How to Get a Remote Job (In 6 Easy Steps)
Remote work is more popular than ever, but landing a work-from-home job isn’t as easy as it sounds. If it seems like everyone is working remotely, why is it so hard to get hired for one?
Even though remote work has become mainstream, competition for these roles is fierce. A 2024 survey by FlexJobs found that 62% of professionals prefer remote work, and 35% would take a pay cut to keep it. With so many candidates vying for the same positions, employers can be highly selective.
Getting hired for a remote job isn’t the same as landing a traditional office role. You need to prove not only that you have the right skills but also that you can work independently, stay organized, and communicate effectively in a virtual environment. Employers want to know that you can thrive without direct supervision.
This guide walks you through exactly what it takes to land a remote job in 2025.
1. Define Your Remote Work Preferences
Before diving into your job search, take a step back and clarify what you really want from remote work.
Why do you want to work remotely?
People choose remote jobs for different reasons. Do you want more flexibility? Are you looking to cut out your commute? Maybe you want to travel while working or access job opportunities beyond your local area.
But if you’re mainly trying to escape a toxic workplace, an uninspiring job, or a bad manager, remote work might not be the solution. In those cases, a career change—or a new employer—may be a better move.
What kind of remote job are you looking for?
Not all remote jobs are the same. Some companies are fully remote, while others require occasional office visits. Would you be open to a hybrid setup, or do you want a job that’s 100% remote?
The more flexible you are, the easier it will be to find opportunities. Hybrid work has become the standard for many companies, meaning fully remote roles can be harder to find. If you’re willing to go hybrid, you’ll have more job options.
Expect high competition
Remote positions attract a global pool of applicants, meaning you’re not just competing with local candidates—you’re up against professionals from across the country (or even worldwide). LinkedIn reported that remote job postings receive 2.5 times more applications than in-office roles.
If remote work is a must-have for you, be prepared to stand out from the competition by showcasing the skills employers look for in remote candidates (which we’ll cover next).
2. Understand What Hiring Managers Want in Remote Candidates
Employers aren’t just looking for technical skills—they need workers who can stay productive without direct supervision and communicate well in a virtual setting.
Top skills for remote work success
Hiring managers focus on candidates who can handle the challenges of remote work. The most in-demand skills include:
- Self-motivation: Can you stay productive without a manager checking in?
- Strong communication: Are you comfortable using Slack, Zoom, and email to stay in sync?
- Time management: Can you meet deadlines and prioritize tasks effectively?
- Tech proficiency: Do you know how to use collaboration tools and troubleshoot basic tech issues?
Remote work experience matters
If you’ve worked remotely before, highlight it on your resume. If you haven’t, consider:
- Taking on freelance or contract work to gain experience.
- Highlighting past projects where you worked independently.
- Showing experience collaborating with teams across different locations.
Does location matter for remote jobs?
Some remote jobs still have location-based preferences due to tax laws, company policies, or occasional in-office requirements. If you’re near a company’s headquarters, mentioning it in your application could give you an advantage.
3. Use Remote-Specific Job Boards
Traditional job sites list remote positions, but they’re often mixed with in-office roles, making them harder to find. Instead, focus on platforms that specialize in remote work:
- FlexJobs: A paid site with vetted remote and hybrid jobs.
- We Work Remotely: Offers remote tech, marketing, and customer service jobs.
- JustRemote: Lists full-time and freelance remote roles.
- Remote.co: Specializes in flexible work opportunities.
- AngelList: Great for remote jobs at startups.
- 4 Corner Resources: Check out our remote job listings.
Set up job alerts
Since remote jobs get a high volume of applicants, you need to apply fast. Set up job alerts on these platforms so you can be among the first to apply when new remote positions are posted.
4. Optimize Your Resume for a Remote Job
Using a generic resume won’t cut it when applying for remote jobs. Hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS) scan for specific skills and experiences that show you’re prepared for remote work.
Highlight remote-ready skills
Make sure your resume emphasizes the abilities employers value in remote candidates:
- Independence: Led projects with minimal supervision.
- Time management: Balanced multiple deadlines and priorities.
- Remote collaboration: Worked with teams across different locations.
- Tech skills: Experience using remote work tools (Slack, Zoom, Asana, etc.).
How to reframe your experience
Instead of:
“Managed multiple projects and deadlines.”
Try:
“Managed multiple projects independently in a fully remote setting, using Trello and Asana to track progress and meet deadlines.”
List remote-friendly tools
Employers want candidates who are comfortable using virtual tools. Add a “Skills” section with software like:
Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom
Project Management: Trello, Asana, Basecamp
File Sharing & Collaboration: Google Drive, Notion
If you have previous remote experience, make it obvious:
UX Designer – West Technologies (Remote) | 2019-Present
- Led design sprints with globally distributed teams via Zoom and Slack.
- Managed project timelines independently, ensuring on-time deliverables.
5. Prepare for Your Remote Job Interview
Hiring managers want proof that you can handle remote work. Be ready to answer questions about your work habits, communication style, and time management.
Common remote job interview questions
- Why do you want to work from home?
- Have you ever worked remotely before?
- What skills will help you successfully work from home?
- How do you prioritize tasks?
- How do you manage your time?
- What does your ideal day look like?
How to stand out
Hiring managers are looking for candidates who can work independently and communicate proactively. Here’s how to prove you’re ready:
- Showcase remote experience: If you’ve worked remotely before, highlight your successes.
- Demonstrate strong work habits: Explain how you organize your workday and avoid distractions.
- Be tech-savvy: Know your way around collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, and Asana.
- Test your setup: Make sure your audio, video, and internet connection work before the interview.
Related: 13 Virtual Interview Tips to Help You Land the Job
6. Consider Freelancing to Gain Remote Experience
If you’re struggling to land a remote job, freelancing can help you gain experience and make money in the meantime.
Why freelance?
More companies are turning to freelancers for remote work. A 2024 Upwork report found that 39% of the U.S. workforce engaged in freelance work last year, contributing $1.3 trillion to the economy.
Freelancing allows you to:
- Gain remote work experience that can boost your resume.
- Work on projects that align with your career goals.
- Develop in-demand skills that increase your value in the job market.
- Potentially turn freelancing into a full-time career.
Where to find freelance work
- Upwork: One of the largest freelancing platforms.
- Fiverr: Great for short-term gigs.
- Toptal: Specializes in high-skill freelance jobs.
- PeoplePerHour: Ideal for creative and marketing roles.
- Freelancer: Offers a wide range of remote work opportunities.
New to freelancing? Check out these tips on how to start freelancing with no experience.
Remote jobs are highly competitive, but by tailoring your job search, optimizing your resume, and proving you can succeed in a virtual environment, you can land the remote job you’ve been dreaming of.
