If in a few seconds a hiring manager can’t tell whether you’re the right fit, your resume goes straight into the reject pile. And that’s why knowing the skills to include in a resume to land your dream remote job isn’t optional, it’s the only way to get closer to landing that remote job.
Companies are highly aware that resumes can be polished or even misleading. Anyone can claim to be “detail-oriented” or “great at communication.” That’s why remote employers don’t just want someone who sounds qualified. They want someone who has the exact skills, knowledge of the tools, and proof that match what the role demands.
Someone who can work without supervision. Someone who communicates clearly even through a screen. Someone who can manage tasks, deadlines, and tools without waiting for follow-ups. When you understand this mindset, it becomes easier to see why your resume needs to show these qualities instantly, not in long paragraphs or vague statements.
The Role ATS In Landing Your Dream Remote Job
Most companies now use technology to make hiring easier. This software is called ATS. ATS stands for Applicant Tracking System, a software that scans resumes for the keywords, skills, and qualifications employers are looking for. Think of it as a gatekeeper for your resume. If the skills you list don’t match what the system is looking for, your resume might never reach the hiring manager. That’s why knowing which skills to include is a necessity to make sure your resume actually gets seen amidst the thousands of resumes they have to vet.
You could be a perfect fit for the role, but the ATS won’t know it. So, the better you speak its “language” with the right keywords, the faster your resume moves to the shortlist.
What Skills Do I Need for Remote Jobs?
You can’t just list random skills on your resume and expect magic to happen. Hiring managers and ATS (applicant tracking systems) know exactly what they’re looking for, and if your resume doesn’t match, it’s thrown into the trash before anyone even reads it. How then do you figure out which skills actually matter?
1. Pay Attention to the Job Description
The job description shows exactly what the employer wants. Note the skills, tools, and tasks mentioned most. If it talks about “project management,” “team collaboration,” or “customer support,” those are the skills to highlight.
2. Use ATS to Your Advantage
ATS scans resumes for keywords that match the job. Mention the exact skills listed in the posting on your resume. For example, if the role mentions “Zoom, Asana, and Slack,” don’t just write “project tools” and name the tools.
3. Match Your Past Experience to the Role
Think about what you’ve done in previous jobs or projects. Which tasks show that you can handle what this role requires? Even if your job title doesn’t match, your experience can prove you’re ready for the work.
4. Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
No two remote jobs are exactly the same, so your resume shouldn’t be either. Don’t use the same resume for all job applications. Match your skills, bullet points, and examples specifically to the very job you apply to.
A hiring manager takes you seriously, when there is data backing what you claim you can do. The easiest proof is numbers. Metrics make your resume believable because they show exactly what you’ve achieved, not just what you say you can do. Resume builders make it easier.
Why Numbers Matter in the Hiring Process
When a recruiter sees a concrete result, it tells them you get things done. Numbers make your achievements tangible, and in a remote role, where you might not meet your team face-to-face, that evidence becomes even more important.
Example:
Marketing Manager | Delight Property Limited | 2022–2025
- Increased lead generation by 40% within the first year by implementing targeted social media campaigns.
- Boosted email marketing engagement rates by 25% through A/B testing and audience segmentation.
- Reduced campaign turnaround time by 30% by streamlining workflow processes using Asana.
- Improved client satisfaction scores from 80% to 95% through personalized campaign reporting and communication.
How to Quantify Achievements Even If You’re Entry-Level
Even if you’re just starting out, you can still use numbers. Think about internships, school projects, volunteer work, or freelance gigs:
- Did you grow a social media page by 500 followers?
- Did you complete a project ahead of schedule?
- Did your campaign or event reach more people than expected?
Skills to Include in Your Resume
When it comes to remote jobs, your resume needs to show a mix of technical skills and soft skills. Both tell a hiring manager that you can do the work and work well with others, even from a distance.
Technical Skills
These are the tools and platforms that prove you can handle the job.
