In today’s global economy, the opportunity to work remotely for a US company offers exciting prospects for professionals from Latin America (LATAM). However, securing such positions requires a resume that not only highlights your skills and accomplishments but also demonstrates your ability to thrive in a remote work environment. Here’s how you can craft a resume that will make you stand out as the ideal candidate for a remote job in the US.
- Adapt to US Resume Standards
Understanding and adapting to the US resume format is the first step. Keep your resume concise, ideally one page, focusing solely on your professional qualifications without personal details like age, marital status, or photo. Ensure your contact information includes a professional email address and possibly a LinkedIn profile. - Showcase Your Remote Work Readiness
Highlight any previous remote work experience, including freelance, consulting, or telecommuting roles. Emphasize your familiarity with remote work tools (such as Zoom, Slack, Trello, or Asana) and your home office setup. If you haven’t worked remotely before, mention any projects or tasks completed independently that demonstrate self-motivation and time management skills. - Demonstrate Language Proficiency
For positions in the US, impeccable English skills are often crucial. List your language proficiencies and any certifications like TOEFL or IELTS scores. If you’ve worked or studied in English-speaking environments, make sure to highlight this experience to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in a remote setting. - Tailor Your Resume to the Job
Customization is critical. Align your resume with the job description, incorporating keywords and phrases to get past Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and catch the employer’s eye. Show how your background and skills match the specific requirements of the remote role you’re applying for. - Quantify Achievements
Transform your experiences into quantifiable achievements. Instead of merely listing job duties, focus on what you’ve accomplished, especially as it pertains to remote work. Metrics and specific results (e.g., “increased online sales by 30% through targeted social media campaigns”) demonstrate your impact more effectively. - Highlight Your Cross-Cultural and International Experience
Your LATAM background can be a significant asset, particularly for companies looking to expand their reach in Latin America or improve their diversity. Highlight any experience working with international teams, navigating different time zones, and adapting to various cultural contexts. - Education and Continuous Learning
Include your educational background, emphasizing degrees that are recognized internationally. Highlight any online courses, certifications, or training you’ve completed, especially if they are relevant to remote work or the specific job you’re applying for. - Technical Skills and Tools Proficiency
Detail your proficiency with technical tools, software, and platforms that are essential for remote work. This includes project management tools, communication platforms, and any industry-specific software. Your familiarity with these tools can set you apart as a candidate ready to integrate into a remote team seamlessly. - Professional References
Consider including references from previous employers or clients who can vouch for your reliability and effectiveness in a remote work setting. This can provide potential employers with confidence in your ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team. - Proofreading and Professional Feedback
A resume free from grammatical errors and typos is essential. Additionally, seeking feedback from professionals familiar with the US job market or from services that specialize in international resumes can provide valuable insights to refine your resume further.
Landing a remote job in the US from LATAM requires a resume that showcases not just your professional qualifications but also your readiness and adaptability to work remotely. By highlighting relevant experiences, demonstrating proficiency with remote work tools, and tailoring your resume to the specific job and company, you can position yourself as a compelling candidate ready to contribute to a global workforce. Remember, your unique perspective and diverse background can be a significant asset to US companies, making you a valuable addition to their remote teams.
Paola Mejia
SDR, HireLATAM