Welcome to my blog. If you’re here, you’re probably thinking about working remotely—maybe from your home in Rumuodara, a quiet café in Lagos, or even while traveling. I’ve been there too. A few years ago, I was stuck in a job that didn’t give me freedom or flexibility. I wanted to earn in dollars, work with international clients, and build a career that didn’t depend on my location. But I had no idea where to start.
One of the biggest lessons I learned was this: your resume can open doors, or keep them shut. Especially in remote work, your resume needs to show that you’re not just skilled—but also reliable, independent, and tech-savvy.
Let me walk you through how to build a remote work resume that gets you hired. I’ll break it down step by step, using real-life examples and simple illustrations so you can follow along—even if you’re just starting out.
Step 1: Understand What Remote Employers Are Looking For
Before you write anything, you need to understand what remote employers care about. They’re not just looking for skills—they’re looking for people who can work independently, communicate clearly, and manage their time without constant supervision.
Here’s what most remote employers want to see:
- Clear communication skills
- Ability to manage tasks and deadlines
- Familiarity with remote tools (Zoom, Slack, Trello, etc.)
- Self-motivation and discipline
- Problem-solving ability
If your resume doesn’t show these qualities, it won’t stand out. So let’s make sure it does.
Step 2: Start with a Strong Headline
Your headline is the first thing recruiters see. It should tell them what you do and that you’re open to remote work.
Example:
Digital Marketing Specialist | Open to Remote Opportunities
Graphic Designer | Remote Freelancer | Available Worldwide
This helps recruiters know you’re looking for remote roles, even before they read further.
Step 3: Write a Friendly, Clear Summary
Your summary is your chance to introduce yourself. Keep it simple and human. Avoid jargon or buzzwords. Just tell your story.
Example:
I’m a content writer with 3 years of experience helping brands grow online. I’ve worked with clients in the US, UK, and Nigeria. I’m great at working independently, meeting deadlines, and using tools like Slack and Trello to stay connected.
This shows your experience, your remote-readiness, and your personality—all in a few lines.
Step 4: Highlight Remote-Friendly Skills
Remote employers want to know you can work without constant supervision. Show them you’re organized and tech-ready.
Here are some skills to include:
- Time management
- Communication
- Self-motivation
- Problem-solving
- Familiarity with remote tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Asana, etc.)
Illustration:
Imagine you’re applying for a remote customer support role. Instead of just saying “Customer Service,” you could say:
Provided customer support via email and live chat using Zendesk. Managed daily tickets independently and resolved issues within 24 hours.
That shows you’ve done the job remotely—and you did it well.
Step 5: List Your Experience Clearly
List your past jobs, but make sure to mention if they were remote. Even freelance gigs count.
Example:
Content Writer – Remote (Upwork)
Jan 2022 – Present
Wrote blog posts, product descriptions, and email campaigns for clients in the US and Canada. Managed deadlines using Trello and communicated via Zoom.
Even if you worked freelance or part-time, include it. Every bit of experience counts.
If you’ve never worked remotely before, that’s okay. Just show that you’re ready. Mention any online collaboration, virtual meetings, or independent projects you’ve handled.
Step 6: Add a Section for Tools and Platforms
Remote jobs often require using specific tools. Create a small section that lists the ones you know.
Example:
Tools I Use:
Zoom, Slack, Trello, Canva, Google Docs, Notion, ChatGPT
This shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to jump in.
Step 7: Use Keywords That Match the Job Description
Most companies use software called ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to scan resumes. If your resume doesn’t include the right keywords, it might never be seen by a human.
How to find keywords:
- Read the job description carefully
- Look for repeated words or phrases (e.g., “project management,” “remote collaboration,” “content creation”)
- Include those words naturally in your resume
Example:
If the job description says “Must be familiar with remote collaboration tools,” make sure your resume says:
Collaborated with international teams using Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet.
Step 8: Keep It Clean and Easy to Read
Use simple fonts, short paragraphs, and bullet points. Avoid long blocks of text. Recruiters often scan resumes quickly, so make yours easy to skim.
Tips:
- Use headings like “Summary,” “Experience,” “Skills,” “Tools”
- Stick to one page if possible
- Save it as a PDF to keep formatting clean
Step 9: Include a Cover Letter (Yes, It Still Matters)
Many people skip the cover letter. Don’t. A short, friendly cover letter can make a big difference.
Example:
Hi, I’m Boniface, a digital marketer based in Nigeria. I’ve helped brands grow through SEO, email marketing, and content creation. I’m excited about the opportunity to work remotely with your team. I’m reliable, self-motivated, and ready to contribute from day one.
Keep it short. Keep it real.
Step 10: Show Your Personality
Remote teams often care about culture fit. They want to know you’re someone they’d enjoy working with. So let your personality shine through.
Ways to do this:
- Mention hobbies or interests in your summary
- Use a friendly tone
- Share a bit of your story (like I did at the start of this post)
Bonus: What If You Have No Remote Experience?
That’s okay. Everyone starts somewhere. Here’s what you can do:
- Take online courses (Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning)
- Volunteer for remote projects
- Start freelancing on platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
- Join remote communities (Facebook groups, Slack channels)
Then update your resume with those experiences.
Example:
Social Media Intern – Remote (Volunteer Project)
June 2023 – August 2023
Managed Instagram and Facebook pages for a local NGO. Scheduled posts using Buffer and created graphics with Canva.
That’s real experience. And it shows initiative.
Final Thoughts: Your Resume Is Your Passport
Think of your resume as your passport to remote work. It tells your story, shows your skills, and proves you’re ready. You don’t need fancy words or complicated designs. Just be clear, honest, and show that you’re ready to work remotely.
If you’d like help reviewing your resume or writing one from scratch, I’m happy to help. You’re not alone in this journey.
Let’s build something great—one remote job at a time.