If you’re applying for remote jobs, you may need to update your resume to show how you would be a great fit for remote work. Here are my top tips for updating your resume.
Include an Address
Does a resume for remote work still require an address? Yes, many companies that are offering remote work still need to ensure they’re interviewing U.S. residents, and some prefer to have remote workers in the region because of tax laws, professional certification limitations, ease of working in time zones, and other reasons. You don’t need to list your street address anymore, but be sure to include your town/city and state.
Use a Hybrid Resume Format
A hybrid format can be a great way to show you’re ready for remote work. This format includes a summary at the top, often with a list of skills. You can see my examples here. This is an opportunity to feature your strengths as a worker, and a great place to showcase your remote work capabilities.
Communication is always a top skill for employers, but for remote work, you can add collaboration software tools you’re familiar with, list remote teams you’ve been a part of, and show ways you’ve problem solved in remote environments.
Prove Your Productivity
Your work experience should always highlight parts of your background that the future employer is interested in. If the job you’re targeting is remote, be sure to include examples working independently, collaborating, engaging in continuous learning, and proactively problem solving.
Productivity can be a top concern for employers hiring remote workers, so give evidence of being an efficient, proactive worker while on your own. Maybe you helped improve a process when your company suddenly went remote in 2020. You may have even processed more invoices when you finally didn’t have that tiring commute. Don’t be afraid to list numbers and details of your performance. And don’t be shy about sharing your supervisor’s feedback on productivity as well.
Include Your Covid-19 Bullet
I try to write at least one bullet for my clients that highlights how they handled Covid-19-related shutdowns in 2020. Many workplaces suddenly transitioned to remote work. Many industries had to overhaul entire workflows and procedures. Be sure to use a STAR framework for writing your bullet. Explain the Situation, Task, Action you took, and the Results you achieved.
Be Brief
Resumes should be no longer than two pages. Language should be lean and to-the-point. This is especially important for remote positions, where succinct communication is valued highly. If your resume is more than 2 pages, cut positions you left more than 15 years ago, and shorten the work descriptions for positions 10 years or older. If you really want to include older positions, consider including a “Early Career” section to keep work at high-profile companies listed briefly on your resume.
Worth the Time
Preparing your resume for remote work opportunities is time well spent. Competition for remote jobs can be more competitive, so be sure to take time to proofread your resume closely and share with a trusted colleague or friend for a review.
Feel Free to Reach Out
If you’re not sure you’ve nailed the 2022 remote resume, feel free to schedule a resume critique. Contact me at meredithtseu@gmail.com, or schedule a 15-minute, free, no obligation chat today.
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