16 Best Remote Job Sites for 2023 (and why they're better than LinkedIn)
According to recent surveys, the most desired quality people look for in a job is the ability to work remotely. An astonishing 84% of professionals said that "remote work options" is the top factor they consider when choosing a job.
As a result, a lot of companies are starting to be more open to remote jobs. A 2022 McKinsey study found that 58% of employees said they had the option to work from home either part-time or full-time.
Notable brands—like Adobe, Salesforce, Spotify, Automattic, GitLab, Toptal, and Zapier—have all made the switch to hybrid or completely remote work environments.
But, there is a big problem looming.
👉 Remote jobs attract a LOT of candidates.
So many candidates, in fact, that it can be very competitive to land a remote job.
Take a look at this chart from Axios, for example:
Axios recently found that 50% of job applications submitted on LinkedIn are for remote jobs.
BUT, only 15% of jobs listed on the platform are remote/hybrid friendly.
That means that if you want to land a remote job, you’re going to have a lot of competition if you apply on the big job search websites.
But never fear, in this post we've curated a list of some of the best remote job sites. These specialized platforms can help you can separate yourself from all the competition on the more general job boards.
So, without further adieu, here are the best remote job boards that can help you land that remote job you’re after..
(Note: If you’re open to hybrid or non-remote work as well, you can also see our other list of the 40 best job search sites here).
The Best Remote Job Sites
Let's begin with the cream of the crop. These are some of the most popular remote job sites that offer thousands of positions in a wide variety of fields.
1. FlexJobs
FlexJobs is one of the best remote job sites to start your search with. It boasts an impressive selection of 23,000+ listings in 50+ career categories from the biggest companies in the world. You also won’t have to worry about any scam postings because each job listing is carefully filtered to ensure maximum legitimacy. That means you can put your all into your job applications without fear that you’ll be wasting your time.
What further makes FlexJobs stand out is that it's a hub for various flexible jobs, not just remote ones. These include freelance, part-time, hybrid, and other flexible work options. So if you want to transition into remote work gradually, this may be the one-stop shop you need.
2. We Work Remotely
One of the first remote job sites to ever launch, We Work Remotely (WWR) is a straightforward place to find full-time, part-time, and contract remote jobs. We personally love how intuitive their platform is and that it’s broken down by job category (programming, design, sales and marketing, etc).
One thing we love is that you can also subscribe to get listings delivered directly to your inbox—perfect for laser-focusing your job search.
What further sets WWR apart is its diverse selection of job postings. You’ll find thousands of listings from startups to Fortune 500 companies. It's no wonder that it remains one of the most visited remote job sites on the web with over 4.5 million viewers.
3. Working Nomads
Working Nomads (WN) is one of the best remote job sites specializing in digital nomad jobs. When you sign up, you'll get a curated list of remote jobs sent straight to your inbox (you can even choose if they should be sent daily or weekly). And if you want to browse their job listings, the site is also color-coded by category so you can quickly and easily find what you're looking for.
The variety of jobs listed on WN is great, too. You'll find everything from software engineering and web development to content writing and customer support jobs. The companies who list jobs on WN encourage you to work from anywhere in the world, which makes this a great site for aspiring digital nomads.
4. Virtual Vocations
We added Virtual Vocations to this list because of how they go beyond your typical remote and work-from-home websites. Virtual Vocations doesn’t just stop at offering a massive selection of 15,000+ job postings in 40+ fields from leading companies in their respective industries. It also offers resources in its "Career Center," ranging from courses and coaching sessions to guides and webinars.
What really sets Virtual Vocations apart is its membership packages, which give you access to a more extensive range of features. One example is the Job Application History tool, which helps you keep track of your job searches and follow-ups. Plus, they also have a money-back guarantee with these packages— so you can always change your mind.
5. Dynamite Jobs
Dynamite Jobs is a hidden gem among remote job boards. Created by the founders of the TropicalMBA podcast, Dynamite Jobs definitely attracts very forward thinking teams and companies.
Their job board features roles for all sorts of categories including marketing, programming, operations, admin, sales roles, and more. In addition to being a great website dedicated only to remote jobs, Dynamite Jobs also has a great forum and community. In the community you can ask for advice, make connections, and network for a job among like-minded peers.
