5-Step Guide to Creating a Standout Resume for Remote Jobs

Entering the world of remote work can feel like uncharted territory, especially when it comes to creating a resume. Unlike a typical job resume, a resume for remote jobs requires a different approach. This guide will give you the essential map for creating just that — a standout WFH resume (i.e. work from work-from-home resume) specifically tailored for remote jobs.
By understanding the elements, you'll be well on your way to creating an impressive remote job resume that distinguishes you from the crowd. So, let's start with the basics!

What's the difference between a standard resume and a resume for remote jobs?

The rulebook changes when you're preparing a resume for remote jobs. The core elements remain the same — your qualifications, skills, and experiences. But there's a different emphasis for remote jobs.
 Consider the following key differences:

• Physical presence. A standard resume focuses on roles where you're physically present in an office setting. A remote job resume, however, highlights your ability to work independently and efficiently from a distance.
• Technology skills. All jobs require technical skills, but in a resume for remote jobs, there's a higher expectation for proficiency with specific digital tools and software.
• Soft skills. While teamwork and interpersonal skills are emphasised in standard resumes, remote resumes primarily highlight self-discipline, time management, excellent verbal and written communication, and other self-motivation skills.

Think of it this way: a remote job resume is all about proving you can excel in a work environment that relies on self-motivation and advanced technology usage.

Step 1: Writing a remote-positive resume summary and education section

A powerful resume kicks off with a compelling summary that much is common knowledge. However, a remote work resume summary must do a little more. It needs to quickly articulate not just your skills and experiences but also your ability to thrive in a remote work environment. Here are three elements to include in a remote job resume summary for students:

1. Highlight any academic experience or courses that have prepared you for virtual collaborative work, including project management, online tools, or group assignments.
2. Name specific programs and software relevant to remote work that you've used in your studies, such as Google Suite or project management tools such as Trello.
3. Emphasise personal attributes such as self-discipline, adaptability, and strong communication, all of which are crucial for successful remote working. 

You want your resume summary to convey: "I have the skills, academic training, and mindset to excel in a remote work setting."

Remote job resume example: Resume summary

"Motivated business student experienced in remote collaboration through online group projects and virtual internships. Proficient in using remote tools such as Zoom, Google Suite, and Trello. Strong self-discipline, adaptability, and communication skills demonstrated by maintaining high grades while juggling numerous academic commitments."
What’s more, you can follow the same tips in the education section of your resume to emphasise your remote work skills even more. After all, if you’re writing a resume as a fresh graduate or student, your education section is the most important part of your WFH resume. You should try to expand it as much as possible, especially if you don’t have a host of volunteer or internship experience under your belt. 

Remote job resume example: Education section

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, ABC University, 2018 - 2022                                                    

• Course Highlights: Software Testing, Distributed Systems, and Project Management - all involving significant virtual collaboration and remote teamwork using collaboration tools.
• Capstone Project: In a remote team of five, I developed an advanced travel booking mobile application using Agile methodology. I was responsible for project management, ensuring our team adhered to Agile best practices, and delivering each sprint on time. All tasks and communication were managed using GitHub, Slack, and Zoom.

Coursera: Project Management Basics for Non-project Managers — Gained practical strategy to apply project management skills in a virtual workspace.LinkedIn
Learning: Remote Work Foundations — Learned tactics for staying productive and connected when working from home or in a remote setting.
‍Codecademy: Learn Java — This online, self-paced course further demonstrates my commitment to my professional development in a remote learning setting.
In this extended remote job resume example, your education section emphasises your readiness for remote work. It showcases your experience with key digital tools, remote collaboration during your university projects, and continued self-growth through online training.

Step 2: Highlighting your hard and soft skills in your WFH resume

When you're applying for a remote job, your knowledge of technology and technical skills is one of the most important attributes that potential employers look for in candidates. However, soft skills are equally crucial, as remote work often demands a high degree of self-motivation, excellent communication, and effective time management. Here's how you can showcase these skills effectively on your resume for remote jobs:

1. Categorise your skills

This could include categories like software, programming languages, soft skills, collaboration tools and task management software. The categorisation helps employers quickly understand your range of abilities.

2. Detail essential tools

Mention the specific tools you're well-versed in, like communication platforms Slack or Microsoft Teams or task management tools like Trello or Asana. 

3. Tailor skills to the job ad

Make sure that the skills and tools you highlight are relevant to the job you're applying for. Tailoring your skillset to match that represented in the job ad can also help pass Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

4. Focus on soft skills, too

Remote work requires a unique set of soft skills in addition to the technical ones. Skills like efficient communication, solid time management, problem-solving, and a high degree of self-motivation are critical for remote work. 

5. Provide examples

For instance, if you're proficient with a project management tool like Asana, you could mention a project where your expertise with Asana led to a 20% decrease in project completion time. 
Demonstrating your proficiency with digital tools and platforms, along with a strong set of soft skills, can convince potential employers that you're not only capable of performing exceptionally in a remote setting but also possess the resilience and adaptability needed to thrive in it.

