Remote work has fundamentally changed how we think about employment. Fully remote jobs have grown from 10% in Q1 2023 to 15% by end of 2024, with hybrid jobs jumping from 9% to 23%.
But with more demand comes more competition. Here's how to stand out.
Best Remote Job Platforms
Remote-Specific Job Boards
- FlexJobs: Most comprehensive, but paid ($10-15/month)
- We Work Remotely: World's largest remote work community
- Remote.co: Free, quality listings
- Working Nomads: Good for digital nomads
- JustRemote: Clean interface, global listings
General Platforms with Remote Filters
- LinkedIn (use "Remote" filter)
- Indeed (search "remote" + your title)
- Glassdoor
Understand the Different Types
Not all "remote" is created equal:
- Fully Remote: Work from anywhere, no office visits required
- Hybrid: Split time between home and office (location-dependent)
- Remote in [Location]: Work from home, but must live in specific area (taxes, client visits)
- Temporarily Remote: Currently remote, may change
Read job descriptions carefully. "Remote-friendly" might mean occasional remote, not full-time.
Tailor Your Resume for Remote
Remote hiring managers look for specific qualities:
Highlight:
- Previous remote work experience
- Self-motivation and independence
- Written communication skills
- Familiarity with remote tools (Slack, Zoom, Notion, etc.)
- Results achieved without supervision
- Time zone flexibility (if applicable)
Add These Keywords:
- Remote collaboration
- Distributed team
- Async communication
- Self-directed
- Virtual team management
Interview Tips for Remote Roles
- Test your tech: Camera, mic, lighting, internet—before the interview
- Professional background: Clean, uncluttered, good lighting
- Demonstrate communication skills: Be clear, concise, engage actively
- Ask about their remote culture: How do they onboard? How often do they meet in person? What tools do they use?
- Show you're set up to work: Mention your dedicated workspace, reliable internet, etc.
Red Flags in Remote Job Postings
- Vague job descriptions
- Requirements to pay for training or equipment upfront
- "Unlimited earning potential" (often MLM or sales scams)
- Very low wages for skilled work
- No clear company information or website
Beyond Job Boards
- Company career pages: Many remote-first companies hire directly
- LinkedIn networking: Connect with people at remote-first companies
- Remote work communities: Slack/Discord groups often share unlisted jobs
- Twitter/X: Many startup founders hire through their networks
Remote-First Companies to Know
Some companies are fully committed to remote work. Research companies like:
- GitLab, Zapier, Buffer, Basecamp
- Automattic (WordPress)
- Shopify, Coinbase, Dropbox
- And many startups/scale-ups
Check their careers pages directly—you'll often find listings before they hit job boards.
Time Zones Matter
Some "remote" roles require specific time zone coverage. If you're flexible, mention it. If you're not, apply to roles in compatible time zones.
Remote work is competitive, but it's also where the future of work is headed. Position yourself as someone who thrives in that environment.