How to Get Hired by an International Remote-First Company

Working for an international remote-first company can open up career opportunities far beyond the Australian job market.

Instead of commuting to an office every morning, you could work from home in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or anywhere else in Australia while collaborating with colleagues in the United States, United Kingdom, Europe or Asia.

For some professionals, this means access to international technology companies, global startups and specialised positions that might not be available locally. For others, it's an opportunity to build a career around flexibility, independence and the ability to work from different locations.

However, getting hired by a remote-first company isn't always as straightforward as applying for a traditional office job.

International employers may receive applications from several countries. They often place considerable importance on written communication, independent working skills and the ability to collaborate with people across different time zones.

Some companies also use hiring processes designed specifically to assess how candidates perform in a distributed environment.

The key to getting hired by an international remote-first company is demonstrating that you can deliver results independently, communicate effectively and contribute to a team without relying on a shared office.

You don't necessarily need years of remote working experience. However, you do need to show employers that you understand what successful remote work involves.

In this guide, we'll explain how to identify international remote-first employers, find positions open to Australians, strengthen your resume, prepare for interviews and improve your chances of receiving an offer.

What Is a Remote-First Company?

A remote-first company is an organisation that designs its working practices around employees being able to work outside a traditional office.

Rather than treating remote work as an occasional benefit, these businesses make distributed collaboration a central part of their operations.

Employees may work from home, coworking spaces or other approved locations.

Meetings, documentation, communication and project management are generally designed to work regardless of where employees are based.

However, remote-first doesn't necessarily mean every employee can work from any country.

Some businesses restrict hiring to locations where they have legal employment arrangements.

Others require employees to work within particular time zones.

Remote-First vs Remote-Friendly vs Fully Remote

These terms are often used interchangeably, but they can describe different working arrangements.

Working model	What it generally means
Remote-first	Distributed working is a core part of company operations
Remote-friendly	Some remote work is permitted, but offices may remain central
Fully remote	A position can be performed without regular office attendance
All-remote	The organisation operates without requiring a traditional shared office
Hybrid	Employees divide their time between remote work and an office
Work from anywhere	Employees may have geographical flexibility, subject to restrictions

For example, a remote-first company may still maintain offices for employees who prefer using them.

An all-remote company may operate with no conventional office requirement.

The important question is how the company actually works, rather than the terminology it uses.

Why Are Remote-First Companies Attractive to Australian Job Seekers?

International remote-first employers can offer several potential advantages.

Access to a Larger Employment Market

You aren't necessarily limited to companies headquartered in your city or state.

Depending on eligibility, you may be able to apply for positions with businesses operating across multiple countries.

Greater Location Flexibility

Some remote-first employers allow employees to work from different approved locations within Australia.

Others permit temporary international travel, subject to company policies and local requirements.

International Career Experience

Working with global teams can expose you to different customers, industries and business practices.

Potentially Competitive Salaries

Some international employers offer attractive compensation, particularly for specialised professional positions.

However, remote-first employment doesn't automatically mean higher pay.

More Independent Working Arrangements

Some distributed companies place greater emphasis on outcomes than on being physically present in an office.

However, employees are still expected to meet deadlines, communicate effectively and remain available when required.

Can Australians Get Hired by International Remote-First Companies?

Yes.

Australians can work for international remote-first companies when the employer supports Australian-based employment or contracting.

Some companies have Australian subsidiaries.

Others use employers of record to employ workers locally.

Certain businesses engage genuine independent contractors.

However, not every internationally distributed company can hire someone living in Australia.

Check Location Eligibility Before Applying

Look for advertisements labelled:

• Remote — Australia
• Australia — Remote
• Remote — ANZ
• Remote — APAC, with Australia included
• Worldwide, with Australia listed as eligible
• Global remote, subject to approved countries

Be cautious with advertisements labelled Remote — United States or Remote — Europe.

These may be restricted to applicants living in those regions.

For example, Atlassian's Team Anywhere policy permits eligible employees to work from countries where the company has a legal entity, subject to working rights, time-zone compatibility and other requirements.

