How do I apply for jobs as a digital nomad?

Dreaming of working from a beach in Bali or a café in Lisbon?

Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash

Being a digital nomad means earning income remotely while exploring the world.

But before you pack your laptop, you’ll need to know how to apply for jobs that fit this lifestyle.

Digital nomad jobs are remote-friendly: you only need Wi-Fi, not an office.

Job categories include:

Tech

• Developer

• UX/UI Designer

• Data Analyst

Creative

• Writer

• Video editor

• Graphic designer

Education

• Online tutor

• Learning designer (sometimes called "instructional designer")

Marketing

• Social media manager

• SEO specialist

• Content strategist

Explore this video to find out about digital nomad careers that don’t require a college degree:

Remote employers look for people who can work independently and communicate online clearly.

Show this in your resume:

• Use verbs like “coordinated,” “managed,” “communicated,” and “delivered remotely”.

• Mention tools you use (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Trello, Google Workspace).

• Add skills such as time management, self-motivation, and cross-time-zone collaboration.

• Keep examples short and specific.

Example:

"Collaborated with a global team using Slack to meet project deadlines."

Quiz: What Would You Want to See?

Imagine you’re the interviewer hiring for a remote role. You’re reading resumes.

Which line makes you think, “Yes, this person can work independently online”?

A. Enjoyed meeting coworkers to discuss projects.

B. Attended online meetings regularly.

C. Communicated daily with an international team using Zoom and Trello.

D. Completed independent projects on deadline using shared online tools.

Finding remote-friendly job boards will save you time.

Photo by Surface on Unsplash

Websites with roles designed for digital nomads include:

• We Work Remotely: Jobs from companies that hire globally

• Remote OK: Filter by “anywhere” to see location-independent work

• FlexJobs: Verified remote and hybrid positions

• LinkedIn:Use the “Remote” filter when searching for jobs

Tip!

It's important to check if the job says “Remote — [Country Name] only.” That means you must legally work from that country, even if it’s remote.

Before accepting a digital nomad offer, research how work and life will function across borders.

Things to check:

• Getting paid: What currency will you be paid in? Will it cover living costs where you’ll stay?

• Taxes: Will you pay taxes in your home country, your employer’s country, or both?

• Benefits: Can you use health insurance or other benefits internationally?

• Workplace laws: Are employers allowed to monitor your work devices or message you anytime?

• Time zones: Will you work during your own daytime or your employer’s?

Knowing these details early helps you avoid surprises and plan for a smooth remote work experience.

Get ready to land your first digital nomad job!

Use this checklist to guide your next steps: