Remote job checklists: from your CV to your first USD payment
By Kelvin DesmanUpdated How we write and fact-check
6 printable checklists, arranged in the order you will need them, for each stage of landing a remote job paid in US dollars from Indonesia. Each one is the hands-on companion to a step in our remote work guide: read the step for the why, then tick through the checklist for the how.
How to use them: open a checklist, tick items as you go, or print it and save it as a PDF. Every item explains why it matters, so you can skip what does not apply to you with confidence.
Step 1
Pick a role that companies actually hire remotely
Quick checklist
- Match your experience against the most-requested skills. Build on what you almost have instead of chasing everything at once.
- Remote work is not only for developers. Marketing, customer support, operations, design and writing roles are hired remotely too.
- Clear written English matters more than your accent: remote teams do much of their talking in writing.
- Look up the pay range for the role before you commit, so your expectations are grounded from day one.
Step 2
Build proof of work: a portfolio and an English CV
ATS-friendly CV checklist
Format your CV so applicant tracking systems can parse it correctly before a human ever sees it — most rejections at this stage are formatting, not qualification.
13 items · + 10 more
Step 3
Find listings that are genuinely open to Indonesian applicants
Job scam detection checklist
Signals to check before you apply, share personal data, or accept an offer from a remote job listing — most scams repeat the same handful of patterns.
- Check the company has a real, matching domain
- Never pay any fee to apply, interview, or "reserve" a role
- Verify the recruiter's identity on LinkedIn
12 items · + 9 more
Step 4
Apply with intent and get through the interview
Remote job application checklist
Run through this before you hit submit on a remote job application — the small details that separate a shortlisted application from one that gets skipped.
- Tailor your resume to this specific job
- Format your resume to pass an ATS scan
- Quantify your achievements
12 items · + 9 more
Remote interview preparation checklist
What to prepare before a video interview for a remote role — the technical, logistical, and conversational pieces that keep first impressions on your resume, not your setup.
- Test your camera, mic, and internet the day before
- Set up a quiet, well-lit space
- Double-check the interview time in your local timezone
11 items · + 8 more
Step 5
Negotiate pay and understand the contract type
USD salary negotiation checklist
What to research and clarify before you name a number in a remote job offer paid in USD — negotiating pay across currencies and borders has a few extra steps beyond a normal local negotiation.
- Research the market rate for the role, not just the local rate
- Know whether the number being discussed is gross or net
- Understand the payment platform and its fees
12 items · + 9 more
Step 6
Start work and get your USD pay into rupiah
Your first work-from-home setup checklist
What to put in place before your first day at a remote job — the internet, tools, and habits that make working from home actually work.
- Get a reliable primary internet connection
- Set up a backup connection
- Choose one consistent, quiet workspace
12 items · + 9 more
Step 7
Sort out your NPWP and file the annual tax return (SPT)
Quick checklist
- Make sure your NIK is active as your NPWP and that you can sign in to Coretax, the DJP tax portal.
- If your gross turnover is under Rp4.8 billion a year you may use the deemed-profit norm (NPPN), provided you notify DJP within the first three months of the tax year. Without that notice you are treated as keeping full books.
- Log each month's income and the exchange rate on the day it arrived, so the return is easy to rebuild.
- This is not tax advice. Rules change, so for your own situation check the official DJP site or a registered tax consultant.
Frequently asked questions
Which checklist should I start with?
Follow the order on this page. Start with the ATS-friendly CV checklist, then the scam-detection checklist before you apply anywhere, then the application and interview checklists. The salary negotiation and WFH setup checklists come once you have an offer.
Are the checklists free?
Yes. Every checklist is free to read, tick off and print, with no sign-up required.
Is my progress saved when I tick items?
Ticks are not stored on our side, so they reset when you leave the page. To keep a record, print the checklist or save it as a PDF from the print button.
Is there a checklist for getting paid and paying tax?
Steps 6 and 7 of the remote work guide cover receiving USD into rupiah and the NPWP and SPT Tahunan basics, with links to the official DJP pages. A short version of the tax step is included on this page.