Remote Jobs Sites for Writers & Editors
Now, let's move on to specific remote job sites that are dedicated to writing and editing positions. This niche is popular among many remote professionals, so there's been an uptick in remote job sites that specialize in these types of roles. Here are some of the best job sites for writers:
6. ProBlogger
If you're looking to make a career out of blogging, definitely check out ProBlogger. This comprehensive website isn't only about jobs. It's a 360-degree resource for the blogging community, providing writers with top-notch tips and advice to help them maximize their income, create better content, and build an audience. Today, the platform has amassed a passionate community of more than 300,000 bloggers worldwide.
To top it off, ProBlogger houses a huge database of remote job opportunities in the writing, editing, and content creation space. To access it, simply head to the Jobs tab. The listings typically include freelance writing gigs and contract blogging positions covering everything from food blogging to technical writing. It's also a great place to find content marketing positions in digital agencies or even corporate roles in large companies.
7. Contena
If you’ve been a writer for a while and you no longer want to deal with one-off projects, Contena is the place for you. This comprehensive platform caters to experienced writers who are seeking full-time or contract positions at established companies. It's a great option for those who want to work with brands while building more long-term relationships.
Contena's job board offers a range of well-paying opportunities, including copywriting, content marketing, editorial positions, and more. Not only that, but you can also choose a niche (or two) to filter out listings. A nice little bonus is that the site offers helpful resources such as webinars and e-books to help level up your writing skills and make sure you stand out from the competition.
Remote Job Sites for Marketers
Marketing has been one of the most popular fields when it comes to remote work. Ever since the pandemic, many marketing teams have shifted to remote working conditions, opening up a whole new world of job opportunities. When looking for a remote marketing job, you can actually find some good remote jobs on some of the these job search sites.
But if you want a specialty site, this is the one recommendation we would make:
8. MediaBistro
Although "media" is in its name, MediaBistro isn't limited to media-related jobs only. MediaBistro really serves any kind of job in the marketing and advertising space. Whether you're a social media manager, a marketing specialist, or a copywriter, you'll find hundreds of remote job opportunities here.
It's worth mentioning that MediaBistro is trusted by some big brands like NBC, PBS, and HBO, so you don't have to worry about the authenticity of job postings. Just type “remote” into the keyword search bar and you'll have a plethora of remote job postings right at your fingertips.
Remote Job Sites for Engineers and Developers
Just like marketing, engineering and development roles have seen a huge boost in remote jobs. If you're looking for software engineering, programming, and development positions, these are some of the best remote job sites for engineers:
9. Lemon.io
You'd think that verifying the skills of hundreds or thousands of remote developers is a near impossible task, but Lemon.io is up for the challenge. Lemon.io stands out because of the great vetting process they have for the candidates on their platform.
Before any professional is accepted onto the platform, they have to go through a four-step verification process. That process includes a resume check, soft skills evaluation, English language proficiency test, and coding session. This ensures only the best of the best make it through.
While this might seem like a hassle, once you’re verified, Lemon.io offers a host of services for both clients and developers. For example, clients receive their first batch of candidates in just 2-3 working days. Meanwhile, developers are able to access resume preparation and job interview assistance services.
10. Authentic Jobs
Living up to its name, Authentic Jobs offers only the most authentic job opportunities. They've made a name for themselves in the development and engineering space with giants like Apple and Tesla on their client list.
The site is incredibly intuitive and has a really nice user experience. When you’re browsing Authentic Jobs, all you need to do is hit the toggle switch from “All Jobs” to “Remote” and you’ll see thousands of opportunities. Authentic Jobs really does have some of the best remote engineering and development jobs in the industry.
Best Remote Job Sites for Designers & Creatives
From web design to graphic design and everything in between, the creative industry is booming with remote positions right now. Here are the best remote job sites for designers and creatives:
11. Dribbble
Dribbble is a be-all-end-all for finding creative jobs in web design, UI/UX, product design, and more. We love Dribbble because of how it offers a comprehensive experience to creatives. Dribbble lets you showcase your portfolio and hosts great job opportunities from both top brands and agencies.
The job board is also incredibly easy to navigate – with filters like “Specialities" and "Location" ensuring you get the most relevant job posts. Just choose the "Open to remote" option and find remote jobs that suit your skillset. Dribbble also has an exclusive list for freelance projects to its “Pro” members. This is ideal if you're looking to be your own boss while working remotely.
12. 99designs
You're probably aware of 99designs as a place where you can compete for freelance gigs. But, did you know that the platform also offers other types of remote work opportunities?
99designs now offers both full-time and part-time design jobs. From logo design to web page design, you can find remote-friendly job postings here from companies of all sizes.
