Why You’re Not Getting Hired for Remote Jobs—and How to Fix It

Are you one of those people who has tried and tried to get a remote job and just can’t seem to get anywhere at all?

I know it’s frustrating, especially when applications have been sent and you aren’t hearing anything back.

Remote jobs can be competitive, and a slow search doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. There are some things you can look over, though, that may help your experience get noticed.

Does the Work Fit What You’re Looking For?

There are a lot of promises online about easy money from home, and it can be hard to know what to believe.

Just so you know, a remote job may still come with set hours, training, phone calls, or other requirements. Those details aren’t always clear until you’ve read through the whole listing.

You can look through the remote jobs shared here, then check what each company expects before spending time on an application.

Are You Qualified for the Jobs You’re Applying To?

When you’ve been looking for a while, it’s understandable to want to apply to everything you come across.

It may help to spend a little more time on jobs where your experience matches what the company needs. Then your resume can be adjusted so those skills are easy to find.

Is There Room to Try Something a Little Different?

Some things may need to stay on your list, like a certain schedule, enough pay to cover your bills, or work that can be done without being on the phone.

Also, health needs and caring for family can limit what will work for you. Those are real things to consider.

If there are other details you can be more flexible about, you can try searching for a different job title or type of company. You may find work that uses skills you already have.

Are You Not Applying Because You Think You Aren’t Qualified?

A lot of people don’t apply for jobs because they assume they’re not qualified. But that cashier work you did way back when? That counts as customer service experience!

When you start looking at your history this way, it opens up more opportunities than you think.

Is Your Resume As Good As It Can Be?

It can help to look over your resume as if you’re seeing it for the first time. Is the experience that fits the job easy to find?

Your resume is often one of the first things an employer sees, before a phone or video interview is offered. It should be clear and easy to read.

Also, many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to handle applications. A simple layout without text boxes or complicated columns can help your information be read correctly.

A good cover letter can help, too. A couple of paragraphs explaining why you want the job and how your experience fits may be all that’s needed, unless the company asks for more.

If your resume could use a little help, I recommend Teal, which lets you build a new resume or improve the one you already have.

You can also compare it with the job you’re applying for, so you have a better idea of which skills and experience to highlight.

Is Your Resume Tailored to the Job?

Your resume may need a few changes for each job you apply to. The job description can help you see which parts of your experience to focus on.

If the company mentions skills you have, you can use the same words to describe them where they fit naturally. That makes it easier for employers to find the experience they’re looking for. Just be sure everything you’ve included is something you can honestly do.

Are There Gaps in Your Employment History?

If you’ve been out of work for a while, you may be worried about how that will look on your resume. An employer might ask about the gap, but there are all kinds of reasons people spend time away from paid work.

Think about anything you did during that time that relates to the job. Volunteer work, classes, and other experience can be included if they help show what you can do.

Your employment dates should still be accurate. If you were a stay-at-home parent or caring for a loved one, it’s okay to mention that if you want to. You don’t need to share private details.

Have You Had Several Short-Term Jobs?

Short-term jobs can raise questions, but the reason matters. A temporary assignment or contract that ended can be explained that way on your resume.

You can give more space to the jobs that relate to the work you’re applying for now, then keep the other descriptions shorter. And if an application asks for your full work history, be sure to include what has been requested.

What Do Your Social Media Profiles Say About You?

A lot of employers will look you up. So clean up anything public on Facebook, Instagram, or anywhere else that doesn’t present you in a professional light.

Also, create a LinkedIn profile if you haven’t already. You can link to it in your resume so employers have another way to see your experience.

Also, LinkedIn has a Remote filter you can use when searching for jobs!

Are You Staying Informed About Remote Work?

It’s important to know which companies are hiring remotely, and how they typically operate. You can follow remote work Facebook pages for leads and information.

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter and other trusted remote job sites I recommend here.

I also recommend joining FlexJobs for vetted, scam-free remote job leads from legitimate companies. You can try it for $2.95 for 14 days.

Have You Furthered Your Education?

If the jobs you’re interested in keep asking for a skill you haven’t learned yet, a little practice or a class may help.

That doesn’t have to mean paying for a degree or an expensive course. Some skills can be learned through free lessons and practiced on your own.

I put together a list of ways to learn new skills online. There are free and paid options included, so you can see what fits your needs and budget.

Don’t Give Up

Sometimes, the timing just doesn’t work out, even when you’re qualified. It can take a while to find something that fits.

New openings are posted regularly, so keep checking when you can. I hope something here helps make your search a little easier!

Good luck in whatever you choose to do!

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Pexels