entry level remote jobs

4 Tips to Land Entry-Level Remote Jobs (Even Without Experience)

Getting entry level remote jobs is tough, especially when you are in Africa and having to deal with competition for available openings. This write up lays out simple steps to improve your chances of getting one

Staff

• 3 min read
4 Tips to Land Entry-Level Remote Jobs (Even Without Experience)

Breaking into remote work can feel intimidating — especially if you’re just starting out or switching careers. But the truth is, thousands of Africans are landing remote jobs every month — many at entry-level positions. The key is learning how to position yourself strategically, build the right skills, and apply smartly.

Here are four proven tips to help you land your first remote job and start earning online.

Learn the Right Skills

Before you can get hired for remote jobs, you need to learn the skills employers are looking for. Remote work is built around digital skills — so even if you’re not a tech person, you’ll still need to understand the tools, communication methods, and workflows that make remote teams succeed.

Start with in-demand skills that are consistently sought after by employers, such as:

  • Customer support
  • Virtual assistance
  • Digital marketing
  • Graphic design
  • Writing and editing
  • Data entry and analysis
  • Web development or product design

You can explore these detailed guides on Remote4Africa to see which fit your interest and career goals:

Next, master the tools used in remote work — these include communication, collaboration, and task management tools like Slack, Zoom, Trello, Google Workspace, and Notion. They make you productive and show employers you’re ready to join a distributed team.

Check out:

Build Your Portfolio

Once you’ve learned a skill, it’s time to show proof of what you can do.
Employers care less about your degree and more about results — what you can create, improve, or solve.

Start with personal, volunteer, or trial projects:

  • Offer to help small businesses, NGOs, or student organizations for free or at a discount.
  • Create mock projects that demonstrate your skills (e.g., design a landing page, write blog articles, manage a demo social media account).
  • Contribute to open-source projects or online challenges.

Then, compile your best work into a professional portfolio.
This can be a simple Google Drive folder, a Notion page, or a personal website. Include short descriptions of each project, your process, and the results achieved.

A strong portfolio instantly makes your CV and job applications stand out, even if you’re new.

Create an Outstanding CV/Resume

Your CV or resume is your first impression — and often, the deciding factor in whether you get an interview. For entry-level remote roles, your CV doesn’t need years of experience. It needs clarity, relevance, and evidence of potential.

Here’s how to make yours stand out:

  • Highlight your skills and the tools you’ve mastered.
  • Include projects - volunteer, personal, or freelance - that show you can do the job.
  • Keep your layout clean, simple, and easy to read.
  • Add a short summary section that clearly states what kind of remote job you’re looking for.

Use these resources to build or improve your CV:

Pro tip: Keep your CV one page long, tailor it to each job you apply for, and use relevant keywords from the job description. This increases your chances of being picked by HR tools or hiring platforms.

Apply Strategically and Often

Landing a remote job is a numbers game, but it’s also about strategy.
You need to apply to as many relevant positions as possible, while also making sure your applications are well-matched to the job requirements.

Here’s how to apply smarter:

  • Focus on entry-level roles that don’t require years of experience.
  • Filter by “Remote” and “0-1 year experience” on LinkedIn or job boards.
  • Customize your CV and short cover letter for each role — generic applications rarely work.
  • Track your applications in a spreadsheet so you can follow up professionally.

Start by checking out:

  • Remote4Africa Entry Level Remote Jobs — updated daily with verified remote jobs open to Africans.
  • LinkedIn: Search for remote jobs and use filters for “entry level” and “remote”.
  • Global job boards like Remotive, We Work Remotely, and Indeed (use filters for African applicants when possible).

Consistency is key. If you apply to 5–10 relevant roles daily, you’ll start getting responses within weeks.

Start small, stay consistent, and keep improving your skills. The first remote job might take time to land - but once you get in, you’ll unlock a world of opportunities and financial freedom.