Top 10 Strategies to Land Your First Remote Tech Job from Canada in 2024

By Chevas Balloun

Last Updated: December 23rd 2024

Remote tech job strategies in Canada for 2024

Too Long; Didn't Read:

Want to land your first remote tech job in Canada in 2024? Focus on in-demand skills like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and DevOps. Leverage platforms like LinkedIn for networking, use job boards like Indeed, create an impressive portfolio on GitHub or Behance, and consider enrolling in online courses via Coursera or edX. Join Canadian tech communities on Slack and Discord, attend virtual job fairs, seek internships, tap into government and private sector programs, and collaborate with recruitment agencies. Major hubs like Toronto are booming, providing numerous opportunities for tech professionals.

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

The Canadian tech scene is absolutely killing it in 2024! Based on the latest data from Robert Half, there's been massive growth in job postings across various tech roles, especially software engineering, development, and executive leadership.

Major hubs like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal are driving this surge, with Toronto leading the pack as the "Silicon Valley of the North." To stand out and land that dream remote tech job, you'll want to focus on in-demand skills like data analysis, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and DevOps.

Companies are seriously stepping up their game to attract and retain top talent, offering hybrid and fully remote work options, competitive salaries, and engaging perks.

With the right preparation and a solid grasp of the hiring landscape, you'll be well on your way to scoring an awesome remote gig in Canada's booming tech industry.

Table of Contents

  • Leverage LinkedIn for Networking
  • Utilize Job Boards like Indeed and Workopolis
  • Enroll in Online Courses with Coursera or edX
  • Join Canadian Tech Communities on Slack and Discord
  • Attend Virtual Tech Job Fairs
  • Create a Portfolio on GitHub or Behance
  • Seek Internships and Entry-Level Positions
  • Tap into Government and Private Sector Programs
  • Work with Canadian Recruitment Agencies
  • Frequently Asked Questions

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Leverage LinkedIn for Networking

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Tech2Step is a nonprofit doing things differently. They're all about empowering women and allies in tech, building meaningful connections, and fostering an inclusive vibe.

It's a breath of fresh air, right? Every Friday, they organize outdoor walks with industry mentors, where you can get valuable insights and growth advice straight from the pros.

But that's not all! You optimize your LinkedIn profile to really stand out.

Use a tagcloud generator to find relevant keywords for the roles you're eyeing, and make sure your headline, summary, and experience sections are on point. Oh, and ditch those cringeworthy buzzwords – keep it real.

Speaking of keeping it real, check out this LinkedIn profile optimization video with solid tips on showcasing your strengths and impressing recruiters.

They even share examples of killer profiles to draw inspiration from. And don't sleep on those recommendations – building relationships and asking for endorsements can seriously boost your credibility.

At the end of the day, it's all about networking your way into Canada's tech scene.

Join local groups, like Canadian Tech Professionals or Toronto Tech Hub, to stay in the loop on events, job opportunities, and industry trends. Engage, contribute, and let your expertise shine through.

And why not reach out to folks for coffee chats or informational interviews? A little effort can go a long way in opening doors and landing that dream remote gig.

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Utilize Job Boards like Indeed and Workopolis

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Let me break it down for you on how to find those sweet remote tech gigs using job boards like Indeed. These sites are a goldmine for discovering prime opportunities across the country.

With the demand for tech talent skyrocketing, you get access to a ton of listings tailored to your preferences. On Indeed, use those advanced filters to zero in on roles that match your skills, location preference (remote, duh), and desired pay range.

A recent survey revealed a 25% spike in remote job postings across Canada from 2022 to 2024!

Over on Workopolis, setting up job alerts is a total game-changer.

You'll get notified instantly about new listings that fit your criteria. Be specific about your desired skills (like Python, JavaScript, AWS), location (remote or hybrid), and job types.

According to the experts, the top 5 in-demand remote tech roles for 2024 are Software Developer, Data Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist, Cloud Architect, and UX/UI Designer.

When applying, make sure to tailor your resume to each specific remote position.

Highlight your relevant technical skills, certifications, and projects that align with the job requirements. Incorporate keywords from the job description to increase your chances of getting past those pesky Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

And don't forget to craft a killer cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company's mission.

"A well-crafted resume and cover letter can set you apart from the competition and increase your chances of landing your dream remote tech job,"

notes career expert Barbara Johnson from ResumeGenius.ca.

Enroll in Online Courses with Coursera or edX

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Remote tech jobs in Canada are where it's at in 2024! The game's changing faster than you can say "AI takeover." That's why investing in online courses and certs is a total must-have if you want to level up your career.

