The number of remote jobs has been growing steadily in recent years, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. In fact, a recent survey found that 70% of employers are now open to hiring remote workers.
If you’re looking for a remote jobs, you need to make sure your resume stands out from the crowd. One of the best ways to do this is to customize your resume specifically for remote work.
How to tailor Your Resume
While tailoring your resume for every job might initially seem time-consuming, it doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch each time. By using a general resume template as a foundation, you can insert custom elements that align with the requirements of each specific role. Although this approach does demand additional time and effort, the upfront investment will ultimately save you time by helping you find your ideal remote job more quickly.
Talk the Talk
To impress both human recruiters and ATS software, incorporating keywords from the job description is vital. Identifying these keywords requires a careful reading of the job posting and description. Look for repeated words or phrases that are essential to the role.
For instance, if the posting emphasizes “marketing promotions,” “marketing strategy,” and “event marketing,” you should incorporate these keywords into your resume. Instead of stating “10 years’ experience promoting events,” rephrase it as “10 years’ experience in event marketing.” By using the recruiter’s language, you convey the same message while optimizing your resume for their specific requirements.
It’s important not to overstuff your resume with keywords, as this can make it sound unnatural or poorly written. Strive for a balance, ensuring that the keywords are seamlessly integrated into your content.
Ditch Objectives for Titles
Traditional resume formats often start with an objective statement, but this is no longer necessary. Recruiters already know that your objective is to secure a job. Instead, begin with a title that succinctly summarizes your professional identity and expertise in one sentence.
Since the title appears at the top of your resume, it serves as the recruiter’s initial point of contact with your application. Craft a title that encapsulates your key skills, experience, and specialization. Think of it as an elevator pitch that grabs attention and clearly communicates who you are. Here are a few examples:
- Marketing professional with 15 years of healthcare experience
- Results-driven account executive with a proven track record in client retention and business growth
- Sales professional with over 10 years of experience in increasing sales and maintaining customer relationships
Each of these examples concisely presents the professional’s identity, expertise, and relevant skills and experiences.
Qualify Yourself
The qualifications section, also known as the skills section or skills summary, typically follows the title section. This part of your resume highlights the key skills that you want potential employers to notice.
Avoid listing all your skills and qualifications; instead, focus on the top five or six that are most relevant to the job you’re applying for. This section offers an excellent opportunity to customize your resume by aligning your skills with the keywords from the job description.
Sprinkle Liberally
Continuing to tailor your resume involves strategically incorporating keywords throughout your document. Utilize these keywords when describing your responsibilities, achievements, and experiences from previous roles, as well as any relevant volunteer work or activities featured on your resume.
Successfully Tailoring Your Resume
When you dedicate the time and effort to tailor your resume for each job application, you significantly increase your chances of standing out from the competition and progressing to the next stage of the hiring process. Customizing your resume may require extra work upfront, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial investment. By presenting a tailored resume that addresses the specific needs of the remote job you’re applying for, you demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
Here are some tips on how to customize your resume for remote jobs:
- Start with the right format. There are three main resume formats: chronological, functional, and combination. The chronological format is the most common, and it lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. The functional format focuses on your skills and abilities, and it’s a good choice if you have a lot of gaps in your work history. The combination format is a blend of the chronological and functional formats.
If you’re applying for a remote jobs, the chronological format is a good choice. This is because it shows potential employers that you have experience working independently and remotely.
- Highlight your remote work skills. When you’re customizing your resume for online jobs, be sure to highlight your remote work skills. These skills might include:
- Time management
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Self-motivation
- Technology proficiency
- Quantify your results. When you’re listing your accomplishments in your resume, be sure to quantify your results. This will help potential employers see the value you can bring to their company.
For example, instead of saying “I increased sales,” say “I increased sales by 15% in the past year.”
- Use keywords throughout your resume. When you’re applying for remote jobs, it’s important to use keywords throughout your resume. This will help your resume get noticed by potential employers.
You can find keywords by looking at the job description for the position you’re applying for. Pay attention to the skills and experience that the employer is looking for, and then use those keywords throughout your resume.
- Tailor your resume to the specific job. Don’t just send out the same resume to every remote job you apply for. Take the time to tailor your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. This means highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position.
- Get feedback from others. Once you’ve customized your resume, get feedback from others. This could be a friend, family member, or career counselor. Getting feedback from others can help you identify any areas that need improvement.
- Proofread your resume carefully. Before you submit your resume, be sure to proofread it carefully. This will help you catch any errors in grammar or spelling.
By following these tips, you can customize your resume for remote jobs and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to highlight your remote work skills, quantify your results, use keywords, tailor your resume to the specific job, and get feedback from others.
Additional Tips
- Use a professional resume template.
- Keep your resume concise and easy to read.
- Use active verbs and strong language.
- Proofread your resume several times before submitting it.
Conclusion
A well-written and customized resume is essential for landing a remote job. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting hired for the remote job of your dreams.
Additional Resources
- How to Write a Resume for a Remote Job: Indeed
- 7 Resume Updates for a Remote Resume: Hire Me Fast
- 2023 Remote Customer Service Resume Example (+Guidance): Flex Jobs
I hope this helps!
