5 Helpful Tips for Finding a Remote Job in Tech as a Junior Software Developer
Finding a remote job in tech can feel challenging at times. However since the pandemic, the number of remote versus in-person roles has changed dramatically. A Gallup survey of over 8,000 individuals in June of 2022 found that 50% worked hybrid roles, 30% worked fully remote and 20% worked in person at the office. The survey also showed hybrid roles increasing since 2020, which may mean hybrid roles will be the new norm in the future state of remote work.
In the case of coding bootcamp graduates looking for their first junior software developer roles, we get asked a lot of questions around the topic of remote versus in-person roles. The typical questions we get asked are:
- Should I apply for remote positions for my first job in tech?
- What are my chances of getting a remote role after graduating from the bootcamp?
- How long will my job search be if I only apply to remote positions?
Luckily, our students have the guidance and support of our career-readiness professionals in the Pathway Program to help shepherd them through their job searches.
With input from a few of our career coaches, we’ve highlighted a few tips for coding bootcamp graduates who are looking for their first jobs in tech.
Note that for this piece specifically, we will be focusing on a coding bootcamp graduate’s job search perspective. Continue reading as we explore these tips so that, wherever you are in your job search, you can better understand what to expect and launch your journey toward your dream job in tech.
1. Don’t forget to network.
Even if you’re applying for a remote role, networking is vital in any industry. Whether it’s a virtual or an in-person networking event, it is imperative that you get out there and make connections. You never know who might help you find your next job or who could point you in the right direction.
Graduates should search for events in tech communities and spaces that align with their interests and career goals. For example, if you’re interested in front-end development, then look for virtual communities that focus on front-end web development.
Discover virtual communities and software development event groups here.
For some, meeting people virtually comes naturally and they can easily carry on a professional conversation in this manner. For others, it can be a bit more challenging to make connections this way. Understand your strengths in both situations and see if there are things you can do to set yourself up for success. Introduce yourself to virtual tech communities before events or expand your online presence to make it easier for others to find you to connect.
2. Prepare for a longer job search.
Remote roles can be some of the most challenging roles to get, especially given the number of applicants that are applying to them. The average job search takes around three to six months, but some can take longer.
In the instance of working in person, applicants are limited by geographical proximity to the company or office. Where remote positions are concerned, they don’t have these limits. Applicants from all over, potentially worldwide, can apply and it significantly reduces your chances of landing an interview.
Tips that can help speed up the process include tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. You can do this by reverse engineering your resume, highlighting the skills that you have in the job description. This will help your resume stand out with companies’ applicant tracking systems.
3. Expand your job search parameters, but not too much.
Expanding your search parameters can present options in other industries (outside of tech, for instance) that need software developers.
Most of Tech Elevator’s students come with unique professional backgrounds before they made their career change into software development. Highlighting your prior skills can make you stand out against other candidates. If your previous career was in the healthcare industry as a nurse, then looking for roles in that space could help you get your first software developer role. The skills you gained in previous jobs can help you with the search parameters for your job search.
Another way to expand your job search for potential remote roles is to look in cities that are growing or established tech hubs. Cities like Dallas, Houston, Washington D.C., Detroit and Chicago are rapidly growing tech hubs that need software developers. Don’t be afraid to look into cities outside of your time zone if at all possible. Being flexible with your location selection will only increase the options available to you.
4. Highlight your remote-working experience.
It’s important to show potential employers that you have the experience, or at least the skills, to perform in a remote working environment. Just like if you were applying for a cooking position at a restaurant, even if you haven’t gone to a culinary school, you must demonstrate that you have the skills to do the job and work in a kitchen. In the case of junior software developers looking for remote jobs, you must show a demonstrated history of working in a remote setting.
For coding bootcamp graduates who don’t have experience working in remote jobs, look for ways to show that you can function in a remote role. If you had a study group where everyone worked remotely, that can help demonstrate limited experience working in this manner. Break down the steps of group projects where everyone coordinated tasks, communicated and worked virtually.
5. Adjust your expectations for success.
Remote jobs can seem challenging to get especially as a junior software developer, but there are ways to leverage your skills and increase your chances of success. By no means are remote positions out of reach for junior developers. However, many factors can affect your job search. It really depends on what you’re looking for and setting the proper expectations for yourself.
If you don’t have the capability for a prolonged job search while looking for remote positions, then have that be a goal for a future position. Remember, when you graduate from a coding bootcamp, you still have a lot of your career ahead of you so your first role after your bootcamp education is not the end-all-be-all. Working from home might not be something that you can obtain right after graduating, but it’s more likely after you gain experience from your first job.
Don’t forget about being flexible and looking into hybrid roles, too. In some instances, they are the best of both worlds for junior developers because they get the in-person experience while building on their remote job skills.
Ready to start your job search and become a software developer?
Whether you’re looking for an in-person, remote or hybrid job, determine what option works best with your experience and working style. Explore the options available and don’t forget to network! Junior developers can and do get a remote job in tech so remember to be flexible and set realistic expectations for yourself.
Transform your career in 14 or 30 weeks at Tech Elevator. If you’re looking to take the next step in your career and think being a software developer is the path for you, then take our Aptitude Test to get started.