I'm talking hot skills like data science and cloud computing – the kind of stuff that'll have recruiters sliding into your DMs.

Platforms like Coursera and edX are stacked with fire programs to get you job-ready.

If data's your thing, check out the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate on Coursera or the Data Science Essentials cert from UC Berkeley on edX. For cloud computing, the Google Cloud Data Engineering and AWS Cloud Computing certs are like golden tickets.

According to the Future Skills Centre, data science roles in Canada are set to blow up by 28% by 2024, and there'll be a shortage of over 20,000 cloud computing pros by 2025.

Plus, certs could mean a 25% fatter paycheck compared to those without 'em. So, get learning and get that bread! Like Forbes says, "Continuous learning is the key to staying relevant." You don't want to get left behind in this fast-paced world, right?

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Join Canadian Tech Communities on Slack and Discord

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Joining these Canadian tech slackers and discord servers is the move if you wanna land that sweet remote tech gig! According to the stats, networking is key to getting hired, and these online communities are where it's at.

They're like hubs for techies to connect, share knowledge, and even get insider info on job openings.

In the Slack scene, you gotta check out the Canadian Tech Slack - it's massive with over 25K members chatting about everything from coding to entrepreneurship.

If you're in the 6ix, the Toronto Tech Slack is your spot for local tech talk. And for my West Coast, VanTech Slack is where the Vancouver techies hang.

As for Discord, TechHub Canada is a beast with 18K+ members covering web dev, data science, blockchain, you name it.

Canadian Developers is another hot server with 12.5K devs geeking out over programming languages and game dev. And if you're an aspiring tech entrepreneur, Canadian Tech Entrepreneurs is the place to connect with 8K other hustlers.

At the end of the day, your network is your net worth, as they say.

Get active in these communities, share your skills, ask questions, and keep an eye out for job opportunities. It's a two-way street - contribute value and position yourself as a knowledgeable pro in your field.

Attend Virtual Tech Job Fairs

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Virtual tech job fairs are a total game-changer for landing that first remote gig in 2024! You can network, explore openings, and even score interviews without leaving your crib.

But to stand out, you gotta prep like a pro – update your resume, tailor your pitch, and practice those virtual communication skills.

Canada's got some major virtual fairs lined up in 2024, like Tech Talent Canada, hosted by the government, with over 100 companies and thousands of job seekers.

Or check out the Jobs Canada Fair, organized by the Canadian Job Fair Network, catering to tech and other industries, with a massive 50,000+ participants expected.

But don't just show up – network like a boss! Research companies, perfect your setup (quiet space, strong Wi-Fi, professional attire), and get ready to impress.

These virtual fairs are your ticket to landing that dream remote tech job from Canada in 2024, so make every interaction count!

Fill this form to download every syllabus from Nucamp.

And learn about Nucamp's Coding Bootcamps and why aspiring developers choose us.

Create a Portfolio on GitHub or Behance

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Creating an online portfolio is crucial for landing a tech job. It's the best way to showcase your skills and prove you've got what it takes.

Portfolios aren't just for creative roles; anyone can benefit from having an online presence that highlights their work.

Employers dig it because it gives them a sneak peek at what you can do before even meeting you.

For developers and programmers, having a GitHub profile is non-negotiable.

It's like your digital playground where you can flaunt your coding prowess. Career experts say a well-crafted GitHub with quality repos can increase your chances of getting hired by 40%.

To make your GitHub pop, pin your best projects, commit regularly to show your dedication, and write detailed README files so employers can easily understand your work.

If you're a designer, creative, or UI/UX pro, Behance is where it's at.

It's the perfect platform to curate a visual portfolio that showcases your artistic talents. Plus, a whopping 87% of freelancers use Behance to attract clients, so you know it's legit.

To make your Behance portfolio shine, organize your projects into neat categories, include case studies that walk through your process, and engage with the community to boost your visibility.

At the end of the day, your online portfolio is your digital calling card.

It's a living, breathing showcase of your skills that can open doors to remote job opportunities. By strategically leveraging platforms like GitHub and Behance, you'll position yourself as a top contender in the competitive remote tech job market.

Seek Internships and Entry-Level Positions

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Landing that first remote tech gig in Canada can be a grind, but internships are a solid way to get your foot in the door. According to job search data, there's no shortage of 2024 internship openings for us techies – from cloud development at CloudOps and Aptum to data engineering at McCain Foods.

Research shows that over 60% of interns score full-time job offers after graduation.

But scoring those coveted internships takes more than just coding skills.

You make connections and showcase your passion for the work.

