A Resume for Remote Work

A Wall Street Journal writer offers good advice for adjusting your resume for a remote job. The author of Remote, Inc.: How to Thrive at Work . . . Wherever You Are, Alexandra Samuel suggests five ideas to incorporate.

Some suggestions may be obvious, for example, including remote work experience and tech skills, such as Slack or Basecamp proficiency. But Samuel also recommends describing “facilities” or “affiliations,” for example, if you have dedicated space in your house or a private remote office. You might write, “ergonomic home office with excellent soundproofing” and identify special equipment you own.

Of course, these distinctions might disadvantage people who don’t have private spaces or the luxury of buying high-end technology. Employers may decide to properly equip new hires.

All this is to reinforce what we know about employment communication: applicants need to find ways to differentiate themselves in job search. If an employer reviews 20 resumes for a remote position, maybe yours will stand out. Convince the employer that you are accountable and can be trusted to work well independently.