Ever scrolled through LinkedIn or Upwork and wondered, “Why are others landing remote jobs abroad while I’m still sending applications with no reply?” You’re not alone. Thousands of talented Africans face the same struggle every day not because they lack skill, but because of a few simple (but costly) mistakes that silently block opportunities.
I’ve been there too, applying to dozens of positions, getting ghosted, and questioning if remote work was just for “others.” But once I figured out what I was doing wrong, everything changed. In this post, I’ll share the five biggest mistakes Africans make when trying to get remote jobs abroad and exactly how to avoid them.
| “If you’re still job-hunting, check out Top U.S. Companies That Hire Remote Workers from Africa.”
1. Using a Local-Style CV Instead of a Global One
Let’s be real: most of us were taught to write CVs for traditional jobs in our home countries not global ones. The format, tone, and even content that works for local companies can be a total mismatch for international recruiters.
Common CV mistakes include:
- Including unnecessary personal details like age, marital status, or religion (which foreign employers don’t want).
- Using long, formal paragraphs instead of short, skill-based bullet points.
- Forgetting to show measurable results (e.g., “Increased sales by 30%” sounds way better than “Responsible for sales”).
What to do instead:
Create a global-style CV that highlights your skills, achievements, and tools you’ve used. Focus on what you can do, not where you’re from. Tools like Resume.io or Canva have modern templates that make your CV instantly look more international.
Also, make sure your LinkedIn profile matches your CV, many recruiters check both. Add a professional photo, write a clear headline like “Virtual Assistant | Helping Businesses Save Time with Efficient Admin Support”, and list your key skills.
2. Applying Randomly Without a Clear Niche
One of the biggest mistakes I see is people applying for everything, from data entry to digital marketing to customer support all in one week. That might sound like “casting a wide net,” but in reality, it makes you look unfocused.
Think about it: if you were hiring, would you choose someone who claims to do ten different things, or someone who’s clearly specialized in one?
Here’s what works better:
- Pick one or two related niches that match your strengths.
- Build a profile and portfolio around that.
- Apply for jobs that fit your skills and interests.
For example, if you’re good at writing, focus on content writing or copywriting roles. If you love tech but aren’t a programmer, you could look into tech support, QA testing, or virtual assistance for tech teams.
When your profile clearly says what you do, recruiters immediately know how you can help them and that’s half the battle won.
3. Ignoring Portfolio and Proof of Work
Here’s a harsh truth: skills mean little if you can’t prove them.
I once met a talented Nigerian graphic designer who applied to 50 jobs with no luck. His CV was fine, but when clients asked for samples, he had nothing to show. The moment he created a simple portfolio with just five projects, even mock ones. He landed his first international client within two weeks.
You don’t need paid experience to have a portfolio.
If you’re a writer, publish articles on Medium or LinkedIn.
If you’re a designer, upload your best work to Behance or Dribbble.
If you’re a virtual assistant, create sample spreadsheets, schedules, or client emails.
Clients want to see what you can do. Even simple examples can make you stand out from 90% of applicants who only talk about their skills instead of showing them.
4. Poor Communication and Unprofessional Emails
You might be surprised how often this one kills opportunities.
A recruiter once told me she skipped an applicant just because their email started with, “Hi dear sir/madam, I am a humble boy seeking for job opportunity…”
See the issue? It’s not about English fluency, it’s about tone. International employers expect clear, confident communication. You don’t need fancy grammar; you just need professionalism.
Here’s what to do instead:
- Use a simple, polite greeting: “Hi [Name],” or “Hello team,”
- Keep your emails short and direct.
- Avoid unnecessary formalities like “I am writing to humbly apply…”
- End with confidence: “Looking forward to hearing from you.”
Also, check your spelling and punctuation before sending. Tools like Grammarly can help polish your writing quickly. Good communication doesn’t just help in applications, it’s a key skill for remote work itself.
5. Giving Up Too Early
This one’s emotional and I completely understand it.
It’s easy to lose hope when you’ve sent 100 applications and only heard “no” (or worse, nothing). But here’s the truth: most people who get remote jobs didn’t find them overnight. They improved their profiles, built small wins, and kept learning along the way.
I know a Kenyan teacher who wanted to switch to online tutoring. She applied for months with no luck, then took a short course on ESL (English as a Second Language) and started teaching small clients on Preply. Within six months, she was earning more than her old school salary, all from her laptop.
Persistence pays off. Every “no” is just a step closer to the right “yes.”
Final Thoughts: The Key to Getting Hired Abroad
Landing remote jobs abroad isn’t magic, it’s a mix of skill, strategy, and consistency.
If you:
- Update your CV to fit global standards,
- Pick a clear niche,
- Build a simple portfolio,
- Communicate professionally, and
- Stay persistent…
You’ll dramatically increase your chances of getting hired by international clients or companies.
Remember, remote work has no borders. The world is your marketplace and your skills are valuable. So stop doubting yourself, fix those small mistakes, and take your next shot with confidence.
Your first international job offer might just be one well-written application away.
| “To increase your success, learn How to Build an International Freelance Profile That Gets You Clients Fast.”