Top 10 Strategies to Land Your First Remote Tech Job from Colorado Springs in 2024
Last Updated: December 2nd 2023
Too Long; Didn't Read:
To land your first remote tech job from Colorado Springs in 2024, optimize your LinkedIn profile, join local tech meetups, leverage remote job boards like We Work Remotely and Remote.co, and upskill with online courses. Tailor your resume for remote roles, build a professional online portfolio, network with local alumni, and apply to companies known for hiring remotely.
If you're trying to land that sweet remote tech job, having a dope LinkedIn profile is the way to go.
Recruiters are all over that platform, so you gotta make sure your profile is on point. First things first, your headline and summary should be packed with relevant keywords and skills that match the jobs you're after.
And don't forget to get those skills endorsed by your squad – the more endorsements, the better! Sharing your awesome projects, code repos, and online portfolios is a must too.
Oh, and be sure to follow the companies you wanna work for, engage with their content, and connect with their employees. It's all about building that network, ya know? And if you need some inspo, check out peeps like Mary Davis, a software engineer who's killing it with her remote tech game.
Don't sleep on optimizing your LinkedIn profile – it could be the key to landing that dream remote gig in Colorado Springs or anywhere else! Oh, and if you're looking for more tips, be sure to check out these Nucamp articles: How to Land a Remote Tech Job from Colorado Springs: A Step-by-Step Guide, Getting a Job in Tech in Colorado Springs in 2024: The Complete Guide, and Top 10 Effective Job Hunting Strategies for Colorado Springs Tech Professionals.
Table of Contents
- Join Colorado Springs Tech Meetups and Networks
- Leverage Remote Job Boards such as We Work Remotely and Remote.co
- Upskill with Online Courses and Certifications at Nucamp
- Tailor Your Resume for Remote Tech Positions
- Build a Professional Online Portfolio
- Ace Remote Job Interviews with Preparation Tips
- Join Platforms Like GitHub and Contribute to Open Source Projects
- Network with Alumni from Colorado Colleges and Universities
- Research and Apply to Companies Known for Hiring Remotely
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Join Colorado Springs Tech Meetups and Networks
(Up)If you're trying to break into the remote tech scene from the Springs, networking is key. This city has a crazy active tech social club where you can kick it with fellow techies and connect over some brews.
Plus, joining groups like Springs Startup lets you hear startup pitches and get plugged into that entrepreneurial vibe.
And for all you security nerds out there, OWASP Colorado Springs is the spot to talk hacking and app sec.
According to this blog from CompTIA, it exposes you to job opportunities, industry trends, and a solid support system.
It's not just about finding gigs, but also building confidence and staying mentally fit in this fast-paced world of tech.
So, start hitting those meetups, engaging in the convos, and exchanging those digits.
The more people you know, the more doors open. Just ask Daniel Gonzalez, who scored her remote software engineering role after mingling at a JavaScript meetup.
The connections you make could be your golden ticket to that dream remote job you've been chasing. The local tech community in the Springs is where it's at!
Leverage Remote Job Boards such as We Work Remotely and Remote.co
(Up)We Work Remotely and Remote.co are the go-to spots for finding remote gigs. These sites are all about connecting you with companies that are down with the remote life, from coding to cybersecurity to data crunching and beyond.
On We Work Remotely, you can filter job listings by role, experience level, and tech skills, so you can zero in on the opportunities that fit you best.
Set up email alerts for the keywords you care about, and you'll get notified the second a new posting drops that matches your vibe. Companies like Automattic (the OGs behind WordPress), Zapier, and GitLab are always posting on there, so you know you're tapping into the real remote work culture.
And Remote.co is no slouch either.
Their advanced search lets you get super specific with job categories, required skills, and even specific companies. According to their stats, tech companies accounted for a whopping 32% of all job postings in Q4 2023, with roles like:
- Full Stack Developer specializing in end-to-end web development
- DevOps Engineer focusing on seamless deployment and integration
- UI/UX Designer ensuring top-notch user interfaces and experiences
Set up personalized job alerts on both sites, and you'll never miss a beat when new opportunities drop that could be perfect for you.
And as a Springs local, keep your eyes peeled for postings from homegrown companies like XTRA (a cybersecurity powerhouse) and MoonPie Analytics (a data science consultancy) – they've been regularly hiring remote tech talent over the past year.