The great thing about 99designs is that it allows you to filter by job type, design category, and budget. It also does a great job of matching you with a job based on your skills and experience level. This really helps take away a lot of guesswork on both sides, making it easier for clients to find the right person for their project and for designers to find the ideal fit much more quickly.
A Note About Graphics on Resumes
It’s important to note that if you’re going to include graphics on your resume, you'll want to make sure that they are ATS-friendly (ATS = applicant tracking systems).
If you’re not sure whether your resume is ATS-friendly, you can read our guide on how to beat the ATS here. And we recommend watching this video by resume writing expert, Virginia Franco:
Specialty Remote Job Sites
The demand for remote work has opened even beyond the usually tech roles. With the increasing popularity of remote work there has been an emergence of specialty job sites.
These websites are worth checking out if you’re looking for a specialized job in fields such as non-profits, education, video games, social justice, or sustainability.
13. Idealist - Education, non-profits, and more.
Idealist is a nonprofit organization that focuses on connecting individuals with meaningful causes and organizations. On the website, you can find thousands of remote job postings in fields like social justice, advocacy, education, and more. All you have to do is head over to the "Jobs" tab, filter by location (remote), and search for the job you're looking for.
What's particularly powerful about Idealist is that the platform also offers internships and volunteer opportunities. This is particularly helpful so that you can get that first bit of experience to put on your resume.
This is a great job site where you can give back to the community and find a job that aligns with your values. They even hold “Idealist Days,” where they bring together people from all around the world to discuss pressing topics and potential solutions in their respective fields.
(Idealist Days are a great place to network into a job if that sounds more appealing to you than applying online.)
14. Hitmarker - Remote Jobs in Gaming
Innovative job categories are emerging everyday and Hitmarker is probably the best place to find them. This remote jobs board focuses on connecting people who are passionate about esports and gaming with opportunities in those sectors. Whether you're looking for a full-time job, part-time gig, freelance role, or even just a volunteer position, you can find them all on Hitmarker.
The best part of this job platform is that their positions are broken down into three levels (Junior, Intermediate, and Senior). This means you can easily find something that fits your skill set. With the majority of job postings being for entry-level and volunteer opportunities, Hitmarker is a great place to get your start in the gaming industry.
Remote Job Sites for Freelancers
Finally, there are a few websites out there that are primarily focused on freelance work and short-term contracts. That being said, there are quite a few jobs on here where you'll be able to find longer-term roles as well. If you're looking for a more flexible way of working that isn't necessarily limited to a 9-5 schedule, these job search sites could be worthwhile:
15. Freelancer
Freelancer is one of the top job marketplaces for freelancers and has thousands of projects posted each day. All you have to do is create a profile and start bidding on jobs that fit your skill set and experience level. You can also join contests, where you can compete with other freelancers to win a job.
The best part about Freelancer is that you can pick up jobs from all over the world and work from anywhere. This makes it great for those who want more freedom in their work-life balance. Plus, if you're keen on landing a full-time job, you can simply filter by "type" and choose "full-time" to find jobs that offer a more traditional schedule.
16. Upwork
One of the most popular freelance job boards is Upwork. Upwork connects businesses with freelancers in various fields like engineering, design, writing, translation, customer service, and many more. Similar to how Freelancer works, you can apply for jobs that match your skill set and get paid for completing projects.
We particularly like how powerful Upwork's filters are. For instance, if you're looking for more steady work, you could choose to filter by jobs that require working more than 30 hrs/week. Alternatively, if you're looking for something more flexible, you can filter by jobs with hourly pay and even create your own schedule. Upwork puts the controls in your hands.
Takeaways & Next Steps
As you can see, no matter what type of job you're looking for, there's a remote job board out there that can help you find it.
Using the remote job sites above can give you a distinct advantage as you set yourself apart from candidates on more general job boards.
It’s important to keep in mind though that, while these job sites do give you an advantage, you do still need to make sure you present yourself in the best possible light.
If you’ve applied to jobs, but haven’t landed many interviews, it may be good to take a second look at your resume and cover letter. You can get our free resume and cover letter courses by dropping your email below.
You’ll also get access to our 4 best resume builders and learn how to check your resume keywords to make sure it’s well suited before you hit “apply.”
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Bogdan Zlatkov is the Founder of GHYC and author of "The Ultimate Guide to Job Hunting", ranked #1 on Google. He has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, HR Dive, and more. At GHYC, Bogdan creates job search courses & tools by working with award-winning career coaches, best-selling authors, and Forbes-Council members. Prior to GHYC, Bogdan led the content programs at LinkedIn Learning.