Build a killer portfolio on GitHub, attend virtual career fairs, and network like crazy to get on recruiters' radars. Finding a mentor – their guidance could be the key to unlocking those prized remote roles.

At the end of the day, internships provide an unbeatable way to gain real-world experience, sharpen your skills, and expand your professional circle.

As a tech-savvy 20-something, you've got the digital aptitude to thrive in remote roles – now it's just about putting in the work to make those internship doors open.

With determination and a strategic approach, that first remote tech job in Canada could be just around the corner.

Tap into Government and Private Sector Programs

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Check this out - if you're tryna land a sweet remote tech gig in the Great White North, the government and private sector have got your back with some rad programs.

First up, there's the Digital Technology Supercluster, which is all about boosting Canada's tech talent pipeline and fueling collabs between industry and academic peeps.

They've already dropped over $240 million into projects across different sectors, opening up a ton of job opportunities for skilled techies.

Another solid resource is Mitacs, a national non-profit that's all about fostering innovation through research internships and training programs.

They've hooked up over 100,000 interns since they started, giving aspiring tech professionals that valuable experience and connections. One intern even scored a full-time role at a major AI company after their Mitacs internship.

Talk about a solid launchpad!

If you need some financial support, there are grants and funding opportunities galore. The Canada Job Grant helps cover training costs to level up your skills in high-demand areas like software dev, data analytics, and cybersecurity.

The Strategic Innovation Fund offers contributions (both repayable and non-repayable) to support innovative projects and create jobs in Canada's tech sector. And the Mitacs Accelerate Program provides internship funding for grad students and postdocs to team up with industry partners on research projects.

With Canada prioritizing its digital economy, programs like these are crucial for equipping job seekers with the skills and resources to crush it in remote tech roles.

As the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Francois-Philippe Champagne, put it,

"Investing in the skills and talent of Canadians will ensure our workforce is prepared for the jobs of tomorrow."

Time to level up, eh?

Work with Canadian Recruitment Agencies

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Look, landing a remote tech gig in Canada ain't easy, but hooking up with the right recruitment agency can be a game-changer. These firms are like matchmakers, connecting tech talents with companies desperate for that digital wizardry.

Top dogs like Robert Half and Hays are worth checking out.

According to the crew at Scilltech, recruiting agencies have the inside scoop on job openings, even the ones not advertised publicly.

They can guide you through the maze of the Canadian job market and help you level up your resume and interview skills.

To really crush it with these recruitment pros, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  1. Polish your online presence, making sure your LinkedIn and other profiles highlight the skills remote tech companies are thirsty for.
  2. Stay in touch with your recruiter, keeping them updated on your job hunt status and availability.
  3. Pick their brain for insights on company cultures and role requirements - they've got the inside track.
  4. Prep like a boss for interviews, researching the company and practicing your responses to common questions (check out Nucamp's guide for help).
  5. Follow up promptly after interviews, letting your recruiter know you're still hyped for the opportunity.

With tech skills in high demand (like cybersecurity and cloud computing, as Robert Half points out), playing your cards right with recruitment agencies can seriously boost your chances of scoring that sweet remote tech job in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What are the top strategies to land your first remote tech job from Canada in 2024?

Some top strategies include leveraging LinkedIn for networking, utilizing job boards like Indeed and Workopolis, enrolling in online courses with Coursera or edX, joining Canadian tech communities on Slack and Discord, and attending virtual tech job fairs.

How can LinkedIn be used for networking to land a remote tech job?

To use LinkedIn for networking, join groups like Canadian Tech Professionals or Toronto Tech Hub, reach out to industry mentors, and optimize your LinkedIn profile with relevant keywords and endorsements to boost your visibility.

Which online platforms offer valuable tech courses to help land a remote job?

Platforms like Coursera and edX offer valuable tech courses. Notable programs include the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate on Coursera and the Cloud Computing MicroMasters Program from UC Berkeley on edX.

Why should you join Canadian tech communities on Slack and Discord?

Joining Canadian tech communities on Slack and Discord helps you network, share knowledge, and get insider info on job openings. Popular communities include Canadian Tech Slack, Toronto Tech Slack, and dev-oriented servers like Canada Devs on Discord.

What are the benefits of attending virtual tech job fairs?

Attending virtual tech job fairs allows you to network, explore job openings, and potentially score interviews without leaving home. Major fairs in Canada include the Jobs Canada Fair and various government-hosted virtual tech job fairs.

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Chevas Balloun

Director of Marketing & Brand

Chevas has spent over 15 years inventing brands, designing interfaces, and driving engagement for companies like Microsoft. He is a practiced writer, a productivity app inventor, board game designer, and has a builder-mentality drives entrepreneurship.