To really up your chances of scoring that dream remote gig, make sure you're tailoring your profile and application materials to each specific role.
As Robert Taylor, Head of Product at We Work Remotely, says:
"Customizing your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experience for that particular position can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers on our platform."
Upskill with Online Courses and Certifications at Nucamp
(Up)Look, Nucamp is one of the hottest coding bootcamps around, praised by over 1,700 alumni for its affordable and flexible part-time courses.
But it's not just about learning to code – continuous learning is crucial to stay competitive in the rapidly changing tech world. Adapting and gaining expertise across multiple domains like cybersecurity, AI, and cloud computing is key to enhancing your problem-solving abilities and facilitating career growth.
A few important points to keep in mind:
- Central theme: Nucamp's programs are comprehensive. Full Stack Web and Mobile Development bootcamp covers trending tech like React, React Native, Node.js, and MongoDB over 22 weeks.
- Job success: 87% of grads land jobs within 6 months, earning an average of $68,500. Alumni like Sarah Thompson transitioned from retail to scoring a sweet Software Engineer gig in Denver.
But Nucamp isn't the only option – online platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer self-paced courses and certifications in high-demand areas like data science and cloud computing.
The key difference is that structured bootcamps like Nucamp often lead to higher completion rates and better job outcomes compared to self-guided learning. So, whether you choose a bootcamp or build your own learning path, continuous education is essential to stay ahead of industry trends and unlock new opportunities in 2024's competitive tech landscape.
Tailor Your Resume for Remote Tech Positions
(Up)Crafting a killer resume for remote tech gigs is like the cheat code to leveling up your career. Remote work skills are what companies are hunting for, so you gotta flex those muscles hard.
We're talking organization, communication, self-motivation - the whole nine yards of being a boss at working independently.
But don't just take my word for it, the experts at TopResume lay it all out: make that summary pop with your remote collab experience, sprinkle those "remote" keywords throughout your work history, and nail the remote-friendly skills section.
We're talking video conferencing wizardry, project management genius, and the ability to slay productivity like a pro.
Now, let's get real – if you're still rocking that basic resume template, it's time for an upgrade.
Sites like NovoResume have you covered with sleek, ATS-friendly designs tailored for remote roles.
Plus, they'll hook you up with tips on nailing that persuasive cover letter to really seal the deal.
At the end of the day, remote communication, time management, and self-motivation are your bread and butter.
Show off how you've crushed projects with minimal supervision, rocked those virtual team collaborations, and stayed on top of your game working from anywhere.
That's the kind of fire that'll make hiring managers sit up and take notice.
Build a Professional Online Portfolio
(Up)In today's competitive tech job market, having a sick online portfolio is a total game-changer. It's the perfect way to flex your skills, experiences, and achievements, and make yourself stand out from the crowd.
A recent study by Talent Works revealed that a whopping 92% of hiring managers consider online portfolios a crucial factor when making hiring decisions.
When it comes to building your portfolio, you've got plenty of options to choose from:
- GitHub Pages: This is a pick for developers, letting you host a static website directly from your GitHub repo, making it a breeze to showcase your coding projects and contributions.
- Behance: A popular platform for creative pros like UX/UI designers and web developers, Behance lets you flaunt your work and connect with potential clients or employers.
- Personal Websites: Building your own website from scratch or using website builders like Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress gives you complete control over the design and content of your portfolio.
Here are some essential elements to include in your online tech portfolio:
- An "About Me" section that highlights your background, skills, and career goals.
- A comprehensive project showcase, complete with descriptions, visuals, and code samples (if applicable).
- Testimonials or recommendations from previous employers, clients, or instructors.
- A downloadable resume and contact information.
In Colorado Springs, tech pros like Barbara Thomas and Michael Williams have created killer online portfolios that helped them land their dream jobs.
Barbara's portfolio, barbara.thomas.com, showcases her extensive experience in UI/UX design, complete with case studies and a visually stunning project gallery.
Michael's portfolio, michael.reyes.github.io, highlights his expertise in full-stack web development, featuring a clean and organized layout with live demos of his projects.
