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

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

The Chicago tech scene is booming in 2024, with companies battling for the region's top talent.

A shining list of employers like Google, Avant, and Discover are offering remote gigs to tech wizards skilled in areas like Python, React, and machine learning.

Even tight job markets can't stop the Silicon Prairie's growth—over 55% of companies plan to staff up their IT ranks this quarter according to CompTIA. Working from home while Chicago winters rage outside sounds like your vibe, polish that resume and start applying to remote-friendly companies like FourKites, BenchPrep, and Cleo.

Don't overlook networking moves like volunteering at Chi Hack Night or leveraging Nucamp's insider tips—those connections could lead to your next gig.

Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is key if you want to score that sweet remote tech gig in Chicago. You gotta sprinkle in those location-based keywords to boost your visibility and catch the attention of local recruiters.

We're talking phrases like "Chicago software developer," "remote tech roles in Illinois," "Chicago-based cybersecurity analyst," and "Chicago UX designer." Show off your Chi-Town cred by highlighting any dope experiences you've had in the city, whether it's internships at top companies, hackathons, or being active in tech communities.

Networking is also crucial, so connect with Chicago-based tech pros and recruiters.

Join groups like "Chicago Tech Pipeline" and "Chicago Women in Tech," get chatty, and link up with local influencers. Remember, 85% of tech recruiters are scoping LinkedIn for potential candidates, so you gotta make yourself visible.

Take inspiration from success stories like Susan Johnson, a software engineer who landed a remote role at a major Chicago fintech company by consistently engaging with industry leaders and updating her profile with in-demand skills like "React," "Agile," and "cloud computing." And don't sleep on emerging tech skills that are hot in Chicago, such as AI, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science, and IoT.

Showcase relevant projects and experiences, and you'll be a prime candidate for those remote tech roles in the Chi.

Check it out! Networking events and meetups are the real MVPs when it comes to scoring that first remote tech gig from the Chi.

According to the stats, nearly 70% of local tech pros credited their job success to connections made at these shindigs. Here's the 411 on where to plug in:

In-person crew:

• Chicago Tech Meetup - The OG with over 10K members hittin' monthly events on all the hottest tech.
• Chicago DevOps - Where the DevOps homies connect for workshops and expert talks.
• Chicago Women Developers - Empowering the ladies in tech with mentorship, coding sessions, and primo networking.

Virtual vibes:

Crew	Specialty	Sched
Chicago Virtual AI/ML Meetup	Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning	Monthly
Tech in Motion	Connecting tech pros, ideas & opportunities	Bi-Weekly

Key Takeaway: "Networking is all about making solid connections - connecting people with people, people with ideas, and people with opportunities," says networking guru Jessica Martinez.

Show up, engage, follow up on promising leads - that's how you turn connections into job referrals and land that sweet remote gig.

Scoring a sweet remote tech gig in 2024 means having a resume that screams "hire me!" for virtual roles. Just check out this guide on tailoring your resume to land your dream remote job.

The key? Customize that bad boy for every single application to match the job description's keywords and vibe.

Start by highlighting any prior experience working remotely, even if it was just a side hustle.

But if you're a total newbie to the remote life, no sweating it! Flaunt skills that scream "remote rockstar" like solid time management, laser-focused communication (so zero awkward Zoom fails), and the ability to self-motivate like a boss.

Tech skills related to the role are a must too, of course.

Next level stuff? Create different resume versions tailored for your dream gig, roles prepping you for that dream, and your current experience.

Oh, and don't sleep on those cover letters! Use them to shout out why you're the remote worker they've been searching for.

Sprinkle in personality deets like how you thrive on flexibility and problem-solving solo. But most importantly, make it clear you're legit pumped about that specific company and role.

Hiring managers eat that up!

Having a killer online portfolio is the way to go if you want to score that first remote tech gig in the Chicago scene in 2024. Your portfolio needs to be packing projects that show you're a perfect fit for major players like Grubhub, Uptake, Avant, and SpotHero.

92% of hiring managers in Chicago tech are all about checking out a candidate's portfolio when making decisions.

To make your portfolio really pop, load it up with projects using hot tech that Chicago companies are digging in 2024, like:

• Machine learning and AI: McKinsey is calling for a 25% yearly spike in demand for machine learning skills in the Chi-Town tech scene.
• Cloud computing: Companies like Relativity are going all-in on AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, so you better be cloud-savvy.
• Data engineering and visualization: Hired.com stats show a 17% year-over-year rise in data-related roles in Chicago. Get your data game tight.

But it's not just about flexing your tech muscles.

The best online portfolios for 2024 also need to:

1. Tell a compelling story about your professional journey and where you're headed.
2. Give the full scoop on your role, responsibilities, and how you tackled challenges on each project.
3. "Tailor the narrative to align with the company's mission, culture, and values," says Chicago career coach Christopher Wilson. "Tech employers want to see how you'll fit in with the team."

And for bonus points, create dedicated portfolio pages or case studies specifically tailored for roles or companies you've got your eye on in Chicago.

This personal touch can seriously impress hiring teams and give you a leg up on the competition.

If you're trying to score your first tech gig in the chi-town scene in 2024, you gotta be locked n' loaded. The job market's poppin' off like crazy, with companies left and right on the lookout for fresh talent.

You already know the drill - Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn are your best buds for sniffing out those entry-level positions.

But don't sleep on checking out the career pages of major players like Uptake, Narrative Science, and Tempus too, they might just have the perfect fit.

When you're prepping that resume and cover letter, keep these tips in mind:

1. Highlight your coding skills by showcasing projects, certifications, or coursework you've completed.
2. Emphasize soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and adaptability - tech companies value these highly.
3. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job like it's your baby; make sure they know you're the perfect match.
4. If you're fresh outta school or switching careers, show your passion for tech, and demonstrate your eagerness to learn and innovate.

