5 Expert Tips to Help You Land a Remote Job in 2025

Dec 10

Remote work has transformed the way we approach careers, giving us the freedom to work from anywhere while balancing the demands of life. Whether you’re dreaming of working from the comfort of your couch, traveling the world while earning a paycheck, or simply ditching the exhausting commute, remote work offers endless possibilities.

But here’s the truth: landing a remote job is harder than ever.

Why? Remote work has become increasingly popular and competitive, with companies receiving hundreds—sometimes thousands—of applications for each opening. On top of that, many businesses now rely on AI-powered applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter candidates before a human even reviews their applications.

If you’ve been struggling to land a remote role, don’t worry—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. When I first started my remote work journey, I had no roadmap and felt completely overwhelmed. It was frustrating sending out applications only to hear crickets in return.

But over time, I learned strategies that helped me stand out and land opportunities that changed my life. And now, I’m here to share those strategies with you.

Here are 5 actionable tips to help you land a remote job in 2024, even in today’s competitive job market:

1. Beat the AI With Keywords

Did you know that many companies use AI-powered tools to screen resumes? These systems scan your application for keywords that match the job description. If your resume doesn’t have enough of those keywords, your application might never even reach a human.

Here’s the fix:

Review the job description carefully and identify key terms or phrases (e.g., “project management,” “customer service,” “HubSpot experience”).
Naturally weave these terms into your resume and cover letter, especially in the skills and experience sections.

This simple step can dramatically increase the chances of your application getting past the initial filters.

2. Customize Every Application

Submitting generic applications won’t get you far—especially in the remote job world. Hiring managers can spot cookie-cutter resumes a mile away, and they’re much less likely to respond to an application that doesn’t feel personalized.

To stand out, tailor your resume and cover letter for every job. Highlight your most relevant skills and accomplishments, and be specific about how your experience aligns with the role. Yes, it takes more time—but the results are worth it.

3. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place hiring managers and recruiters look after reviewing your application. Think of it as your digital business card—it needs to shine.

Here’s how to optimize your profile:

Use a professional headshot.
Write a compelling headline that highlights what you do (e.g., “Social Media Specialist Helping Brands Grow Online” instead of just “Social Media Specialist”).
Craft an engaging “About” section that shares your story, skills, and career goals.
Highlight achievements and skills in your work experience section.

Bonus tip: Start engaging on LinkedIn by commenting on posts, connecting with industry professionals, and sharing relevant content. This increases your visibility and helps you build relationships with people who could open doors for you.

4. Add a Digital Portfolio

Even if the job doesn’t specifically ask for one, a digital portfolio can set you apart from the competition. It’s a great way to prove your skills and showcase your work in action.

For example:

If you’re applying for a virtual assistant role, share a sample of how you’ve managed schedules, emails, or tasks in the past.
For graphic design roles, create a portfolio of your best designs or mockups.
For marketing roles, highlight examples of campaigns you’ve worked on or analytics you’ve improved.

Your portfolio doesn’t have to be fancy—just a simple Google Drive folder or a free website (like Wix or Canva) can do the trick.

5. Follow Up With Confidence

One of the biggest mistakes job seekers make is not following up after submitting their application. It’s easy to feel like you’re “bothering” the company, but a professional follow-up email can actually demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.

Here’s how to follow up:

Wait about a week after applying.
Send a polite email to the hiring manager (if you can find their contact information).
Reiterate your interest in the position and briefly summarize why you’re a great fit.

It doesn’t have to be long—just enough to keep your name fresh in their mind.

Bonus

When it comes to landing a remote job, few things carry as much weight as a glowing recommendation. A strong recommendation letter can make your application stand out, humanize your experience, and provide hiring teams with tangible proof of your value.

Here’s why recommendation letters are so powerful:

They Build Instant Credibility: A glowing review from a trusted professional adds legitimacy to your skills and experience. It’s like having someone vouch for you before the hiring manager even meets you.
They Set You Apart: In a competitive market where hundreds of applicants might have similar qualifications, a heartfelt recommendation letter can tip the scales in your favor.
They Highlight Your Character: Employers aren’t just looking for skills—they’re looking for someone they can trust and rely on. A recommendation letter gives insight into your personality, work ethic, and reliability.

Want to learn more? Click here for tips on snagging a job-winning recommendation letter

The Reality of Remote Work

Landing a remote job can feel like a full-time job in itself, especially with today’s challenges. But remember, it’s not just about getting a paycheck—it’s about building a life on your terms.

For me, the ability to work remotely changed everything. It gave me the freedom to travel, spend more time with loved ones, and even explore freelancing on the side to bring in extra income. Freelancing helped me stay financially afloat during tough times, and it’s a flexible option I always recommend for anyone looking to offset rising costs of living or bridge the gap while searching for their dream remote job.

Thinking About Freelancing?

If you’ve ever considered starting a side hustle online, freelancing in areas like bookkeeping, digital marketing, graphic design, or virtual assistance could be your next step.

To help you get started, I created a free mini-course called Booked+Busy©. It’s packed with tools and resources to teach you how to start earning online—on your own terms.

Whether you use freelancing as a stepping stone to remote work or turn it into a full-time career, it’s a powerful way to take control of your income and future.

Liv Wilde