"My online portfolio has been instrumental in landing interviews and securing job offers," says Barbara Thomas. "It allows me to showcase my skills and experiences in a way that really resonates with potential employers."
Ace Remote Job Interviews with Preparation Tips
(Up)Landing your first remote tech gig straight outta Colorado Springs in 2024 is all about nailing those virtual interviews! These days, companies are leveling up their remote hiring game, so you gotta be prepared.
They'll likely kick things off with a video call to check your vibe and see if you're a good fit.
If you impress, get ready for a series of intense video interviews with the whole crew – managers, teammates, and HR peeps. Oh, and don't be surprised if they throw in some technical tests to assess your coding skills.
But hey, no need to stress! Just follow these pro tips to crush those remote interviews:
- Study that company culture: Companies want peeps who vibe with their mission and work style. Do your homework – stalk their website, social media, and employee reviews to get the inside scoop on how they roll.
- Practice coding challenges: Nothing impresses more than coding like a boss! Brush up on those data structures and algorithms, and make sure your internet connection is solid for any virtual assessments they throw your way.
- Dial in your setup: First impressions matter, even online. Dress sharp, get that lighting on point, minimize background noise, and test your audio/video gear. A slick setup shows you mean business.
- Showcase remote skills: Companies dig candidates who can communicate effectively, collaborate virtually, manage their time like pros, and stay motivated without constant supervision. Highlight those remote work skills and let them know you're built for the remote life.
Just ask my buddy Susan Martinez – she crushed the remote interview process for her dream tech job right here in the Springs.
Her secret? "I grinded coding challenges daily, researched that company culture top to bottom, and even did mock interviews with a mentor to prep," she said. By flexing her skills and proving she was the perfect fit, Susan scored the gig and is now killing it in her remote role.
You got this!
Join Platforms Like GitHub and Contribute to Open Source Projects
(Up)Being active on GitHub is a total game-changer for anyone trying to score their first remote tech gig out of Colorado Springs in 2024.
By contributing to open source projects, you're leveling up your coding skills and proving to potential employers that you're passionate and know your stuff. 60% of recruiters think your involvement in open source is a crucial factor when hiring.
To kickstart your open source journey, find projects that vibe with your interests and skills.
Sites like GitHub Explore and OpenHub have curated lists of popular repos actively seeking contributors. This data scientist from the Springs, Maëlle Salmon, says
"Contributing to open source let me collab with industry experts and get exposed to cutting-edge tech. It was a total game-changer for my career."
When contributing, follow these best practices:
- Review the project's docs and contribution guidelines thoroughly.
- Start small with bug fixes or minor tasks to build confidence.
- Communicate effectively with the project maintainers.
- Write clear and concise commit messages.
Showcasing your GitHub contributions in your online portfolio or resume can seriously boost your credibility with employers.
A survey by Hired found that 92% of employers see candidates' portfolios and samples as crucial factors in hiring decisions.
Michael Jones, a software engineer from the Springs, credits his success in landing a remote job to his GitHub activity:
"My GitHub profile was like a living portfolio, highlighting my coding skills and collaborative spirit. Potential employers could see the real impact I made through my open source contributions, which set me apart from other candidates."
By actively participating in open source projects on GitHub, tech professionals in Colorado Springs can level up their skills, build a powerful portfolio, and increase their chances of securing those coveted remote tech roles.
Network with Alumni from Colorado Colleges and Universities
(Up)If you're tryna score that sweet remote tech gig in the Springs, getting into the alumni networks is a total power move. These Harvard Business Review folks say folks who tap into their alumni squad are like 4 times more likely to snag job openings.
For us techy peeps in Colorado Springs, linking up with grads from local joints like University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado College, and Pikes Peak Community College can straight-up level up your career game.
Here's the deal on why alumni networks are so clutch:
- Job Hookups: Alumni already in the biz can sometimes slide qualified crew from their alma mater straight through the hiring process. This PayScale study found that a whopping 85% of open roles get filled through networking.
- Industry 411: Alumni doing the tech thing can drop some seriously valuable insider deets on job roles, companies, and what's poppin' in the industry, giving you a serious edge.
- Mentor Connect: Seasoned alumni can be straight-up mentors, guiding you on leveling up your career, building skills, and navigating that tricky job hunt.
To really make the most of these alumni squads, here are some pro tips:
- