How to Get a Fully Remote Software Engineer Job in 2025 (3 Proven Strategies)

It's tough finding a remote job now. I get it. I remember when I started, I stretched the truth on my resume more than once just to get my foot in the door for an interview.

I learned that applying to hundreds of jobs online doesn't work. There are too many people doing the same thing. The problem isn’t you, it's the strategy.

Here are the only three ways that actually work to get a remote job in 2025.

Stop Applying, Start Attracting

The best remote jobs are often not listed publicly. You need to become a candidate that recruiters find themselves.

• Fix your LinkedIn. It has to be perfect. Fill out every section, get a professional photo, and ask for endorsements. Your goal is to get your Social Selling Index (SSI) score above 60. When I hit that number, I saw a big jump in messages from recruiters.

• Show your experience. Recruiters filter by "years of experience." It's a broken metric, but you have to pass the filter. I often had to get creative with how I presented my timeline to even show up in their search results.

• Be easy to work with. When you finally get the interview, they need to feel like you are the right person for the team. It's like finding a good running partner. You want someone reliable who you can keep pace with, not someone who is difficult. Be that person.

The Bait and Switch

This one takes guts, but it works.

You apply for a hybrid or on-site job and go through the whole interview process. Your goal is to be the best person they talk to.

After they give you the offer, you tell them something has changed. Maybe a family situation or personal reasons mean you can't relocate or come to the office. You tell them you love the project and are ready to commit, but it has to be remote.

Hiring is a huge cost for companies. They’ve already invested time and money in you. Often, they’ll make an exception just to avoid starting the search all over again.

The Silent Transformation (My Favorite)

This is the method I used to get my last four remote jobs. It’s about proving your value, not asking for permission.

• Get a hybrid job. There are way more of these available.

• Be a model employee. During your probation period, go to the office like they ask. Meet all expectations.

• Start skipping office days. After probation, test the waters. Don’t come in one day. See if anyone says anything. Then maybe skip two days the next week.

• Make it the new normal. If your work is excellent, nobody usually cares where you are. Your goal is to make not being in the office your only tiny "flaw." It's too small of a reason for them to have a problem with it if you’re delivering great work.

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I explain all three of these methods in detail in my new video.

Go watch it. Unless you actually enjoy sending your CV into a black hole.