply to the specific position you’re applying for.

Lastly, take a look at sample cover letters for your position type to give you an idea of what a great cover letter looks like. Use these examples as a foundation for a custom cover letter of your own. Always be as concise as possible without ignoring important details; cover letters require a delicate balance of saying enough to convey your primary points with saying too little.

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