How to write the Perfect Remote Resume: Your Key to Landing the Ideal Work-at-Home Job
If you want to land your ideal work-at-home job, you must first land an interview. Writing a remote resume that stands out from the crowd is the way to do that. Resume writing can be intimidating, especially if you have been out of the job market for a while and hiring managers for remote positions are looking for a slightly different skillset than in-person jobs. This guide to writing a remote resume will simplify the process and help get you one step closer to working from home.
One of the biggest mistakes most job hunters make when trying to get a work-at-home job is using the same old resume they’ve used to apply for in-person jobs. Remote resumes need to showcase your skills in a way that makes you stand out from other candidates but also demonstrates that you can work independently and use the tools that are essential to a remote workplace.
Which resume format should you use for a remote job?
When it comes to writing any resume, there are three main options: a chronological resume, a skills-based resume (known as a functional resume), or a combination of the two of them.
If you have been out of the workforce for a long time, you will want to use a skill-based resume to emphasize your skills rather than your work history.
Chronological resumes are most commonly used, starting with your most recent job experience and going back several years.
Many job searchers like using a chronological resume with a skills section, so they get the benefits of both types of resumes. This can be pretty effective since most companies use an applicant tracking system (ATS) to sort through resumes. This means they are often searching for specific terms in resumes for each job listing, and including a skills section on your remote resume allows you a better chance of including the terms they are looking for and making it to the interview stage.
Should you include a photo on your resume?
There are mixed opinions on whether or not you should include a photo of yourself on your resume. Photos do make your resume stand out. However, they are generally not recommended anymore.
Many hiring managers are very conscious about avoiding discrimination and unconscious bias. Having a photo on a resume makes that harder to do so some employers will automatically filter out resumes that include a photo to prevent any liability.
Instead of using a photo to stand out, let your experience and skills speak for themselves.
Keep your remote resume simple.
Simple is usually best. Don’t let anything distract from your experience. Style choices can be subjective so you are better off keeping things clean and simple.
This applies to your text too. Many people make the mistake of using complicated word choices on their resume. Sometimes explaining complicated topics in simple terms is better. Making things too wordy can appear like you are trying too hard or covering up a lack of knowledge in some areas.
To help simplify your resume writing, download our minimalistic remote job resume template (with cover letter).
Target your resume to the remote job you want.
Hiring managers usually have certain keywords they are looking for. They have a lot of resumes to go through, so you need to stand out immediately. This doesn’t mean you have to rewrite your entire resume for every job application you submit, but it can be a good idea to work on some of the skills that the job posting is specifically looking for.
Include skills specific to remote work.
Hiring managers want to see that you have the skills needed to work remotely. Include any software you are familiar with that would help you do that, such as project management tools (Asana, Trello), communication tools (Slack, Google Workspace), etc.
If you are a self-starter and able to work without a lot of direction or have experience working on a remote team, include that as well.
