Proven Job Search Tips to Secure Remote Roles in Any Industry

Okay, so everyone and their dog wants a remote job right now. I get it—who doesn’t wanna work in sweatpants, eat cereal at 2pm, and avoid traffic jams forever? But real talk… landing a remote role is not just applying on Indeed and praying. It’s a weird little game of strategy, patience, and luck.

I’ve been through it—sending 100 apps and hearing nothing, then randomly getting a yes from some company I forgot I even applied to. So yeah, here’s my unpolished brain dump of actual job search tips that helped me (and friends) secure remote roles across different industries. Check out success stories on our home page for inspiration!

Why Remote Roles Feel Harder to Get

Because literally everyone in the world is applying. You’re not just competing with people in your city—you’re competing with people in Bali, London, New York, and that one guy in his basement in Ohio who somehow has 10 certifications.

So yeah, the bar is higher. Which means: your resume, your online presence, your vibe—it all matters.

Resource: Explore remote opportunities on our Job Board.

Step 1: Fix That Resume (with Remote in Mind)

Your resume shouldn’t just say “worked at XYZ.” It should scream “I can work independently, manage time, and not ghost my manager.”

Stuff like:

• “Led remote projects across 3 time zones.”
• “Used Slack, Trello, Asana, Zoom daily to coordinate with team.”
• “Delivered projects ahead of deadlines while WFH.”

Basically, show them you get remote culture.

Resource: Optimize your resume with our Resume Builder.

Step 2: Use the Right Job Boards

Some sites are better for remote gigs than the usual. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

(Pro tip: set alerts so jobs come to you. Saves time.)

Resource: Find vetted remote jobs on our Job Board.

Step 3: Network Without Being Weird

Ugh I know, networking sounds like schmoozy LinkedIn bros saying “Let’s connect.” But it doesn’t have to be gross.

• Comment on posts in your industry. Like, genuinely, not “great post.”
• Join Slack/Discord groups (tons exist for writers, devs, designers, etc).
• Message people for advice, not jobs. Funny enough, people help when you don’t beg.

I once got a remote content gig just because I replied to someone’s tweet with a meme. True story.

Resource: Learn networking tips in our Career Advice section.

Step 4: Cover Letters That Don’t Suck

I hate writing cover letters. You probably do too. But remote companies (esp. startups) actually read them. Keep it:

• Short (3–4 paras max).
• Personal (mention their product/service).
• Show you can write clearly (a huge deal for remote jobs).

Resource: Craft a standout cover letter with our Resume Builder.

Step 5: Interviews = Test of Soft Skills

Remote interviews are basically “Can you talk to a webcam without being awkward?” Test your tech, make eye contact (with the camera, not yourself 😬), and be ready for “Tell me how you manage time working from home.”

Also, show your soft skills—communication, adaptability, self-motivation. Remote teams live and die by those.

Resource: Prep with our Interview Simulator.

Little Story (my accidental win)

So I once applied to like 40 jobs, got nothing. Then one day, I saw this random posting on AngelList. I literally copy-pasted a cover letter with some tweaks and sent it in. Forgot about it. Weeks later, boom, interview invite. Long story short, that became my first remote gig. Moral: apply, apply, apply… even if you feel like you’re shouting into the void. Sometimes it clicks.

Bonus Tips That Sound Obvious but Aren’t

• Set up your LinkedIn. Recruiters do stalk. Add “Open to Remote Work.”
• Build a small portfolio. Even a basic Notion page with samples is better than nothing.
• Time zones matter. Don’t apply to a US-only job if you live in Asia unless you’re cool with 3am calls.
• Stay consistent. Send 3–5 apps a day instead of 20 in one night and burning out.

Resource: Optimize your LinkedIn with tips from our Career Advice section.

FAQ (aka questions my brain screams at 1am while job hunting)

Final Thoughts (the late-night pep talk)

Getting a remote role isn’t magic. It’s persistence, tweaking your approach, and not losing your mind when you hear crickets after 50 applications.

But here’s the thing: once you land one, it changes everything. More freedom, more flexibility, more chances to actually design your life.

So yeah—update that resume, stalk the right boards, network without being a weirdo, and don’t give up. The remote job market is wild, but you can win.

Now go send that application. Like… now. Future you will thank you.

Check out success stories on our home page for inspiration!