Australia is among those countries.

The lesson is simple: a company's remote working policy and its hiring geography are two separate things.

Step 1: Identify International Remote-First Companies

The first step is building a shortlist of employers that genuinely support distributed working.

Rather than searching for every remote vacancy available, focus on companies whose operating models align with your preferred working arrangements.

International Employers Worth Researching

GitLab

GitLab is an all-remote software company with a publicly documented approach to distributed working.

Its handbook explains how the company recruits, communicates and collaborates remotely.

Automattic

Automattic operates products including WordPress.com and WooCommerce.

The company is known for distributed working and has documented aspects of its remote hiring processes.

Canonical

Canonical develops Ubuntu and other open-source technology products.

It recruits for home-based positions across engineering, sales and business functions, although geographical restrictions and travel expectations vary.

Remote

Remote provides international employment and payroll technology.

It operates with a distributed workforce and advertises international positions with role-specific eligibility requirements.

Deel

Deel provides global payroll and employment services.

The company recruits across technical and business functions.

Atlassian

Atlassian operates internationally under its Team Anywhere approach.

Eligible employees can work remotely from supported countries, including Australia.

These companies are useful starting points, not a guarantee that every vacancy is available to Australian applicants.

Step 2: Choose the Right Remote Career Path

Some professions are particularly compatible with distributed employment.

These generally involve responsibilities that can be completed through digital systems and online collaboration.

Careers Commonly Found at Remote-First Companies

Career	Typical responsibilities
Software Engineer	Developing and maintaining software
Customer Success Manager	Supporting and retaining business customers
Account Executive	Managing sales opportunities and customer relationships
Product Manager	Coordinating product development and strategy
Digital Marketing Specialist	Managing campaigns and online marketing
UX Designer	Designing digital products and user experiences
Data Analyst	Analysing business information and reporting
Technical Support Specialist	Troubleshooting software and customer issues
Cybersecurity Specialist	Protecting systems and managing security risks
Business Analyst	Improving processes and business systems
Project Manager	Coordinating projects across teams
Content Writer	Producing written content and marketing materials
Recruiter	Sourcing and assessing candidates
Operations Coordinator	Managing business processes and administration
Finance Specialist	Supporting financial reporting and operations

The strongest opportunities depend on your experience.

For example, someone with several years of sales experience may be better positioned to pursue remote account management than to retrain immediately as a software developer.

Remote-first companies still need people who can perform the actual job.

Remote working skills are important, but they don't replace professional competence.

Step 3: Understand What Remote-First Employers Look For

Traditional employers may assess how well candidates work within an office environment.

Remote-first employers often place additional importance on how candidates operate independently.

GitLab's published remote hiring guidance highlights self-management and written communication as particularly important qualities.

Its guidance describes the value of employees who can manage their own work and communicate effectively across time zones.

These qualities are relevant across many distributed organisations.

Independent Working

Remote employees often need to organise their responsibilities without constant supervision.

This doesn't mean working without support.

It means understanding priorities, managing deadlines and asking for help when necessary.

Written Communication

Distributed teams frequently rely on written updates, project documentation and online messaging.

Clear writing can help prevent misunderstandings when colleagues aren't available simultaneously.

Accountability

Employers want confidence that employees will deliver agreed outcomes.

This can involve meeting deadlines, communicating problems early and keeping colleagues informed.

Adaptability

Remote-first companies may operate across different countries, cultures and time zones.

Employees need to adapt to different communication styles and working practices.

Digital Collaboration

You may need to use project management platforms, shared documents, video meetings and other collaboration tools.

Problem-Solving

Distributed employees often need to investigate issues independently before escalating them.

The ability to identify problems, evaluate options and recommend solutions can be particularly valuable.

Step 4: Build a Resume That Demonstrates Remote Working Skills

Your resume should show that you're qualified for the position and capable of working effectively in a distributed team.

Simply stating that you're looking for remote work isn't enough.

Employers want evidence.

Focus on Achievements

Instead of listing responsibilities without context, explain what you accomplished.

For example:

Less effective:

"Responsible for managing customer accounts."

More effective:

"Managed a portfolio of 45 business customers, improving account retention through proactive communication and structured follow-up."

The second example gives the employer a clearer understanding of your experience.

Use accurate figures from your own work history.

Highlight Independent Responsibilities

Even if you've never held a fully remote position, you may have experience working independently.

Examples include managing your own customer portfolio, coordinating suppliers, delivering projects or working across multiple locations.

Demonstrate Digital Communication

If you've used online collaboration systems, customer relationship management software or digital project tools, mention them where relevant.

Include Remote Experience When You Have It

If you've worked remotely or collaborated with international teams, explain what you did and how you maintained communication.

Don't Overstate Your Experience

You don't need to pretend you've worked remotely for years.

Relevant examples from office-based employment can still demonstrate the qualities employers want.

Step 5: Create Evidence of Your Skills

A strong resume is important, but tangible evidence can make your application more convincing.

Depending on your profession, this might involve a portfolio, case study, project or collection of work samples.

Software Developers

A developer might provide a GitHub profile or portfolio showing relevant projects.

Employers may be interested in code quality, documentation and the ability to explain technical decisions.

Digital Marketers

A marketer could prepare case studies describing campaign objectives, actions taken and measurable outcomes.

Designers

A designer might create a portfolio showing finished work and the reasoning behind design decisions.

Writers

A writer could provide published articles or relevant writing samples.

Sales Professionals

Sales candidates may use anonymised examples of account growth, revenue achievements or customer relationship management.

Avoid disclosing confidential customer information.

Operations Professionals

An operations candidate could describe how they improved a process, reduced delays or introduced a more effective workflow.

The objective is to demonstrate professional capability, not to create unnecessary work.

Step 6: Learn How Asynchronous Communication Works

Asynchronous communication is an important feature of many remote-first organisations.

It means employees can exchange information without needing to be online at exactly the same time.

For example, a project manager in Australia might document a decision before finishing work.

A colleague in the United States could review the information when their working day begins.

This reduces the need for constant meetings.

However, asynchronous communication only works well when information is clear and accessible.

What Makes a Good Written Update?

A useful update explains what has happened, what needs to happen next and whether anyone needs to take action.

For example:

Project update

The customer onboarding documentation is complete and ready for review.

I've updated the shared project folder and identified two areas requiring technical confirmation.

Could the engineering team review the integration requirements by Thursday?

Once confirmed, I can finalise the documentation and send it to the customer.

This is more useful than simply writing, "Documentation done."

How to Demonstrate This During Recruitment

Respond clearly to recruiter emails.

Answer application questions thoughtfully.

Keep written responses organised.

Explain your reasoning when completing assessments.

These interactions can demonstrate how you would communicate as a remote employee.

Step 7: Find Remote-First Vacancies Open to Australians

Once you've identified suitable employers, search for actual vacancies.

Search Company Career Websites

Start with official careers pages.

Look for Australia, APAC, ANZ or worldwide location options.

Search by Job Title

Use your existing professional skills to narrow the search.

For example:

• Remote customer success manager Australia
• Remote software engineer APAC
• Remote account executive ANZ
• Remote operations manager worldwide
• Remote product manager Australia
• Remote marketing specialist global
• Remote technical support Australia
• Remote business analyst international

Search for Remote-First Employers

Try phrases such as:

• Remote-first companies hiring Australia
• International remote-first jobs Australia
• Fully distributed companies hiring Australians
• All-remote jobs Australia
• Remote-first startups hiring worldwide
• Global remote companies hiring APAC

Use Specialist Remote Job Boards

Remote-focused platforms can help you discover employers outside your existing shortlist.

However, always verify country eligibility.

Step 8: Write a Targeted Application

Applying for an international remote-first position requires more than expressing enthusiasm for working from home.

Your application should demonstrate why you're suitable for the actual responsibilities.

Start With the Employer's Needs

Read the job description carefully.

Identify the most important requirements.

Then explain how your experience addresses them.

