Written by

Sina Brust
#virtualspacehero
Are you ready to land that dream remote job? Of course, you are! But first: that damn resume and cover letter…
At the Remote Works event, Jerry Lee shared his expert insights on crafting impactful remote job resumes. Yes, that’s right! We’re diving deep into the art of resume writing tailored for remote positions.
Why are impactful remote job resumes so important? Simple! They are your ticket to standing out in a sea of applicants. Remote jobs are hot right now. Companies receive thousands of applications. Your resume needs to shine like a beacon. It should scream, “Pick me! I’m the perfect candidate for this remote job!”
So, how do we achieve that? How do we craft impactful remote job resumes that make hiring managers sit up and take notice? Let’s break it down step by step.
Know Your Audience: The Hiring Managers 👤
First things first, know your audience. Your resume isn’t for an ATS (Applicant Tracking System). It’s for a human being. Hiring managers want to see your qualifications quickly. They don’t have time to go through unnecessary information. So, let’s keep it clean, concise, and compelling.
The Basics: Contact Information 🪪
Start with the basics. Your name, email address, phone number, and LinkedIn profile should be at the top. Make sure your email is professional. No “partygal89” or “beerguy77” handles, please!
Craft a Killer Summary 🏆
Your summary is your elevator pitch. It’s the first thing hiring managers read. Make it count! Here’s a template:
“I’m a seasoned [Your Profession] with [X] years of experience in [Your Industry]. Skilled in [Key Skills]. Proven track record of [Notable Achievements]. Seeking a remote role where I can [What You Bring to the Table].”
💡 Keep it short and sweet. Highlight your most impressive accomplishments.
If you’ve worked remotely before, shout it from the rooftops! Companies love candidates with remote experience. Make sure to:
- Mention remote roles prominently: Include the word “remote” in your job titles.
- Describe remote-specific skills: Time management, communication, and self-motivation.
- Showcase tools and technologies: Zoom, Slack, Trello, Asana. List them all!
Showcase Your Skills 🌟
Skills are crucial in crafting impactful remote job resumes. Focus on skills that matter for remote work:
- Technical Skills: Software, programming languages, tools.
- Soft Skills: Communication, problem-solving, adaptability.
- Remote Skills: Time management, self-discipline, digital literacy.
💡 Use bullet points to list these skills clearly.
Numbers speak louder than words. Whenever possible, quantify your achievements. Instead of saying, “Managed a team,” say, “Managed a team of 10, increasing productivity by 20%.” Numbers make your accomplishments tangible and impressive.
💡 Keep it Relevant. Tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for. Yes, it takes time, but it’s worth it. Look at the job description and match your skills and experiences to what’s listed. Use the same keywords. This isn’t cheating; it’s smart marketing!
The Experience Section 💼
Your work experience section is the meat of your resume. Here’s how to make it sizzle:
- Job Title and Company: Include “Remote” if it was a remote role.
- Dates of Employment: Use months and years.
- Job Description: Focus on achievements, not just duties. Use action verbs like “led,” “created,” “implemented,” and “improved.”
Here’s an example:
Senior Project Manager | ABC Corp | Remote | Jan 2018 – Dec 2020
- Led a team of 15 in executing project plans, improving completion rates by 30%.
- Implemented new project management software, reducing project delays by 25%.
- Coordinated remote meetings, ensuring clear communication and timely updates.
Education and Certifications 🎓
Your education section should be straightforward. List your degrees, the institutions, and graduation dates. If you have certifications relevant to remote work, include those too. Things like “Certified Scrum Master” or “Google Analytics Certified” can make a big difference.
Essential Keywords, Proofreading, and Clean Formatting ✏️
SEO isn’t just for websites. Your resume needs to be SEO-friendly too. Use keywords from the job description. These could be specific skills, job titles, or tools. But don’t overdo it. Your resume should still read naturally.
Typos are your enemy. They make you look unprofessional. Proofread your resume multiple times. Better yet, ask a friend to review it. Tools like Grammarly can help, but a human eye catches things software might miss.
Your resume should be easy on the eyes. Use a clean, professional font like Arial or Calibri. Keep font sizes between 10 and 12 points. Use bold for headings and bullet points for lists. White space is your friend. It makes your resume easier to read.
➕ Additional Tips
Sometimes, a little extra can make a big difference. Consider adding a link to your professional portfolio or personal website. If you have relevant projects, include them. Showcasing your work can give you an edge.
Keep It Updated. Your resume is a living document. Update it regularly with new skills, experiences, and achievements. This way, you’re always ready to apply for that next big opportunity.
A Word on Cover Letters. While this guide focuses on impactful remote job resumes, don’t forget about cover letters. They should be customized for each job. Highlight why you’re a great fit for the remote role and how your experience aligns with the job description.
Networking: The Secret Sauce. Crafting impactful remote job resumes is just one part of the equation. Networking is equally important. Connect with people in your industry on LinkedIn. Join remote work groups and forums. Sometimes, it’s who you know that gets you the job.
Quick Recap 💡
Let’s summarize the key points for crafting impactful remote job resumes:
- Know Your Audience: Write for hiring managers.
- Contact Info: Keep it professional.
- Killer Summary: Your elevator pitch.
- Highlight Remote Experience: Make it stand out.
- Showcase Skills: Focus on remote work skills.
- Quantify Achievements: Use numbers.
- Tailor Your Resume: Match the job description.
- Proofread: Avoid typos.
- Formatting: Clean and professional.
- Keep It Updated: Regularly refresh your resume.
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals.
Crafting impactful remote job resumes takes effort, but it’s worth it. Your resume is your personal marketing tool. Make it reflect your best self. Show hiring managers why you’re the perfect fit for their remote role. And remember, persistence is key. Keep applying, keep networking, and keep improving your resume.
Now, go out there and land that dream remote job! You’ve got this! 🌟