How to Land a Remote Tech Job from Chicago: A Step-by-Step Guide

Chicago is straight-up killing it when it comes to remote tech job opportunities in 2024! The city's tech scene is blowing up, with major players like Google, Avant, and Discover hiring like crazy for remote roles.

According to CompTIA, over 55% of hiring managers in the U.S. plan to add IT staff in Q1 2024 alone! That's some serious demand, my friends.

Chicago is the perfect spot to snag those coveted remote gigs.

With a lower cost of living than the coasts, you can live that ballin' lifestyle on a reasonable salary. Plus, the city is an absolute gem for networking, with a vibrant startup ecosystem and tech communities galore to help you get your foot in the door.

And let's not forget about the incredible food scene—perfect for fueling those late-night coding sessions, am I right?

So, what are you waiting for? Brush up on those in-demand skills like full-stack development, AI/ML, and cybersecurity, and get ready to snag that dream remote tech job from the comfort of the Windy City.

With companies embracing hybrid and remote work models like never before, the opportunities are endless. Just remember—when you're crushing it in your new gig, don't forget to treat yourself to a deep-dish pizza or two.

You earned it, baby!

Chi-Town's tech scene is straight up on fire, and if you're looking to score a sweet remote gig, you gotta have the skills to pay the bills. Over half of hiring managers in the US plan to beef up their IT staff in 2024, and that's just the tip of the iceberg.

We're talking mad demand for software devs, cybersecurity pros, data scientists, and all the other tech wizards out there.

But don't sweat it, because 92% of jobs require digital skills these days, and Chicago's got your back with some seriously dope options to level up your game.

We're talking coding bootcamps like Nucamp that'll have you slinging code like a pro in no time, or programs like Gov. Pritzker's paid tech trainee gig where you can earn a sweet $54k salary while you train.

And that's just the beginning.

Chicago's a hotbed for tech meetups, workshops, and networking events where you can connect with industry pros, stay up-to-date on the latest trends, and maybe even score your next job.

Plus, with companies investing big bucks in upskilling their employees, you know they're serious about keeping their tech talent sharp and ready to roll.

Let's talk about making your tech resume stand out to Chicago employers.

They're looking for real examples of your skills, not just buzzwords. Highlight your transferable skills - the stuff you've done that proves you can crush it in tech, even if it wasn't a coding job.

And don't forget to tailor your resume for each role using keywords from the job description.

It shows you're truly interested and not just blasting out the same generic resume.

Chicago companies want to see you took initiative and followed through on projects.

They don't care as much about listing every job you've ever had or describing your personality traits. Keep it real – be clear about your relevant experience and specific achievements that show how you'd make an impact.

And for the love of everything, no grammar mistakes or cringeworthy objective statements!

If you've got experience tied to Chicago's tech scene, whether it's an internship, volunteering, or local coding projects, definitely feature that.

Companies dig candidates who understand the city's unique industry landscape. And if you've got niche skills that are hot in sectors like fintech or cybersecurity, make sure to call that out too.

Taking classes or getting certified through local schools like UChicago or Northwestern is a smart move.

It demonstrates your commitment to growing as a Chicago tech pro. Tap into resources like resume workshops and career counseling to get that extra edge. With a standout resume tailored to what Chicago employers want, you'll be well on your way to scoring that remote dream job.

Networking is key to getting your foot in the door of Chicago's tech scene. Connecting with folks and hitting up industry events can open up some sweet opportunities for your career and collabing with others.

According to a survey from Built In Chicago, over 75% of local tech peeps said networking helped them land their current gig.

Get immersed in Chicago's electric tech community by attending the meetups and conferences.

For real, mark your calendar for the 2024 Chicago Tech Summit, which drew over 8,000 people last time. This epic event lets you connect with industry bosses, attend workshops, and check out the latest tech innovations.

You could also join niche meetup groups like Chicago Data Science or Chicago DevOps to learn from your peers and grow your network.

Take advantage of Chicago's ecosystem of tech hubs and coworking spaces to expand your professional circle.

Hotspots like 1871, WeWork, and Industrious host tons of digital startups and tech companies. Regularly stopping by these places can help you organically connect with like-minded folks and maybe even land your dream remote gig.

As Steve Jobs said,

"Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower."

By actively networking in Chicago's tech scene, you're setting yourself up as a trailblazer ready to crush the city's booming remote tech job market.

When you're hunting for that remote tech gig from Chicago, you gotta play it smart. Start by scoping the details on those Built In Chicago remote listings and don't overlook ZipRecruiter's Chicago remote tech jobs either.

They're like a goldmine for finding companies that are open to letting you work from anywhere in the 312.

Even some of those part-time remote gigs can be a solid way to get your foot in the door.

Check out SimplyHired's part-time remote tech openings in Chicago - you might just land a sweet side hustle that lets you flex your skills and show what you're made of.

The key to really nailing that application is letting your personality shine through.

Don't just rattle off your qualifications, show 'em why you're the perfect fit for that Chicago tech scene. Maybe you've got experience working with local clients or companies.

Or maybe you're just a die-hard Deep Dish Pizza fan - whatever it is that connects you to the city, let that flavor come through in your cover letter and resume.

And don't forget to put yourself out there and network like crazy.

Attend those virtual meetups and stay plugged into the Chicago tech community. It's all about making connections and letting people see the real you. Before you know it, you'll be landing interviews and impressing those hiring managers with your skills and your undeniable Chicago swag.

Getting ready for those remote tech job interviews in Chicago is like leveling up in a video game. The companies here are all about that remote life, so their interview process is on another level.

First up, you'll probably have a quick video call to see if you're a good fit for the remote gig.

They'll check if you've got the skills, communication game, and the right vibe for their squad.

But the real test is the technical assessments.

Get ready to flex those coding muscles! You might have to:

• Crush some coding challenges to show off your problem-solving skills and prove you're a boss in their tech stack.
• Answer some deep questions about computer science concepts, data structures, and algorithms. Time to dust off those textbooks!
• Design killer systems and architectures that can scale like crazy. Can you handle the pressure?

Practice coding on a shared screen or virtual whiteboard, so you're ready to slay that remote interview like a pro.

But it's not just about coding.

They'll also throw some behavioral and situational questions your way to see how you handle challenges, stay motivated while working remotely, and collaborate with the squad.

Be ready to tell stories about how you crushed that tough coding problem or how you keep your productivity levels high while working from home.

The key is preparation.

Make sure your tech is on point, your environment is distraction-free, and your internet connection is solid. With the right mindset and practice, you'll be landing that remote tech job in Chicago in no time!

Okay, so you wanna land a sweet remote tech gig from the Chi, but you gotta know the rules first. From January 1, 2024, the Paid Leave for All Workers Act lets you earn up to 40 hours of paid leave annually, no questions asked.

That's like a whole work week off, just 'cause! And if you're a remote worker, companies have to email or post important labor law notices where you can easily access them.

Pretty cool, right? Chicago's dropping a double whammy in July 2024 - 40 hours of paid leave AND 40 hours of paid sick time.

Just don't forget to check out Nucamp's tips on building an impressive online portfolio to snag that dream remote gig!