Landing a remote actuarial role requires more than just passing exams and having solid technical skills. Your resume needs to tell a story that fits the unique demands of remote work while highlighting your actuarial expertise, especially your SOA exam milestones and key technical competencies. The good news? With thoughtful tailoring, your actuarial resume can stand out even in a crowded field of remote applicants.

First off, understand that remote actuarial jobs are growing rapidly. According to recent data, remote actuaries in North America earn an average salary of around $137,000 per year, and the market is competitive but rewarding[3]. Employers want to see candidates who can work independently, communicate clearly, and demonstrate both technical mastery and adaptability. Your resume has to reflect that blend.

Start by structuring your resume to emphasize your SOA exam progress prominently. Many remote actuarial roles specify requirements such as having passed a certain number of Society of Actuaries (SOA) exams, like P (Probability), FM (Financial Mathematics), or more advanced ones like MFE (Models for Financial Economics). Place your exam milestones in a dedicated section near the top, labeling it clearly, for example, “Actuarial Exam Progress.” Instead of just listing exams passed, add context by including your score if it’s strong (above 70%) or noting how recent the exam was to show your current engagement with the profession. This immediately signals to recruiters your commitment and progression on the actuarial path.

Next, weave your technical skills naturally throughout your resume, but also highlight them in their own section. For remote roles, proficiency in statistical software and programming languages is crucial. Mention tools such as R, Python, SQL, SAS, and Excel—these are often prerequisites for jobs involving data analysis, pricing, reserving, or predictive modeling[1][5]. For example, instead of a generic “Proficient in Python,” you could say, “Developed predictive pricing models using Python and R, improving risk assessment accuracy by 15%.” This kind of detail not only shows skill but also impact.

When describing your work experience, emphasize projects or tasks that demonstrate remote work readiness and collaboration. Remote employers want to know you can communicate complex actuarial concepts clearly without face-to-face interaction. Share examples where you worked cross-functionally with underwriters, finance teams, or IT remotely. For instance: “Collaborated with underwriting and IT teams across three time zones to develop automated risk reporting tools, reducing report turnaround time by 20%.” This highlights your technical and communication skills in a remote context.

Don’t forget to include soft skills that are particularly relevant for remote work. Self-motivation, time management, and clear written communication are key traits. Briefly incorporate these in your professional summary or cover letter, supported by real examples. For example, “Successfully managed multiple actuarial projects under tight deadlines while working remotely, demonstrating strong organizational skills and self-discipline.”

Another actionable tip is to tailor your resume keywords to match those in the remote job descriptions. Automated Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) scan resumes for keywords, so if a listing mentions “experience with stochastic modeling,” “data visualization,” or “ERM (Enterprise Risk Management),” make sure these phrases appear naturally in your resume if applicable[5]. This improves your chances of passing the initial screening.

Since remote roles often involve working with cloud-based data and tools, mention any experience with platforms like AWS, Azure, or Tableau. Even if you’re not an expert, showing familiarity with these technologies signals adaptability and tech savviness, both highly valued for remote positions.

For recent graduates or early-career actuaries, include any internships or projects where you applied your SOA exam knowledge and technical skills in real-world settings, even if these weren’t remote. Highlight how you quickly learned new tools or adapted to changing environments, as this shows potential for remote work success.

Lastly, keep your resume concise but rich in relevant details. Use bullet points to improve readability and vary sentence lengths to keep it engaging. Avoid dense paragraphs that can overwhelm recruiters skimming dozens of applications.

Remember, your actuarial resume is your personal brand, especially for remote roles where hiring managers rely heavily on written materials to assess fit. By showcasing your SOA exam milestones upfront, detailing key technical skills with practical examples, and demonstrating your remote work capabilities, you’ll create a compelling narrative that sets you apart.

If you keep these strategies in mind, you’ll not only catch the eye of recruiters but also make a strong case that you’re ready to thrive as a remote actuarial professional. With remote actuarial jobs continuing to expand — and with average salaries climbing for experienced candidates[3] — now is a great time to invest in tailoring your resume to these opportunities.