As someone in Asia, who is competing with remote US/EU job offers, there is one big tip which I want to throw out here, and that is to create a gargantuan digital billboard with your face, name and your skills on it. I have a remote job now, earning well, but since the future isn't promised, I keep interviewing and networking. Most of the requests for interviews I get, come in through my own website, which has quite a footprint on both Google and YouTube (5 videos). It's not a huge website or presence, but it certainly gives me an edge over most applicants. I also more often get contacted by companies themselves, rather than recruiters through those sites.

Another tip I keep giving, is to keep interviewing while being in a job or getting your next job. Don't grow complacent. I average an intro or interview per week, sometimes two. For two reasons, firstly to get better at interviewing and talking about my own skills and goals. And secondly, to not having to start interviewing when I need it. Regardless whether I stay in my current position for 1, 2 or 5 years. I want to have my current job lined up, the last thing I want is to stress needing a job when I don't have one.

> I don't remember job searching being that hard even a few years ago

I think, that if you go about interviewing, by just submitting a CV and cover letter, then things have certainly become much harder. As for some, interviewing has become quite a game to stay good at. I interview for the sake of interviewing. I have now declined at least 5 good offers this year because I already have a job.