To Secure Remote Work, Experts Recommend Adopting a Global Resume Format

January is a time for contemplating new beginnings. For some, this could be a commitment to join the gym, or maintaining a strong resolve to build that long-neglected savings account, but for around 1 in 10 people, a career change will be the main focus of 2024.

With research suggesting that 73% of all departments will have remote workers by 2028, and LinkedIn reporting a 2.5X increase in remote job postings since 2020, there's never been a richer — or more competitive — landscape for job seekers.

A CV also know as a Resume specialist for Jobseeker explains: "The traditional trade-off between relevant opportunities and geographical constraints is rapidly melting away — but if you're hoping to beat the competition at an international scale, you'll need a highly-tailored resume."

To help you stick to your New Year's resolution, the experts at Jobseeker have created a guide to crafting a CV primed for success on an international level. 

What is a global resume? 

In the contemporary landscape of remote work, crafting a global CV becomes essential for several compelling reasons. 

The local job market might offer limited opportunities in your field, or perhaps overseas regions boast higher pay grades within your sector. Thus, having both a conventional 'domestic' CV and one tailored for the international job market is a strategic and forward-thinking choice.

A well-crafted global resume should reflect your aspirations to contribute to an international team, showcasing adaptability and proficiency in asynchronous work. Highlighting skills in utilizing online collaboration tools such as Slack becomes crucial, along with demonstrating cross-cultural awareness and a proven track record of effectively managing workloads outside of a traditional office setting.

Similar to maintaining different versions of your CV for diverse roles or sectors, a global CV should be specifically designed to align with the objective of seeking remote work on a global scale. By emphasizing these qualities and tailoring your CV accordingly, you position yourself optimally in the evolving landscape of remote employment.

Why is a global remote resume important?

 As international, asynchronous teams become more commonplace, employers are going to expect their applicants to demonstrate their suitability not just to a specific role, but also to the unique dynamics inherent in remote working environments.

Remote CV Vs Domestic Resume

In essence, the key difference lies in the targeted skills and experiences showcased—remote resumes focus on independence, virtual collaboration, and self-motivation, while domestic resumes emphasize in-person teamwork, office-centric skills, and contributions within a localized work environment. The choice between the two depends on the nature of the job and the specific requirements of the employer. 

What should you include? 

While the main framework of your global CV can be based on your domestic CV, there are a few key areas where a change in approach is necessary. Below, you'll find some top tips on tailoring your CV for job hunting on an international scale.

Show respect for different cultures​

In the global job market, diversity isn't just a buzzword; it's a valuable asset. Highlight experiences that showcase your ability to thrive in different environments and work with diverse teams. Whether it's a cross-cultural collaboration or a project that requires you to navigate international markets, emphasise your adaptability and openness to new perspectives.

Acknowledge and celebrate your cultural intelligence. If you can, showcase instances where you've navigated cultural nuances, fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment. Being culturally sensitive is not just a bonus — it's a prerequisite for success in an international setting.

Humanise your CV

 Bring your resume to life by weaving in personal anecdotes or passions that align with the company culture. Whether it's a hobby that demonstrates creativity or a volunteer experience that showcases commitment to social responsibility, these personal touches make you stand out.

You're not just a list of qualifications – you're a unique individual with a story to tell. Without the option of an in-person interview, your personality needs to shine through in other ways. There's a fine line to tread between formal and informal for sure, but whatever you do, don't make your CV boring. Have a trusted friend or relative read it through and ask them if it faithfully conveys a sense of who you are — and if it doesn't, tweak it until it does.

Like it or not, social media has become a key component of many employer's screening processes, too — especially LinkedIn. Which profiles you choose to include will depend entirely on the position you're applying for, of course. The cardinal rule is simple: refrain from sharing anything on the internet that you wouldn't want a potential employer to come across. Countless candidates have missed out on valuable opportunities due to the repercussions of their digital footprints. 

Showcase your remote work experience

Showcasing your experience in this area is crucial. Highlight projects or roles where you successfully collaborated with teams across different time zones.