Example:
Social media management: Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite, Buffer
Email marketing: Mailchimp, HubSpot, ActiveCampaign
Analytics & reporting: Google Analytics, Excel, Power BI
Project management: Asana, Trello, Monday.com
Design & content tools: Canva, Adobe Creative Suite
CRM tools: Salesforce, Zoho CRM
Soft skills
- Communication
- Leadership
- Storytelling skill
- Data-driven mindset
- Motivated
- Organized
- Written/Verbal Communication
- Verbal Communication
- Entrepreneurial
- Creative
How to Tailor Your Resume for Each Application
Sending the same resume to every remote job is a quick way to get ignored. Even small tweaks can make a huge difference because hiring managers and ATS are looking for the exact skills and experience listed in the job description.
1. Match Your Skills to the Job Posting
Go through the job description and highlight the skills and tools they mention. Make sure those exact words appear on your resume — naturally, not stuffed.
Example:
If the job ad mentions “email marketing campaigns, social media strategy, and Google Analytics,” update your CV to reflect that:
Marketing Manager | Delight Property Limited | 2022–2025
Developed email marketing campaigns and social media strategies that increased engagement by 25%.
Monitored performance using Google Analytics to optimize campaigns in real time.
2. Highlight the Most Relevant Achievements
Don’t list every accomplishment. Focus on the ones that show you can solve the problems the new role cares about.
Example:
If the remote role emphasizes managing global teams, highlight:
“Coordinated a 5-person team across Lagos, London, and New York, ensuring 100% on-time delivery of campaigns.”
3. Adjust Your Summary and Skills Section
Your resume summary is the first thing a hiring manager sees. Tailor it for each application to show you’re a perfect match. Adjust your skills list to emphasize the tools and soft skills the job prioritizes.
Example Summary:
“Results-driven Marketing Manager with 3+ years of experience leading remote campaigns, improving lead generation by 40%, and managing cross-time-zone teams. Skilled in email marketing, social media strategy, Google Analytics, and project management tools.”
4. Keep it Clear and Easy to Read
Even with tailored content, your resume should be simple, scannable, and ATS-friendly. Use bullet points, action verbs, and measurable results to make every line count.
Tailoring your resume isn’t extra work, it’s the difference between being another name in the pile and being the candidate they call first.
You’ll find these tips useful:
- How to Write a Cover Letter: Step-by-Step Guide
- 10 Legit Remote Jobs Nigerians Can Apply for in 2026 That Pay in Dollars
- 5 Side Hustles Nigerian Students Can Do to Make 100k–300k Every Month in 2026
- How to write a CV for a job in Nigeria?
FAQ
1. What skills should I include in my resume for a remote job?
Include a mix of technical skills along with soft skills such as communication, organization, and teamwork.
2. What should I not include in my resume?
Leave out high school or primary school details, hobbies, your state of origin, and anything that doesn’t directly support your qualifications.
3. Which soft skills do remote employers look for the most?
Communication, time management, problem-solving, and the ability to work without supervision are key because they show you can thrive in a virtual environment.
4. How do I know which skills to add for a specific job?
Check the job description. The skills and tools mentioned repeatedly are the ones you should include in your resume.
5. Does ATS really affect my chances of getting a job interview?
Yes. ATS filters resumes before a human sees them. If you don’t include the right keywords and skills, your resume may never reach the hiring manager.
6. How can I tailor my resume for each remote job application?
Match your skills, tools, and achievements to the job posting. Use the exact keywords the company uses and highlight relevant results.
7. Do I need achievements with numbers in my resume?
Yes. Metrics make your experience believable. They show proof of impact, not just claims.
8. What if I have no work experience?
Use your experience from internships, school projects, volunteer work, or freelance tasks. Any measurable result counts, no matter how small.
9. Why are technical skills important for landing remote jobs?
Remote roles rely heavily on digital tools. Showing proficiency in platforms like Asana, Google Analytics, or Slack proves you can work independently without needing constant supervision.