Over 60% of Chicago's tech companies are planning to amp up their entry-level hiring game in 2024 to keep up with the demand.

Here are some of the hottest roles you should be eyeing:

Role	Description
Junior Software Developer	Sling that code, debug apps, and collab with the vets.
IT Support Specialist	Be the tech whisperer, fix hardware and software issues like a boss.
Data Analyst	Crunch those numbers, analyze data, and drop some serious knowledge bombs.

As Mary Davis from Catalytic Consulting puts it,

"Stay persistent, network like it's your job, and let that eagerness to learn shine - that's how you'll stand out in this competitive entry-level jungle."

Fellow tech enthusiasts! If you're looking to break into the scene and land a remote tech job in Chicago, you gotta check out these sweet internship and apprenticeship opportunities.

These programs are the real deal, giving you a chance to gain valuable hands-on experience and make some serious connections in the industry.

• Fermilab's TARGET Program: A six-week summer gig focused on physics, math, computer science, and engineering. It's competitive, but successful applicants will earn $17.20 per hour while experiencing work at a prominent research facility. For more details, visit TARGET Program.
• AbbVie's Business Technology Solutions Internship: This 10-12 week program allows you to work on impactful projects that affect businesses and patients worldwide. There's also the possibility of securing a spot in their development program after graduation if you make a good impression. Find out more at AbbVie Business Technology Solutions Internship.
• Additional Opportunities: Explore programs like the Ladder Internship Program, QuarkNet Summer Research Internship, and the epic 25 Computer Science Internships for High Schoolers in 2024. These are perfect for gaining experience, building your network, and setting yourself up for success in the tech world.

Remember, internships and apprenticeships are like a golden ticket to the tech industry.

They give you a chance to prove your skills, learn from the pros, and potentially land a full-time gig after graduation. Start applying and get ready to level up your game!

Tech job hunters! If you're looking to score your first remote gig from right here in Chicago, you gotta hit up those virtual job fairs in 2024. These online events are a total game-changer, giving you the chance to connect with the hottest employers and show off your mad skills.

A study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers found that over 60% of job seekers who attended virtual career fairs landed at least one job offer.

That's insane!

But before you go all in, make sure you're prepped to the max. Start by doing your homework on the companies that'll be there, and tailor your resume and pitch to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.

Bold terms like "remote work experience," "project management tools," and "collaboration platforms" are total eye-catchers for recruiters. And don't forget to practice your elevator pitch - you want to nail that quick intro to your qualifications and career goals.

Once you're at the job fair, it's time to work that room (virtually, of course).

Engage with company reps and recruiters, ask insightful questions about their culture, values, and projects to show you're genuinely interested. And when you make those connections, follow up promptly to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest.

Oh, and don't sleep on leveraging your online presence! Share updates and insights from the job fair on platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your industry knowledge and engagement.

Speaking of skills, companies in Chicago's tech scene are majorly into Python, SQL, and JavaScript, according to a recent study by Burning Glass Technologies.

If you can flaunt those in-demand skills, you'll definitely catch some eyes. As David Davis, a seasoned tech recruiter in Chicago, says, "Virtual job fairs allow candidates to make genuine connections with companies in a low-pressure environment.

Seize this opportunity to showcase your passion and fit for the role." So, start prepping and get ready to land that sweet remote tech job from right here in the Windy City!

Let me break it down for you on how to get that remote tech job from the Windy City! Tapping into the alumni networks from local universities and coding bootcamps in Chicago can be a total game-changer.

These people are already in the tech scene, so they know the deal and can hook you up with some serious insider intel, mentorship, or even job leads!

Here's the scoop - according to the University of Chicago's Reconnect program, alumni who celebrated milestone reunions in 2024 pledged a million bucks to support current students and grads.

That's major! A study found that over a third of job seekers landed their gigs through networking in 2023. It's all about who you know, right?

So, here's how you can tap into these alumni groups:

• Connect on LinkedIn or university forums to stay in the loop.
• Attend their virtual or in-person events to rub elbows with the tech crowd.
• Reach out to alumni working at companies you're interested in for the inside scoop.
• See if any experienced pros are down to be your mentor and guide you through the process.
• Participate in workshops or skill-sharing sessions to level up your game.

The more connections you make, the more opportunities will come your way.

It's a no-brainer! Just remember, networking is key to unlocking that dream remote tech job from the heart of Chicago.

Staying plugged into Chicago's booming tech scene is key to scoring that remote gig in 2024. By keeping tabs on the latest buzz, you'll get the inside scoop on hot new technologies, thriving companies, and rad career paths.

Start by bookmarking legit tech news sites like Built In Chicago, GoTech Chicago News, and UIC's Tech News.

These spots have all the deets on local startups, major players, and must-attend events.

Joining online communities is another solid way to stay looped in.

Reddit's Chicago Tech and the Chicago Technology Professionals group on LinkedIn are awesome for connecting with fellow techies, dishing on the latest trends, and scoping out job openings.

Don't sleep on local meetups and networking events either – they're clutch for making face-to-face connections and getting the real scoop on Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem.

Some key trends to keep an eye on in 2024 include AI and machine learning (companies like ThoughtWorks, NIO, and Apervita are killing it), cybersecurity (with remote work on the rise, companies like ISG Source and SingularKey are on it), and fintech/blockchain (Chicago's finance hub has startups like TradeLevel and Stratis making moves).

Check out Nucamp's guide on landing a remote tech job from Chicago for more tips.

By getting plugged into Chicago's tech community, hitting up industry events, and staying up on the latest news and trends, you'll boost your chances of scoring that remote tech role in 2024 and prove you're a seriously valuable asset.