VaditaOne of the digital trends that is happening now is that more and more software developers and engineers are looking for remote opportunities. The ability to work from the comfort of your own space, free from the daily commute, and with the potential for a global job market at your fingertips is a dream come true for many.
Finding a remote job can be a time-consuming process, and there is high competition for such roles. In this detailed blog, we will walk you through the steps you need to take, the skills you should acquire, and the strategies you can use to secure a remote job as a developer.
So lets get started!
Why a Remote job at the first place
One of the main reason why people look for remote offers is the work-llife balance.You’ll also say goodbye to the daily commute, saving time and money.
Most of a developer’s work primarily consists of working on cloud solutions and creating problem-solving solutions. This approach enables you to work comfortably from your chosen space. In this technologically advanced world, physical presence is no longer a requirement for connecting with others. Video calling apps like Zoom and Google Meet make it easy to stay connected.
Now, let’s look into some of the ways in order to stand out and get a job as a remote developer.
1. Open Source contributions
One of the best ways to get noticed as a developer is by looking at your GitHub and your activities there. Most companies have some kind of open source projects and are ready to receive contributions and more. Contributing to open source projects can be a powerful way to showcase your skills and enhance your chances of securing a remote job.
You can begin working with your favorite programming language and search for issues in an open source project. Once you identify an issue that you can resolve, ask the maintainers to assign it to you. This approach can boost your credibility with your team and, of course, lead to potential job opportunities
In the worst-case scenario, if you don’t secure the job, you can still take credit in your contributions, which can greatly enhance your resume.
2. Social Media presence
Social media is not just for watching Instagram Reels or sending messages; it is more than that. You can share your knowledge across platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn, creating a network of developers. This can provide tangible proof of your skills and experience to potential employers.
An online presence can give you a significant advantage. A well-maintained social media presence allows you to establish a personal brand, showcasing your expertise, interests, and values to potential employers, making you a more attractive candidate for remote positions.
As remote work becomes more prevalent, employers are increasingly open to hiring candidates with a strong online presence. By actively engaging with remote work-related topics and communities, you can position yourself as a remote work advocate and gain visibility in this space.
3. Networking
Getting a remote job through networking involves leveraging your professional connections, both online and offline, to discover job opportunities and secure a remote position.
Start by establishing a solid online presence on professional platforms like LinkedIn and relevant industry forums or social networks. Your online presence should reflect your skills, experience, and interests.
Build and expand your professional network by connecting with colleagues, peers, mentors, and industry professionals on LinkedIn and other platforms. Engage in meaningful conversations, comment on posts, and share your expertise.
Many industries and professions host virtual meetups, webinars, and conferences. Attend these events to network with professionals and gain insights into the remote job market. Identify and connect with recruiters and hiring managers who specialize in remote job placements.
4. Freelancing
As there is an upward trend in freelancing, these freelance gigs can also convert into full-time roles. Many companies, including small SaaS companies, post freelance gigs on freelancing platforms. If you are able to successfully complete the job, it can lead to potential remote job opportunities.
Some of the top freelancing sites are:
- Upwork: Upwork is a leading platform for freelancers and clients seeking a wide array of services, from web development to writing and design.
- Fiverr: Fiverr is known for its gig-style services, where freelancers offer specific, often creative, tasks and services at various price points.
- Freelancer: Freelancer offers a diverse marketplace where freelancers can find work in areas like programming, graphic design, and content writing.
- Toptal: Toptal connects top freelancers with clients for high-quality, on-demand work, including software development and design.
- Truelancer: Truelancer is an online marketplace for freelancers and clients looking for a wide range of freelance services. Freelancers on Truelancer offer services in fields such as web development, design, writing, marketing, and more.
5. Applying Online Remote Job Board
Numerous platforms specialize in listing job opportunities that enable individuals to work from any location, often from the comfort of their homes. Many people secure remote jobs by applying through these platforms, and many companies post their remote job requirements. It’s one of the most accessible ways to find a remote job.
Some of the well know remote job portals are:
We work Remotely: We Work Remotely is a popular job board that exclusively features remote job opportunities. It covers a wide range of job categories, from software development and design to marketing and customer support.
Remote OK: Remote OK is one of the best Remote Job Board and has 100K+ remote jobs as a Developer, Designer, Copywriter, Customer Support etc.
Remote.co: Remote.co is a dedicated remote job platform that showcases remote job listings from various industries. It also provides valuable resources and insights about remote work, such as best practices for remote job seekers and employers.
Virtual Vocations: Virtual Vocations specializes in remote job opportunities, including telecommuting, virtual work, and freelance roles. It offers a robust search engine and tools to help job seekers find remote positions that match their skills and preferences.
Wellfound: Wellfound is a platform connecting job seekers with startup job opportunities, including remote roles. It’s a valuable resource for finding work in the startup and tech sectors.
6. Learn in Public
As a developer, we’re always learning new things. Learning in public means sharing what we learn through blog posts, tutorials, podcasts, and more.
Two key skills for remote work are:
Communication: Being able to explain things clearly is vital when working remotely, where a lot of communication happens online.
Passion: Remote work offers flexibility, but it also requires self-motivation. Passion for your work keeps you going, even when no one’s watching.
While learning in public might take some personal time, it’s a great way to catch the eye of remote companies, even if your current job doesn’t allow it during work hours.
7. Blogging
Blogging allows you to share your knowledge and expertise in your field. When you consistently create high-quality content, you demonstrate your skills and understanding of relevant topics. This can make you more attractive to potential remote employers.
These days blogs are your online resume and portfolio. A well-maintained blog contributes to your online presence. Blogging often involves engaging with your audience through comments and social media. This engagement can lead to connections with professionals in your industry, which can open doors to remote job opportunities.
Some of the blogging sites that you can start using are: Medium, Hashnode, Dev.to. Blogging can build a credible brand for yourself and helps you stand out to potential employers in the competitive world.
Interviewing for Remote Jobs and Evaluating the Job Offers
While remote jobs can offer the freedom of time and space, they are highly competitive, and there are several factors to consider when applying for and accepting a remote job offer.
Preparing for Remote Job Interviews
Remote job interviews are a pivotal step in your journey towards a fulfilling remote career. Whether you’re facing video calls, technical assessments, or a combination of both, thorough preparation is key.
Remote employers look for candidates who can excel in a remote work environment. Highlight your ability to stay organized, manage time effectively, and communicate clearly. Sharing examples of your past remote work experiences can further solidify your suitability for remote roles.
Evaluating Remote Job Offers
Research the company’s remote work culture. Consider factors such as communication practices, team dynamics, and how they foster a sense of belonging among remote employees. An inclusive and remote-friendly culture can significantly impact your job satisfaction.
Examine the benefits package. Look at healthcare, retirement plans, and any other perks the company offers to remote employees. Ensure they align with your personal needs and preferences. e prepared to negotiate your salary. Remote work can offer flexibility, but it’s vital that you’re compensated fairly
Ensure that the company is equipped to support remote work effectively. Ask about the tools, communication channels, and work policies that facilitate remote collaboration. Assess how the job opportunity aligns with your personal and professional goals. Consider factors such as career growth, learning opportunities, and whether the job supports your long-term aspirations.
Wrapping it Up
Thank you for reading this blog. In this detailed post, we’ve delved into one of the trending topics in the software development ecosystem: remote jobs. Throughout this blog, we’ve discussed nearly everything you need to know about remote work and explored various methods to secure a remote job. This blog is an excellent starting point if you’re on the lookout for remote roles
Be prepared and keep learning !
Adarsh M
Ajay Yadav
Add comment