How to Use Google to Find Legit Remote Jobs in 2025

This post may contain paid and/or affiliate links. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.

Did you know that nearly 60% of remote job postings are scams or low-quality listings?

Finding legitimate remote jobs can be a challenge. With so many options out there, it’s crucial to know where to look to avoid scams and dead ends.

Knowing where to search for remote work is the key to landing a reliable job that allows you to work from the comfort of your home.

For example, websites like FlexJobs and We Work Remotely offer extensive listings of vetted remote jobs, ensuring you’re applying to real opportunities.

In this article:

Many job seekers have found success by exploring job boards that specialize in remote positions.

For example, Zip Recruiter and Jobspresso provide platforms where companies post remote job openings in various fields.

These sites filter out fake listings, saving you time and effort.

Don’t overlook company websites directly if you have specific businesses in mind.

Companies dedicated to remote work often list their openings on their own career pages. This can give you a more transparent view of the company culture and job expectations, making it easier to find a position that fits your skills and preferences.

How to Search on Google For Legit Remote Jobs

When you first start searching on Google for remote jobs, Google’s own job board normally comes up first.

This is not a bad place to start, however, there are better options to use when searching for remote jobs.

When I search on Google, I don’t just type in the search bar “remote customer service jobs in Toronto”. It is too broad and doesn’t give me the results I want.

This is what I think most people are doing and it is the reason they end up not finding the remote jobs they want.

Instead, these are the steps I would take instead.

Step 1:

Search using known Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). These platforms are designed to help companies manage their recruitment processes, including posting job listings, collecting and organizing candidate information, and tracking the progress of candidates through the hiring pipeline.

So websites like greenhouse.io and lever.co are popular ATS platforms. You have probably seen them before if you have ever searched for jobs.

The first part of my search would look like this:

site:greenhouse.io | site:lever.co

This is how you search through these ATS platforms without manually needing to search company websites.

Step 2:

Add the qualifiers for the remote jobs you want to search for on Google.

So if you are looking for a remote customer service job, then you would type this next:

site:greenhouse.io | site:lever.co “remote” “customer service”

These will help you to search those sites with those keywords on them to find job listings that meet your criteria precisely.

Step 3:

The next step is removing words or tasks that you do not want to come up in your job search.

So if you want a customer service job but don’t want to send emails with this job, then to help your search you will need to search but remove those keywords.

This helps save SO much time when job searching because you don’t want to filter through job listings that have tasks that you do not want to do.

You need to add a minus sign to the front of the search term and then leave it outside of the quotation marks.

So your Google Search would now look like this:

site:greenhouse.io | site:lever.co “remote” “customer service” -email

Step 4:

Lastly, you may want to change the date for these searches so that only relevant job listings show up.

You can click on Tools, then change the data to past week or past 24 hours, however, you want to narrow down the search.

It makes it easy and helps you find relevant job postings.

Make sure you keep reading because I talk about how to avoid scams.

Identifying Legitimate Remote Job Opportunities

Finding a legitimate remote job involves recognizing trustworthy job types, using reputable job boards, and identifying red flags in job postings.

Understanding Remote Job Types

Remote job types vary widely. They include full-time positions, part-time roles, freelance gigs, and contract work.

Full-time remote roles often offer benefits and consistent hours. These jobs typically include positions in customer service, IT, and project management.

On the other hand, part-time remote positions provide flexibility and are found in fields like administration and teaching.

Meanwhile, freelance and contract work can be project-based and is common in areas like writing, graphic design, and software development. Always review job details carefully to ensure the role fits your needs and expectations.

Evaluating Reputable Job Boards

Using reputable job boards increases your chances of finding legitimate remote jobs.

FlexJobs is a well-known platform that screens job listings for legitimacy. Meanwhile, Remote.co also offers vetted remote positions across various industries.

Other trusted sites include We Work Remotely, ZipRecruiter, and Jobspresso.

You can download my free list of 25 Legit Remote Job Boards here:

Checking user reviews and company background can help verify the credibility of these platforms. Sticking to well-known job boards reduces the risk of encountering scams.

Recognizing Red Flags in Job Postings

Identifying red flags in job postings is crucial.

Scams often involve requests for personal financial information or upfront payments.

Professional job postings will never ask for your bank account details early in the application process. Look for well-written ads that clearly outline job duties, required qualifications, and company information.

Unprofessional job posts with vague descriptions, unrealistic salary promises, or requests for immediate payments are indicators of potential scams. Always research the company and verify the job listing through multiple sources before proceeding.

Optimizing Your Job Search Strategy

Improve your remote job search by using specialized resources and effective search techniques.

Focus on the best tools and methods to stand out to potential employers.

Leveraging Remote Work Resources

Use job boards that specialize in remote work to find legitimate opportunities.

Sites like We Work Remotely and Remote.co list numerous remote positions.

These platforms are dedicated to remote jobs, providing a curated selection to help you find the right fit faster.

Networking is also key.

Engage with companies on social media, share their posts, and join relevant online communities. These actions can help you build connections and uncover job leads.

Many companies also post remote roles on their sites. Visit these pages regularly for updates.

Additionally, create a list of companies you admire and research their remote work policies.

Using Keywords and Filters Effectively

When using job search sites like LinkedIn or Indeed, use “remote” as a keyword to filter job listings.

Specify terms like “work from home” or “telecommute” to narrow down relevant opportunities.

Tailor your resume to reflect your remote work skills.

Include a statement about your interest in remote work to catch employers’ attention. Also, mention any remote work experience prominently, detailing tools like Slack, Zoom, and Asana that you’ve used.

Lastly, sort and organize your job search.

Create a spreadsheet to track applications, deadlines, and follow-ups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finding legitimate remote jobs can be challenging. Knowing the best strategies, platforms, and red flags helps you avoid scams and secure a reliable job.

What are the best strategies to identify legitimate work-from-home opportunities?

Use reputable job boards and websites. These often have strict vetting processes to ensure listings are genuine.

Networking with current remote workers can also provide accurate insights and referrals.

Which platforms are recommended for finding genuine remote jobs?

Several trusted platforms can help you find remote jobs.

Websites such as FlexJobs, We Work Remotely, and Remote.co are good options. Each of these sites specializes in remote job listings.

What are the red flags to watch out for when searching for remote positions?

Be wary of vague job descriptions and offers that promise unusually high salaries for minimal work.

Unprofessional job posts and requests for confidential information upfront are also signs of potential scams (We Work Remotely).

How can I avoid scams while seeking out no-experience-necessary remote work?

Stick to trusted platforms and always research companies.

Avoid jobs that sound too good to be true. Be cautious of employers requesting money or personal details during the initial stages of hiring.

Are there specific industries or companies known for offering reliable remote jobs?

Fields like tech, writing, customer service, and marketing often offer reliable remote jobs.

Companies like GitHub, Zapier, and Automattic are known for their remote work culture and legitimate job opportunities.

What are the essential steps to verify the legitimacy of a remote job offer?

Verify the company’s credentials by checking its website. Also, read reviews on platforms like Glassdoor.

Contact the company directly to confirm the job details. This can also help you determine the legitimacy of the job offer.

Online forums and social media can provide additional insights into the legitimacy of the job offer.