How to Stand Out as a Remote Job Candidate

Remote work grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, and some experts are finding that the trend may be here to stay. In fact, according to Upwork’s Future Workforce Survey, 40.7 million American jobs are expected to be remote by 2026. Those who already work outside of the office cite benefits such as fewer distractions, a more comfortable workplace, and a better work/life balance.

As many now see remote work as the best jobs to suit their life goals, the market becomes more competitive. You’ll want to set your qualifications apart from others in an effort to avoid getting lost in the shuffle. Check out some of the ways you may be able to stand out from the crowd.

When you update your resume, remember to include specific mentions of your remote work experience. You could include it next to your job title for the geographic location of your position or as one of the bullet points in your description of your duties. Whatever style you choose, you’ll want to make sure it’s prominent enough for a recruiter to easily see on your resume.

There are some skills that are particularly important when working remotely, so try to include them on your resume. Under job description, you may want to add something about managing a team remotely. The skills section of your resume might include some popular tools for remote work that you used to connect with your co-workers — such as Zoom, Google Docs, Slack, or Microsoft Teams.

You’ll also want to add any remote specific skills you’ve picked up along the way since these jobs rely more heavily on communication through email and various online platforms.

Including clear examples of your previous or current remote work is important — share these within your resume or cover letter. Create your own website for your accomplishments or if you have one already, be sure it reflects current details.

Analytics and other data showing growth within any company you’ve worked for is a good strategy for standing out. Think about including any relevant certifications you've earned during your time working remotely.

Future employers want to see that you’ll respond quickly. Answer or return calls or emails as soon as you can. Organize your time and your calendar so you could make room to talk to potential employers. Remember that communication is key when you’re not in person, so show that you can still be responsive and communicate effectively from a remote location.

Update your resume and your LinkedIn profile. Some employers or job recruiters are looking for potential workers by searching this network, so you may want to include keywords about remote work in your job descriptions, skills, and other areas of your profile.

You also might ask co-workers or former employers to give you a recommendation that includes some of the positive things you accomplished while working from home.

Online video conferencing has become a staple for nearly everyone. If you’re contacted to interview for a remote position, be prepared to put your best self forward on camera. Remember that while you may be doing an interview at home, you should also try to present yourself in a professional manner as if you were interviewing in person.

Give a good check to what’s behind you. A clean or crisp backdrop is another good way to look prepared and well-suited for a remote position.

Online networking is not the same as in-person networking, but you can still make connections that can pay off if a job becomes available. Think about joining local professional organizations that have virtual meet-ups. You could also join online groups tailored to the industries you’re interested in and see if any of those connections could lead to a great referral, your next remote opportunity, or a freelance gig to make extra money.

The job market is often competitive, and many are seeking remote work options right now. Whether it’s for a full-time job or a side hustle, you’ll want your resume and qualifications to stand out.

Try joining some of the best sites to find remote work. This could help you learn of new remote positions. With these tips to help highlight your skills, you may be able to land a new gig that’s just right for you.