Demonstrate Relevant Achievements

Use specific examples rather than broad claims.

Explain Your Remote Working Approach

You might briefly mention experience managing independent workloads, communicating through digital systems or coordinating people across different locations.

Show That You Understand the Company

Research the employer's products, customers and working culture.

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any business.

Keep the Application Concise

Hiring teams may review many applications.

Clear, relevant information is more useful than lengthy descriptions unrelated to the position.

Example Cover Letter for a Remote-First Company

The following example is suitable for an Australian professional applying for an international customer success position.

Dear Hiring Manager,

I'm writing to apply for the Customer Success Manager position at [Company].

I have experience managing business customer relationships, coordinating internal teams and delivering outcomes in fast-paced environments.

In my previous role, I was responsible for managing customer enquiries, resolving commercial issues and ensuring projects progressed efficiently.

I'm particularly interested in your company's remote-first approach because I enjoy working independently while maintaining clear communication and accountability across teams.

I'm comfortable using digital systems to manage priorities, document progress and collaborate with colleagues.

Based in Australia, I'm interested in contributing to your international customer success team and would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my experience aligns with the position.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

Tailor this example to your actual experience and the employer's requirements.

Step 9: Prepare for the Remote Interview Process

International remote-first companies may use recruitment processes that differ from traditional office employers.

Some conduct all interviews virtually.

Others include written assessments, technical exercises or practical projects.

For example, GitLab's candidate handbook describes a recruitment process that can include screening calls, assessments, technical interviews, team interviews and reference checks.

Atlassian states that its interviews are conducted virtually.

Automattic has also published developer hiring guidance describing practical assessments and paid trial work, although candidates should verify the process for the specific role because hiring procedures can change.

Prepare Your Technology

Before the interview, check your internet connection, microphone, camera and meeting software.

Choose a quiet location where possible.

Research the Company

Understand its products, customers, competitors and working culture.

Prepare Examples

Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your professional achievements.

Practise Clear Answers

Remote interviews often place significant emphasis on communication.

Try to explain situations logically without providing unnecessary detail.

Confirm Time Zones

International interviews may be scheduled using a different time zone.

Always verify the local date and time.

Step 10: Prepare for Common Remote-First Interview Questions

Some questions focus on professional skills.

Others assess whether you can work effectively in a distributed environment.

How Do You Stay Productive Without Direct Supervision?

Employers want to understand how you organise your work.

A strong answer might describe how you prioritise tasks, track deadlines and communicate progress.

How Do You Communicate With Colleagues in Different Time Zones?

Explain how you use written updates, shared documents and scheduled meetings.

What Would You Do if You Were Blocked on a Task?

Describe how you would investigate the problem, document what you've tried and seek help appropriately.

How Do You Build Relationships With Remote Colleagues?

You could discuss regular communication, reliability, collaboration and making time for meaningful interactions.

How Do You Manage Competing Priorities?

Provide a real example of how you assessed urgency, organised responsibilities and delivered results.

Why Do You Want to Work for a Remote-First Company?

Avoid making your entire answer about avoiding commuting.

Explain why the company's products, responsibilities and working model appeal to you.

Have You Worked Remotely Before?

If you haven't, be honest.

Use examples of independent work, digital collaboration and self-management from your previous roles.

Step 11: Approach Practical Assessments Professionally

Some remote-first employers use work samples or practical assessments to evaluate candidates.

These might include:

• A coding exercise.
• A written customer response.
• A sales presentation.
• A marketing campaign proposal.
• A data analysis task.
• A design challenge.
• An operational problem-solving exercise.

The assessment may evaluate both your technical ability and how you communicate your reasoning.

Clarify Expectations

Ask about the scope, expected time commitment and evaluation criteria.

Document Your Approach

Where appropriate, explain why you made particular decisions.

Manage Your Time

Don't assume that spending unlimited hours on an assessment guarantees success.

Understand Whether Work Is Paid

Some employers offer paid trials.

Others use shorter unpaid recruitment assessments.

