Remote work is here to stay. 58% of workers now have the option to work from home at least part-time. But competition for remote roles is fierce—each remote job posting receives 2-3x more applications than in-office positions. Here's how to stand out and land your ideal remote job.
"Remote job postings receive 190% more applications than equivalent in-office roles. To stand out, you need to demonstrate not just your skills, but your ability to thrive in a distributed work environment."
— FlexJobs Remote Work Report, 2025
Where to Find Remote Jobs
Remote-First Job Boards
FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and Working Nomads specialize in verified remote positions. These often have less competition than LinkedIn.
LinkedIn Remote Filter
Use LinkedIn's "Remote" location filter and set up job alerts. Many remote roles are posted here first.
Company Career Pages
Many remote-first companies like GitLab, Zapier, and Automattic post exclusively on their own sites. Build a list of target companies and check regularly.
Industry-Specific Boards
Tech: AngelList, Stack Overflow Jobs. Marketing: MarketingHire. Writing: Contently, ProBlogger. These attract serious employers.
Skills Employers Want for Remote Roles
Written Communication
Remote work relies heavily on async communication. Demonstrate your writing skills in your application—clear, concise, and professional.
Self-Management
Show evidence of working independently, meeting deadlines without supervision, and managing your own schedule effectively.
Tech Proficiency
Familiarity with remote collaboration tools: Slack, Zoom, Asana, Notion, Google Workspace. List these on your resume.
Previous Remote Experience
Even informal remote work counts. Freelance projects, remote internships, or hybrid arrangements all demonstrate your ability to work remotely.
Time Zone Flexibility
Many companies require overlap with specific time zones. Be clear about your availability and willingness to flex your schedule.
Optimizing Your Resume for Remote Jobs
Your resume should explicitly demonstrate remote readiness:
- Add "Remote" to past roles: If you've worked remotely before, make it clear: "Marketing Manager (Remote)"
- Create a "Remote Work Tools" section: List collaboration and productivity tools you're proficient in
- Highlight async achievements: "Managed cross-functional team across 4 time zones"
- Quantify independent work: "Delivered 15 client projects independently with 100% on-time completion"
- Include your home office setup: In your cover letter, mention your dedicated workspace and reliable internet
Acing Remote Job Interviews
Test Your Tech
Check your camera, microphone, lighting, and internet connection before the interview. Technical difficulties signal you're not ready for remote work.
Choose Your Background
A clean, professional background shows you have an appropriate workspace. Avoid virtual backgrounds—they can be distracting.
Prepare Remote-Specific Answers
Be ready to discuss how you stay productive, communicate with distributed teams, and handle isolation or work-life balance challenges.
Red Flags to Avoid
- Jobs requiring upfront payment — Legitimate employers never charge to apply
- Vague job descriptions — Real remote jobs have clear responsibilities
- "Unlimited earning potential" — Usually MLM or commission-only schemes
- No company website or LinkedIn presence — Research every employer before applying
- Requests for personal information early — SSN, bank details should only come after a formal offer
Remote Work Statistics
- 58% of workers can now work from home at least part-time
- Remote jobs receive 190% more applications
- 77% of remote workers report higher productivity
- Average salary premium for remote roles: $4,000/year