Step 3: Demonstrating remote work experience

Regardless if you've worked remotely before or not, you still have to demonstrate your capability to handle such a role. Your work experience resume section is the perfect place for you to do so. If you haven't had any previous remote roles, focus on transferable skills and experiences that demonstrate your ability to work effectively in a remote setting. Our next tips will help you achieve just that:

1. Highlight remote roles 

If you've had any previous remote roles, make them shine. Clearly specify any previous remote positions you've held. Use job titles, company names, volunteer roles, and dates to make it evident that you've successfully worked remotely in the past.

2. Online schooling during pandemic

If you were forced to attend your classes online during the pandemic, now is the time to turn that to your advantage. Highlight how you managed time, juggled multiple tasks, and met deadlines, all in a virtual learning environment.

3. Replace geographic location with “remote”

To make your work experience section more remote-friendly, consider substituting geographical locations with the term Remote. This simple adjustment not only removes any confusion about your work setting but also underscores your experience in a remote work environment. 
For example, instead of: "Marketing Manager, XYZ Company, New York City, NY" " use: "Remote Marketing Manager, XYZ Company.”

4. Mention effective communication

When you picture your boss in a different time zone, you soon realise that keeping the conversation flowing becomes a superpower. Share experiences where you facilitated virtual stand-up meetings, ensuring clear communication and collaboration with colleagues and managers.By weaving these tips into your work experience resume section, you’ll showcase your readiness for remote work and emerge as a standout candidate.

Step 4: Adding links in your resume for remote jobs

Linking your online portfolio or social media profiles to your remote job resume can be the game-changer that sets you apart from the competition. Let’s delve into why this practice has become crucial and how it adds significant value to your job-seeking journey in the remote work era. 

1. Elevating your credibility with an online portfolio

Whether you're a graphic designer with a stunning collection of visuals, a writer with a portfolio of published articles, or a developer with a repository of code, a well-curated online portfolio serves as a visual testament to your capabilities. In your resume for remote jobs, make sure to include a section prominently labelled "Online Portfolio" with a corresponding URL in your contact information.

2. Highlighting your network with LinkedIn 

By linking your LinkedIn profile to your WFH resume, not only do you demonstrate your commitment to professional networking, but you also offer employers access to your network. List your LinkedIn profile right in your resume header. This way, employers can swiftly access your network and get an in-depth view of your professional journey.

3. Showcasing your personality with social media

Resumes are typically formal documents that often lack the human touch. And since, as a remote worker, you won't get to meet your bosses/colleagues IRL, you want to share a snippet of your personality. Hence, by linking your LinkedIn profile, a personal blog, or even your Instagram or Twitter handles, you can offer employers a glimpse into your personality, passions, and interests. 
Disclaimer: Not all social media platforms are suitable for professional presentation. Be cautious about including links to social media profiles that aren't suited for professional representation. Always review your profiles with a critical eye, ensuring they reflect the image you want to project to potential employers.
For more about the ins and outs of when and how to incorporate social media into your resume for remote jobs, check out the expert insight into when and how to include social media on a resume.

Step 5: Knowing the key tools for communication and collaboration in remote jobs

As there’s no physical office space that would hold remote teams together, remote workers need to rely on a powerful arsenal of digital tools that make collaboration easy. And so, name-dropping some of the following tools in your hard skills or work experience resume section will pique hiring managers' interest.

1. Video conferencing platforms

Video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet have become household names. These platforms facilitate everything from daily stand-up meetings to all-hands conferences, making collaboration feel more personal and effective.

2. Instant messaging and chat apps

Slack and Microsoft Teams have redefined how remote teams communicate in real time. These tools offer a centralised messaging, file sharing, and collaboration hub. 

3. Project management software

Remote work relies heavily on effective project management. Tools like Trello, Asana, and Monday.com empower teams to organise tasks, set priorities, and track progress efficiently. 

4. Cloud storage solutions

Platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, or OneDrive enable teams to store, share, and collaborate on documents and files in real time. These ensure that everyone has access to the latest version of essential documents, eliminating confusion and streamlining work.

5. Virtual whiteboards and collaboration tools

Tools like Miro and Figma provide digital canvases where teams can ideate, sketch, and design together, even if they're continents apart.

By following these steps, you've learned how to create a WFH resume that shines in the remote job market. From nailing your summary to highlighting your skills and including essential links, your resume for remote jobs will now be a powerful tool poised to open doors to exciting remote opportunities.

Finally, if you’re not experienced in writing resumes and want to increase your chances, you may want to use one of the many resume builders online. Some of them even offer free premium packages for students. These resume builders will help you navigate the entire process of creating a resume for remote jobs, give it a bit of visual flair, or even include an AI-powered resume writing assistant. Make sure you checkout our detailed blog on tips on how to land remote job for freshers.

Consider amplifying your career prospects by joining the Amber Ambassador Program. This program provides a unique opportunity to further enhance your skills and contribute to a vibrant community. As an Amber Ambassador, you not only showcase your proficiency in helping your peers but also inspire and guide your students on their academic and professional paths. By becoming a part of this program, you can earn monetary rewards and exclusive goodies, expand your network, and explore new career opportunities. Your journey towards a successful remote career can be even more rewarding with the added dimension of being an Amber Ambassador. Seize the chance to make a difference and join us in shaping the future of your study-abroad journey!