You can ask about compensation, ownership of submitted work and expected time commitments before proceeding.

Be cautious if a company requests substantial productive work without clear terms.

Step 12: Demonstrate That You Can Work Across Time Zones

Time-zone compatibility can influence international hiring decisions.

A company might accept Australian applicants but require regular overlap with US or European teams.

Be Clear About Your Availability

Don't promise to work American business hours indefinitely if that isn't realistic.

Look for APAC Positions

Positions supporting Australian, New Zealand or Asian customers may align better with Australian working hours.

Understand Core Hours

Some companies require employees to be available during certain periods.

Others allow greater flexibility.

Ask About Meeting Expectations

Find out how often employees need to attend meetings outside normal local working hours.

Consider Long-Term Sustainability

Occasional evening meetings may be manageable.

Regular overnight work may be more difficult.

Choose an arrangement you can realistically maintain.

Step 13: Understand International Employment Arrangements

Once an employer is interested in hiring you, clarify how the company will engage you.

Australian Subsidiary

The employer may have an Australian entity that handles local employment.

Employer of Record

The company may use an international employment provider to employ you in Australia.

Independent Contracting

The company may engage you under a genuine contractor agreement.

Each arrangement has different implications for tax, superannuation, leave and other entitlements.

The legal classification must reflect the actual working relationship.

Don't assume that a remote-first company automatically provides the same employment benefits in every country.

Step 14: Negotiate the Complete Compensation Package

International compensation can be complicated.

Some employers advertise salaries in US dollars.

Others use Australian-dollar compensation bands.

Some offer equity or performance bonuses.

Before accepting an offer, clarify:

• Base salary.
• Payment currency.
• Whether the salary includes superannuation.
• Bonuses or commissions.
• Equity arrangements.
• Paid annual leave.
• Personal leave.
• Home office allowances.
• Equipment.
• Professional development benefits.
• Required travel.
• Working hours.

Understand Location-Based Pay

Some international employers adjust compensation based on employee location.

A salary advertised for someone living in San Francisco may not apply to someone based in Australia.

Ask whether the advertised salary range applies to your location.

Compare Employee Salary With Contractor Revenue

If you're considering a contractor agreement, account for unpaid leave, business expenses and other obligations.

A higher gross amount isn't automatically a better financial outcome.

Step 15: Ask Questions About Remote Working Culture

Before accepting an offer, evaluate whether the company actually operates in a way that suits you.

Useful questions include:

How are projects managed across time zones?

This helps you understand whether the company has established processes for distributed collaboration.

How much communication is asynchronous?

A remote-first label doesn't necessarily mean employees have flexible schedules.

How is employee performance measured?

Look for clear expectations and outcomes.

How are new employees onboarded?

Structured onboarding can be especially important when joining a team remotely.

How often are employees expected to travel?

Some companies organise regular in-person gatherings.

What support is available for remote employees?

Ask about equipment, training, mentoring and communication.

How are career progression and promotions handled?

Remote working shouldn't mean you have no visibility into advancement opportunities.

The answers can help you distinguish a genuinely established remote-first organisation from a business that simply allows employees to work from home.

A 30-Day Plan to Improve Your Chances of Getting Hired

A structured approach can make your international job search more manageable.

Period	Main objective	Actions
Week 1	Research employers	Identify 15–20 relevant remote-first companies and confirm Australian eligibility
Week 2	Improve applications	Update your resume, LinkedIn profile and relevant work samples
Week 3	Apply strategically	Submit targeted applications and practise remote interview questions
Week 4	Review and refine	Track responses, follow up appropriately and improve weak areas

These numbers are suggested planning targets, not guaranteed requirements.

Quality matters more than submitting large numbers of unsuitable applications.

Track Your Applications

Keep a simple spreadsheet recording the employer, position, location eligibility, salary, application date and recruitment status.

You can also record interview feedback and recurring skill requirements.

Over time, this helps you understand which positions are the strongest match for your experience.

Find International Remote-First Jobs on Deskless

Deskless is a dedicated remote job board featuring opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.

