How To Write Resumes Professionally For Remote Jobs

​The landscape of job applications has evolved significantly, especially with the surge in remote job opportunities. For job seekers aiming to stand out in this competitive field, writing a polished, professional resume is essential. To get your dream role, you need a compelling resume that not only emphasizes your skills and experience but also demonstrates your capacity to excel in a remote work setting.

Crafting a resume tailored for remote jobs requires a strategic approach that balances clarity, relevance, and professionalism. 

This guide will share some tips and strategies for crafting a resume that captures the interest of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems or ATS. Continue reading to learn more.

1. Tailoring Your Resume for Remote Job Success

Professional resume writers emphasize the importance of customization—each resume should be tailored to fit a specific job. To make this task easier, consider using top resume writing services that can guide you in aligning your application to the job description.

Meanwhile, if you want to DIY, focusing on specifics is critical when crafting a resume for remote jobs. Prospective employers want to see that your experience and skills align with the remote work culture. Here are some key elements to highlight:

• Resume Summary: Start with a strong resume summary that clearly states your career achievements and remote work experience.
• Skills Section: Showcase a mix of hard and soft skills. Soft skills like time management, communication, and adaptability are vital for remote jobs.
• Work Experience: Highlight job duties that demonstrate your ability to work independently. Using bullet points, outline your key responsibilities, especially those that require self-management and digital communication.
• Resume Format: Choose a format that enhances readability. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are programmed to scan specific sections, so maintaining a clear structure helps ensure your resume gets noticed.

Tailoring your resume for remote job success ensures that your qualifications align perfectly with what prospective employers are seeking.

2. Essential Resume Writing Tips for Remote Job Seekers

Building a resume that resonates with remote job employers means focusing on clarity, relevance, and strategic presentation. Here are some tips for optimal results:

• Resume Templates: Using a modern, well-designed resume template can improve visual appeal while maintaining professionalism.
• Personal Information: Include your email address and phone number at the top for easy access. Your social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, should be updated to reflect your job title and relevant work experience.
• Contact Information: It's essential to make your contact information readily accessible, as numerous job applications are evaluated for their ease of access and quick reference.
• Education Section: While experience often outweighs education, listing relevant qualifications can still add value. Include your highest degree and any certifications that support remote work capabilities.

Applying these essential resume writing tips will help you create a standout resume tailored for remote job opportunities. 

3. Professional Touches for Enhanced Resume Success

Here's what you need to consider or include in your resume to achieve a polished, professional look that stands out:

• Resume Length: Keep your resume concise—ideally, one to two pages. Focus on the most relevant job experience and omit outdated roles that don't add value to your application.
• Cover Letter: Pairing your resume with a well-written cover letter boosts your chances of getting noticed. Also, remember to write your cover letter in such a way that it will match the job you're applying for, showcasing why you're the ideal candidate for remote work.
• Resume Objective: If used, make sure it aligns with the specific job and conveys your goals related to the position.
• Resume Sections: Ensure clear headers for work experience, education, and skills. This makes your resume easy to navigate for prospective employers and ATS software.

Incorporating these professional touches will elevate your resume, making it more appealing to both prospective employers and ATS software. 

4. Building a Resume That Overcomes Applicant Tracking Systems

Many remote job applications are filtered through an applicant tracking system before reaching a hiring manager. To increase your chances of success, it's crucial to optimize your resume for these systems. This involves:

• Keywords: Integrate keywords from the job description naturally within your resume. This helps the ATS identify your resume as relevant.
• Bullet Points: List job duties and achievements in concise bullet points. This format is ATS-friendly and easy for hiring managers to scan.
• Resume Design: Stick to a simple design to avoid formatting issues with ATS. Avoid graphics and images, as these can disrupt parsing.
• Skills Section: Be specific and strategic. Mention both technical skills and soft skills essential for remote work success.

Optimizing your resume for applicant tracking systems ensures it gets past initial screenings and reaches hiring managers for consideration. 

5. Additional Strategies 

If you're aiming to perfect your resume for a remote job, consider these additional tips:

• Phone Consultation: Some top resume services offer a phone consultation. This way, you can have a direct discussion about your career goals and how to present them on your resume.
• Volunteer Work: Highlight relevant volunteer work that demonstrates leadership or remote project management.
• Resume Builder Tools: These tools help simplify the resume-writing process and ensure your document has the proper layout, sections, and formatting.
• Proofreading: Errors in your resume can undermine your professionalism. Proofread for typos and ensure consistency in formatting and tone.
• Resume Templates and Builders: Invest in reliable tools that provide templates tailored to professional resumes for remote roles.

Adopting these strategies will enable you to develop a refined and professional resume that will attract attention and enhance your prospects of obtaining a remote position. 

Should You Add A Photo to Your Resume?

​Including a photo in your resume can be a topic of debate. In some industries, particularly creative fields or those in regions where it's common (such as parts of Europe), adding a professional photo might be expected or even beneficial. However, in other areas like the United States, including a picture can be seen as outdated or even a potential cause for unconscious bias. Most professional resume writers recommend omitting a photo to keep the focus on your qualifications, skills, and experience, ensuring your resume passes ATS checks without issues.

To err on the side of caution, especially for remote job applications or roles in larger, international companies, it's usually best to leave a photo off your resume unless explicitly requested. Instead, make sure your online professional profile is updated with a picture and include a link to it in your contact information for employers who want to put a face to the name.

Wrapping up

​Writing a resume for remote job applications isn't just about listing job titles and work experience—it's about presenting a professional resume that reflects your ability to thrive in a remote work environment. Utilize these resume writing tips, seek out professional resume writers when necessary, and build your resume with confidence using structured resume templates and modern design principles. Mastering these strategies will position you as an attractive candidate to prospective employers, ensuring your resume stands out in any job search.