More and more companies are opting for hybrid and remote working models. Despite a growing number of job openings for remote jobs, competition is stiff. Still, remote work is not for everyone. It requires a combination of self-discipline, communication skills and technical knowledge. To present yourself as a top candidate, you need to stand out with your resume. With our tips, you can demonstrate with your resume that you can work effectively remotely in a virtual work environment.
What is remote working?
Working from abroad, also known as remote work, can take place at home, in a café, or in a coworking space for example. Remote work is work that is performed at a location outside the office. This can be as an employee or as a self-employed person.
Remote working as a freelancer
If you are not yet working as a self-employed person, but are considering it, ask yourself the following questions to determine if it is a good fit for you:
- Can I work independently and motivate myself?
- Am I good at organizing my time and priorities?
- Can I communicate clearly and proactively at a distance?
- Do I have the right workspace and equipment?
- Am I prepared to work with different online communication tools?
The questions you answer “no” to can be used as a focus point as you prepare for your self-employment career. The questions you answered “yes” to are related to the traits you want to emphasize on your resume. Does working remotely fit your lifestyle? Then you can start looking for a suitable job or freelance assignment.
Create a resume for remote work in 5 simple steps
Employers review specific information on your resume to determine your suitability for remote work. This means that your resume for a remote position may differ from your resume for an on-site position. Below we share five steps to help you create your remote resume.
1. Start with a summary
Below your personalia, place a summary of your “pitch” as a professional. Briefly describe your passion, work experience and relevant skills for remote work. Avoid cumbersome language and emphasize key qualities for a virtual work environment.
2. Share your work experience with context and results
When describing your work experience, it is important to be specific about how you performed.
- List the period, organization name and role for each position in one line.
- Describe accomplishments focused on remote work and relevant tasks and outcomes.
- Demonstrate your experience with online tools and virtual collaboration.
3. Communicate key skills for remote work
In a remote role, technological proficiency is indispensable. Please indicate which tools you have experience with. Below are some examples.
- Digital communication: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet.
- Project organization: Slack, Trello, Asana, Notion.
- Productivity: Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets), Monday.
In addition to digital skills, interpersonal skills, or known as soft skills, are essential to be successful in a remote environment. Employers are looking for independent workers who communicate effectively remotely. Describe skills such as:
- Independence
- Time Management
- Remote communication
- Problem solving ability
- Strategic insight
Share concrete examples to support these skills. By doing so, you demonstrate that you have the qualities needed to perform in a remote work environment.
4. Add your education
The “Education” section should be concise and relevant. Include your highest degree, the institution where you received it and the year of graduation. Don’t forget to add additional certifications relevant to remote work.
5. Show who you are
In a remote work environment, personal connection is essential. Teams working remotely create their own culture. By consciously sharing your interests and activities, you can let your personality shine in your CV, in addition to your experience.
Sections such as languages, volunteering or hobbies offer an excellent opportunity to share your character and passions. Language skills emphasize your employability to communicate professionally with international contacts. Volunteering shows that you are engaged and proactive, which is valuable in a virtual environment. By adding these sections, you draw attention to your contribution to an inclusive and engaged team culture, even at a distance.
| CV sample for a remote positionJoris de BraaiPhone: +31 6 12345678E-mail: [email protected]LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jorisdebraaiPortfolio: @jorisdebraaiSummary
Project manager with 8 years of experience, including a remote team of 12 in four time zones. Specialized in workflow optimization with tools such as Slack and Trello, which led to 25% higher productivity. Strong strategic planner, strong communicator and results-oriented, even with tight deadlines and minimal budget. I am ready to make an impact in a dynamic remote team. Work ExperienceHead of Marketing, RetailClicks Netherlands, (Remote)March 2020 – November 2024
Project manager, Sprinklr (Remote)April 2016 – February 2020
TrainingBachelor of Business Administration Amsterdam Business School (UVA)| 2012 – 2016Skills
VolunteerMentor at Digital Future Foundation (Remote)January 2021 – Present
Languages
Hobbies
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3 tips for writing a resume for remote work
Now that you better understand the structure and steps to create an effective resume, you’re almost ready to create your own. Before you do, we share five more resume tips for applying for a remote job.
1. Use keywords from the vacancy
Match your resume to the vacancy and use relevant keywords from the job description. This helps to get through ATS systems and shows that you are attentive to the employer’s requirements.
2. Use active language and share your results
Describe your accomplishments with action verbs such as “managed” or “optimized” and include numbers. For example, “Increased productivity by 20% through process improvements.”
3. Check your spelling and ask for feedback
Check your resume thoroughly for errors and ask for feedback. A flawless resume exudes professionalism.
With the insights and information from this article, you’ll be all set to write your resume. Get started and create your perfect resume to apply for remote jobs! Looking directly for a remote job? Then check here the vacancies of Dutch employers, who are open to working remotely on a regular basis.
