Why Remote Work?
A few years ago, landing a remote job as a new grad was unusual. Now it's a real option—and for some roles, it's the default. You're no longer limited to jobs within commuting distance, which means more opportunities and, often, a better work-life balance.
Remote Work Statistics (2025)
35%
of US workers work remotely at least part-time
98%
of workers want to work remotely at least some of the time
16%
of companies are fully remote
$4,000
average annual savings for remote workers
Types of Remote Work
"Remote" can mean different things depending on the company. Here's what you'll see:
Fully Remote
Work from anywhere with no office requirement
Pros
- Maximum flexibility
- Location independence
- No commute
Considerations
- Can feel isolating
- Requires self-discipline
- Time zone challenges
Hybrid
Mix of remote and in-office work (e.g., 2-3 days in office)
Pros
- Best of both worlds
- Face-to-face collaboration
- Flexible schedule
Considerations
- Still requires proximity to office
- Less location flexibility
- Inconsistent routine
Remote-First
Company designed around remote work; office optional
Pros
- Strong remote culture
- Equal treatment for remote workers
- Good async communication
Considerations
- May still have some in-person events
- Can be harder to find
Best Remote Job Boards
Skip the generic job boards—these sites focus specifically on remote work:
Remote-First Companies Hiring
These companies were built around remote work (or have fully committed to it):
GitLab
Tech • 2,000+ employees
Fully remote since founding
Zapier
Tech • 800+ employees
100% remote, async-first
Automattic
Tech • 1,900+ employees
WordPress parent company
Buffer
Social Media • 80+ employees
Transparent salaries
Shopify
E-commerce • 10,000+ employees
Digital by default
Coinbase
Crypto • 4,000+ employees
Remote-first since 2020
Stripe
Fintech • 8,000+ employees
Remote-friendly
Notion
Productivity • 500+ employees
Hybrid/remote options
Figma
Design • 800+ employees
Remote-friendly
Canva
Design • 3,500+ employees
Flexible work options
Pro Tip
Check company career pages directly—many remote-first companies post jobs on their own sites before job boards. Follow companies on LinkedIn for updates.
Making Your Resume Remote-Ready
Tailor your resume to show you're prepared for remote work:
1
Highlight remote work experience
Even if informal—freelance projects, online collaborations, or remote internships count
2
Showcase self-management skills
Demonstrate you can work independently, manage time, and stay productive without supervision
3
Emphasize communication skills
Written communication is crucial for remote work; highlight documentation and async communication experience
4
List relevant tools
Slack, Zoom, Notion, Asana, Trello, Google Workspace—show you're comfortable with remote collaboration tools
5
Include your time zone
Many companies care about time zone overlap; include yours in your contact info or summary
6
Mention home office setup
A professional home office shows you're prepared for remote work
Remote Interview Tips
Remote interviews require additional preparation. Here's how to ace them:
Technical Setup
- Test your camera, microphone, and internet connection beforehand
- Use a neutral, well-lit background (or professional virtual background)
- Have a backup plan (phone hotspot, alternative device)
- Close unnecessary tabs and applications to avoid notifications
Environment
- Choose a quiet, private space
- Inform household members about your interview time
- Have water nearby (but not visible on camera)
- Dress professionally from head to toe (you might need to stand up)
During the Interview
- Look at the camera, not the screen, to simulate eye contact
- Speak clearly and pause slightly longer than normal (for lag)
- Use hand gestures naturally but keep them in frame
- Have notes nearby but don't read from them obviously
Questions to Ask
- How does the team communicate day-to-day?
- What does a typical remote workday look like?
- How do you handle time zone differences?
- What tools does the company use for collaboration?
- How do remote employees stay connected to company culture?
Red Flags to Watch For
Unfortunately, remote job scams exist. Watch out for these warning signs:
⚠️
No clear communication about remote policy
Legitimate remote companies are upfront about their policies and expectations
⚠️
Requiring you to pay for equipment or training
Real employers provide necessary equipment; paying upfront is often a scam
⚠️
Vague job descriptions with unrealistic pay
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is
⚠️
No video interview or company website
Legitimate companies want to meet you and have a professional online presence
⚠️
Pressure to accept immediately
Real employers give you time to consider offers
⚠️
Asking for personal financial information early
Bank details should only be needed after you're officially hired
Succeeding in Remote Work
Landing the job is just the beginning. Here's how to thrive remotely:
Productivity
- Create a dedicated workspace separate from relaxation areas
- Establish a consistent routine with set work hours
- Use time-blocking to manage tasks and avoid distractions
- Take regular breaks (Pomodoro technique works well)
Communication
- Over-communicate rather than under-communicate
- Document everything—decisions, processes, updates
- Be responsive during work hours; set clear availability
- Use video calls for complex discussions, async for updates
Well-being
- Set boundaries between work and personal time
- Schedule social interactions (virtual coffee chats, coworking)
- Get outside and exercise regularly
- Avoid working from bed or couch
Career Growth
- Be visible—share wins, participate in meetings, contribute ideas
- Seek feedback proactively since casual check-ins are rare
- Build relationships with colleagues through 1:1s
- Document your achievements for performance reviews