How to Get a Remote Job When It Feels Like There’s No Chance

If it feels like remote job opportunities have dried up, you’re not imagining things. In the wake of the pandemic, remote work became the norm, and many professionals expected it to stay that way. But in 2025, the reality is different: More companies are pushing employees back into the office, cutting back on fully remote roles, or switching to hybrid models that require regular in-person attendance. 

As a result, many remote-job seekers are facing fierce competition, fewer job postings, and uncertainty about which companies are truly committed to remote work.

Remote jobs haven’t disappeared completely, but finding them now takes more strategy and persistence than ever before. Here's how to get a remote job when opportunities are scarce.

How to find remote jobs in 2025

Remote jobs are harder to find, but they do exist—you just need to know where to look and how to stand out. Here’s how to find a remote job.

Target companies that are remote-first (or remote-friendly)

Look for remote-first companies—those that are built around remote work rather than just allowing it as an option. Job boards like The Muse allow you to filter for remote or flexible opportunities, helping you find companies that truly support remote workers. On LinkedIn, search for “remote” specifically in the job title and use the filters to narrow down.

Leverage hidden opportunities

Especially in scarce times, you need to be creative in where you look. LinkedIn groups and communities like r/RemoteWork on Reddit or Tech Ladies can be gold mines for remote job leads.

Optimize your LinkedIn and resume for remote roles

Employers hiring remote workers look for candidates who are self-motivated and excellent communicators. Highlight your remote work experience, proficiency with remote collaborative tools (Slack, Zoom, Asana, etc.), and ability to work independently. If you haven’t worked remotely before, emphasize times when you managed projects or collaborated with a team across different locations.

Read this next: How to Bulletproof Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile Against Hiring Bias

Apply strategically (and apply often)

Remote jobs attract a high volume of applicants, so casting a wide net is crucial. Apply to as many roles as possible, and personalize each application to stand out. Whenever you can, reach out to recruiters or hiring managers directly on LinkedIn—sometimes, a brief message can make your application stand out.

Read this next: How to Network on LinkedIn to Land a Job in 4 Steps

Be cautious of remote job scams 

With the rise in demand for remote work, scams have become more common. So you might be wondering, “How do I not get scammed when looking for a remote job?” Be wary of job listings that seem too good to be true and require you to pay for training. Check for red flags like poor grammar, vague job descriptions, or unclear payment terms. Use reputable job boards, research the company before applying, and avoid sharing personal information upfront.

Read this next: Job Scams: How to Spot Them and What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Stay open to freelance opportunities

If you're only seeking full-time jobs, try the freelance route. Freelance gigs are likely to be remote, and in some cases, you can even set your own work schedule. And there are ways to earn more than you would at a 9-5 if you play your cards right.

Read this next: How to Become a Freelancer: 7 Financial Tips to Thrive on Your Own

Network your way through it

In such a competitive job market, being a trusted familiar face might get you the job. Connect (or reconnect) with peers, but make it natural! You must be truly interested in what they're doing, not just in their careers but in life. 

“The adage of ‘it's not what you know, it's who you know’ is still very true,” says corporate attorney Katie Winchenbach, who works remotely for Motorola. “I've spent a lot of time cultivating my presence on LinkedIn, connecting with individuals that are at companies I'm interested in or have roles I'm interested in. Having someone inside the company submit your resume or put in a good word can go a long way.” 

Elaborate on why a remote job is important to you

Not everyone wants to work remotely for the same reasons, and that’s perfectly understandable. Just keep in mind that your reasons may not always align with what the company is looking for during the interview process.

Imagine saying, “I love working remotely because I'm highly antisocial, and I hate office small talk” to a company that highly values collaboration and team communication. Or “I love being able to do my schedule” to a company that is remote, but still operates a regular 9-5.

“Be very clear about what you want in a remote role—do you need flexibility in hours, a structured team environment, or growth opportunities?” says Maria Szandrach, who founded her remote-first company Mentalyc in 2021. “Then position yourself accordingly.”

Bonus insider tip from our community: Explore high-remand fields

“If you're focused on securing a remote position, consider exploring fields with high demand for remote roles, such as IT,” says one of our community members, who wished to remain anonymous. “To enhance my qualifications, I’m pursuing an additional degree and taking courses in AI and IT, hoping to open up more opportunities.”

According to the latest FlexJobs report, these five career fields have consistently shown high volumes of remote roles and are strong prospects for job seekers:

1. Computer and IT 

2. Project management 

3. Business development 

4. Operations 

5. Accounting and finance 

If the job posting doesn’t offer remote work, should you try to negotiate it?

So, you’ve found the perfect job—but it’s listed as in-office. Should you still apply and try to negotiate for remote work? The answer depends. 

Research the company’s stance on remote work

Some companies are strict about in-office policies, while others may be open to flexibility. Check their careers page, employee reviews on Glassdoor, or even LinkedIn posts from their employees to see if they’ve allowed remote work before.

Consider your leverage

Are you bringing specialized skills or experience that make you a top candidate? If so, you have a stronger case for requesting remote work. If it’s an entry-level role or a position with many applicants, the employer may be less willing to negotiate.

Know when to bring it up

If remote work isn’t mentioned in the job description, wait until after you’ve impressed them in the interview process before negotiating. Bringing it up too soon could make you seem more focused on perks than on the job itself.

Present a solid case

If you decide to negotiate, emphasize how working remotely will improve your performance. Highlight past remote experience, outline how you’ll stay engaged with the team, and offer solutions for potential concerns (like attending key meetings in person if needed).

“Start by proposing a trial period, maybe a few days a week, where you can prove your productivity,” Szandrach says. “Emphasize how remote work can help you focus better, reduce commute stress, and ultimately contribute more to the company.” The key is to position it as a win-win: Your performance improves, and the company benefits from a more engaged and productive employee.

Read this next: How to Ask If a Role Can Be Remote (Without Ruining Your Interview)

Be prepared for a no

Not all companies will be flexible, and that’s OK. If remote work is a dealbreaker for you, it’s better to know upfront. But if you really want the role, consider hybrid options or re-evaluating your long-term plan.

Consider compromising

You're not delusional for swimming against the tide and wanting a remote job when most companies are going back to the office. For some women, working in an office isn't even a possibility anymore, whether due to a chronic illness, motherhood, choosing to live or travel abroad—or simply wanting to protect a work-life balance. But depending on where you are at in life and your career, you might consider compromising.

“If you’re focused on advancing in your career and being in the office gives you face time with the boss, it may be worth trying a hybrid schedule so you get those extra organic touchpoints,” Winchenbach says. 

Read this next: Remote Work: Better or Worse for Women?

How to actually find a remote job?

Finding a remote job in today’s market isn’t as easy as it once was, but with the right strategy, it’s still possible. Go after companies that are truly remote-friendly, leverage job boards and networking, and optimize your applications to stand out. And if remote work isn’t listed in a job description, don’t be afraid to negotiate—it just might work in your favor.