Adding a separate 'technology skills' section is recommended, this way you can mention any tools or technologies (such as Slack, Google Workspace, or Zoom) that you're proficient in. Don't have any experience working remotely? We'll level with you — this will put you at a disadvantage, but all is not lost. Instead, emphasise your expertise in collaboration — mention situations where you've worked on shared documents or organised check-ins with your colleagues; these skills are still highly relevant.

Be globally agnostic

Steer clear of including specific addresses or location details. Let your skills and achievements shine through, focusing on what you bring to the table rather than where you currently reside. Should you make it to the interview stage, it's likely these details will be discussed there — and by omitting them from your CV, you're subtly reinforcing the idea that you're intent on joining their team regardless of your physical location.

Tell both sides of the story​

Job seekers often forget that the hiring process is a two-way street. It's not just about whether the company thinks you're right for them, but also whether they're right for you.

Your cover letter doesn't need to be comprised of flattering prose and endless compliments for your prospective employer — far from it, in fact — but it should mention your understanding of their values, work culture, and industry position. Be sure to express genuine excitement about the prospect of contributing to their success. Flattery isn't a good look, but enthusiasm is, so let them know just how much you could add to their business.

Emphasise your flexibility

Try to demonstrate your adaptability by showcasing instances where you successfully embraced change or took on roles outside your comfort zone. Flexibility is a prized quality in the global job market, so underscore your ability to navigate challenges and your willingness to explore new opportunities at a moment's notice.

The world of remote work moves fast — especially when it comes to asynchronous environments — so it's up to you to assert yourself as the kind of employee who knows how to be flexible and adaptable. 

Showcase your communication skills

It's impossible to overemphasise the power of words — particularly when it comes to crafting a remote-ready, global resume. Your CV isn't just a distillation of your professional persona, it's also a showcase of your communication skills. It's an advertisement for you. If, upon reading your CV, an employer feels your writing is disjointed, inaccurate, or — worst of all — dull, your chances of success will dwindle dramatically. How can a hiring manager be confident in your communication if you can't communicate your skills?

Try to use straightforward language, and avoid unnecessary jargon that may confuse non-native speakers. It's also crucial to tailor your tone of voice to the sector you're applying in — a creative role calls for an expressive voice for example, whereas a corporate position will require a more formal tone.

Aside from your skills in the English language, fluency in multiple languages can be a game-changer, so don't hesitate to highlight these skills, should you possess them. Even if the job doesn't explicitly require it, being multilingual is always an advantage, so be sure to list it in your skills section. 

Highlight your initiative

When you're part of a remote team, it's not possible to simply stroll over to your colleague's desk and request their help whenever an issue arises. As such, companies building international, asynchronous teams are far keener to hire employees that are happy to tackle challenges head-on, without the need for reassurance or validation.

Try to demonstrate your initiative by highlighting achievements that involved proactivity on your part — perhaps you anticipated potential roadblocks in a critical project ahead of time, or implemented a new, more efficient operating procedure, without being prompted to. By showcasing your tendency to 'take the bull by the horns', you'll stand a better chance at getting a remote position.

Talking about the importance of creating a global CV in 2024, a spokesperson for Jobseeker said 

If you're seeking a career move in 2024, it's worth considering the new territory we're in. Remote work isn't brand new, but as an increasing number of employers start to recognise the benefits of building asynchronous, global teams, the competition for applicants is getting tougher. Forget about beating out the competition in your local town or city — you've got to be the strongest applicant on the planet, and every application begins with a solid foundation — a well-written, tailored CV.

"By emphasising the skills that matter, you'll nudge yourself ahead of the pack. An international CV positions you as a candidate who views remote work as an advantage. Yes, there's plenty to be said for the benefits of in-person collaboration, but remote work is the future, and by building your CV around this premise, you're helping to futureproof your career prospects.

Job seeker

Wrapping up 

By emphasizing these qualities and tailoring your CV accordingly using an AI resume builder, you position yourself optimally in the evolving landscape of remote employment.