Working from home several days per week is a long-standing privilege of the chosen programmers. But if 20 years ago, such an option was more likely an exception to the rule, now developers are demanding it from the employers. People value the opportunity of remote work as highly as vacations and days off, extended medical insurance, and a regular work schedule without overtime.
However, if the searching process of a standard office job is well-known to the majority of people, remote vacancies may become a little problem. Nowadays, not every programmer has a clear understanding of how to look for a remote job and what to pay attention to.
Here are several proven and useful tips on how to change your office to remote work as quickly and beneficially as possible. Let’s get started!
Pros and Cons of Remote Programming Vacancies
Perhaps, the first advantage of the remote work that comes to our minds is the convenience and time-saving. You don’t have to get to your office through the city and back, wasting your time in traffic jams. Besides, your home is the place where you feel as comfortable as possible.
Let’s also note that remote job allows you to communicate and collaborate with people/companies all over the world. You can live in France and work for a Japanese employer. Or you can live nowhere, just traveling.
The next obvious and well-known pro is the ability to form your working schedule according to your needs and preferences. I think there is no need to consider this factor in detail.
Now, when we noted the evident positive sides, it’s time to take a closer look in search of other pluses.
Often, remote programmers and developers receive higher paying offers and, consequently, have a higher income. The explanation is simple. When you work in the office, you have several levels of management. Also, add here the company’s profit and expenses. Thus, if a client pays, for example, $100, a programmer will get only a small part of this sum (let’s say $20). If the same programmer finds a remote project, he/she may ask for a significantly higher payment. And since there are no same expenses, you earn more, and the client pays less.
It’s completely normal if remote IT specialists announce the expected salary. You are free to discuss your payment. Such a practice can also be met in office work, but it’s rather an exception.
Many remote programmers like the fact that they can develop several extremely interesting projects simultaneously. If you can plan your time correctly, you gain both money and unique experience.
Despite all pros, remote work has its drawbacks. There is a high probability of meeting an indecent hirer. Sometimes, programmers get the shaft or fulfill a huge test task, actually making a ready product and never getting the job.
The working day of a remote programmer is blurred. So, it can be challenging to force yourself to work, which leads to deadlines, project failures, and a damaged reputation.
Ways of Self-Improvement
Sometimes, programmers receive a lot of offers but still don’t get the job. The problem may lie in the skills and experience level.
Unfortunately, even the best educational programs cannot provide you with all the necessary basis for your future work. A job of one specificity significantly differs from the job of another. It results in different requirements, knowledge of tools, etc. Thus, continuous self-education is needed.
Once again, the Internet is full of free or very affordable sources where you can improve your skills. It’s a great idea to study new and more perspective programming languages. Python, PHP, Java are in high demand, so if you don’t know them, perhaps, it’s time to start learning. Also, never forget to deepen your skills in languages you know.
Video tutorials and articles on current problems, tools, the software can highly increase your knowledge and competitiveness in the labor market.
If you want to become a better programmer, learn from the best programmers. Please don’t be afraid to contact with more experienced colleagues, ask for advice or feedback on your work. Many specialists have blogs and profiles on social networks. So even if you don’t know somebody personally, you can still learn from their experience.
Job Search Sources for Programmers
However, if you feel you have enough self-organization and experience, it’s time to start looking for vacancies. As far as you’re a programmer, you know that the digital environment provides dozens of sources better than anyone.
Job Search Sites
Here is a traditional yet quite efficient way of job searching. Such websites as indeed.com, thebalancecareers.com, and smaller sources like farfarjob.com provide a great database on remote programmer vacancies.
Almost all advertisements contain information about the requirements, possible test tasks, the level of payment, and contacts. You can also visit the hirers` profiles to know more about companies and projects. Besides, job search sites track rascaldom and ban dishonest employers.
LinkedIn is one of the most popular social networks in the world that provides tremendous working opportunities. Start from making an account and list all your achievements.
A catching profile must contain information on your education, experience, and key skills. Also, mention all projects you participated in. It’s better to give company names and a short description of your work.
Most hirers want to see what you actually can and whether you will contribute to their projects. Add a link to GitHub with active repositories that contain code examples. It will increase your rating and the number of job offers.
If a potential employer is interested in further dialog or collaboration, it’s necessary to provide it with additional and contact info. Here you can write your email, use links to your site, resume, etc.
Stack Overflow
The site is world known and, I believe, needs no introduction. Apart from the largest database of professional programmers’ questions and answers, the platform also includes the page with vacancies.
Stackoverflow.com is a reputable source for professionals, so the majority of offers belong to honest hirers. If you’re a beginner and don’t want to be cheated, try this platform first. Just create a profile and add all information as in the previous paragraph.
Angel.co
Startups often look for programmers, developers, and other IT specialists, providing the possibility to work remotely. Angel.co is the world’s largest startup community with thousands of projects and job vacancies. The offers come from the USA, Canada, and Europe mostly, but sometimes you can see Asian hirers.
Sign up, make a profile, and add your personal and professional info to become a part of the program. Don’t forget to regularly update your profile on angel.co to get the newest vacancies.
Toptal.com
If you are considering a freelance option, one of the most carefully moderated and serious exchanges is toptal.com. However, be ready to pass the exam. The site provides a through the four-stage interview for candidates, three compulsory tasks, and a conversation.
Hirers also have to pass rigid moderation, so you can be sure that all projects and adequate and honest. Plus, the freelance exchange itself provides all the payment processes and is responsible for its own funds.
A remote job is not a dream anymore. It’s a bright, promising, and beneficial reality for all IT specialists where neither your experience nor country or leaving matters. The endless sources for self-education and job search are waiting for you!