Rather than relying exclusively on traditional recruitment platforms, Deskless helps job seekers discover remote vacancies published through employer career pages.

This can include positions across software development, sales, marketing, finance, customer success, operations and other professions when available.

New remote opportunities are added daily, and the platform operates through a paid membership model.

Not every international vacancy accepts Australian applicants, and not every employer follows a fully remote-first operating model.

You'll need to review individual advertisements to confirm location eligibility, working arrangements and compensation.

Explore Remote Jobs on Deskless

Common Mistakes When Applying to Remote-First Companies

Applying Only Because the Job Is Remote

Employers want candidates who are interested in the actual responsibilities.

Assuming Remote-First Means Worldwide

Some companies restrict hiring to approved countries.

Using a Generic Resume

A targeted resume can better demonstrate your suitability.

Focusing Entirely on Flexibility

Explain the professional value you bring, not just the lifestyle benefits you want.

Underestimating Written Communication

Clear documentation and online communication can be central to distributed work.

Ignoring Time-Zone Requirements

Some international positions involve significant overlap with overseas teams.

Overstating Remote Experience

You can demonstrate relevant skills without pretending you've previously worked remotely.

Neglecting Practical Assessments

Employers may use these to evaluate how you approach real work.

Accepting Unclear Employment Terms

Confirm compensation, legal employment arrangements and entitlements.

Applying to Too Many Unsuitable Positions

Prioritise roles where your experience genuinely matches the requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get hired by an international remote-first company?

Identify companies that hire in Australia, apply for positions matching your skills, demonstrate independent working and communication abilities, and prepare for remote interviews and assessments.

Can Australians work for international remote-first companies?

Yes, provided the employer supports Australian-based employment or contracting.

Do I need previous remote working experience?

Not always. Employers may consider relevant examples of independent work, digital collaboration and accountability.

Which companies are known for remote-first working?

Examples worth researching include GitLab, Automattic, Canonical, Remote, Deel and Atlassian. Working arrangements and hiring eligibility vary.

Are remote-first companies harder to get into?

Some international positions attract applicants from multiple countries, which can create competition. However, the difficulty depends on the role, employer and your qualifications.

Do remote-first companies pay more?

Not necessarily. Compensation depends on the profession, seniority, employer and location-based salary policies.

Can I work Australian business hours?

Sometimes. APAC-focused and asynchronous positions may provide greater compatibility with Australian working hours.

Do I need a university degree?

Not for every role. Some employers consider professional experience, demonstrated skills and relevant achievements.

What skills are most important for remote-first work?

Professional competence, written communication, independent working, accountability, digital collaboration and problem-solving are particularly valuable.

Where can I find international remote-first jobs?

Search company career websites, specialist remote job boards, LinkedIn and platforms such as Deskless.

Final Thoughts

Getting hired by an international remote-first company can provide access to career opportunities beyond the Australian employment market.

However, success requires more than finding a position that allows you to work from home.

International remote-first employers need people who can deliver results, communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues across different locations.

The strongest candidates demonstrate professional competence alongside the ability to work independently.

You don't necessarily need years of remote working experience, but you should be able to explain how you've managed responsibilities, solved problems and communicated effectively in previous roles.

Start by identifying companies that genuinely support distributed employment and accept Australian-based applicants.

Then focus on positions that match your existing skills.

Tailor your resume, prepare relevant examples of your work and practise explaining how you would contribute to a remote team.

When interviews begin, pay attention to how the company operates.

A genuinely remote-first employer should have clear expectations around communication, collaboration, onboarding and performance.

Finally, review the complete employment arrangement before accepting an offer.

Salary, working hours, location eligibility and legal employment conditions all matter.

With a targeted approach, you can improve your chances of securing a role with an international company while continuing to live and work in Australia.

Ready to explore international remote opportunities?

Explore remote jobs on Deskless and discover opportunities sourced directly from Australian and international company websites.

Find remote positions across technology, sales, marketing, finance, customer success and more, and take the next step towards a career that isn't limited by where your employer is headquartered.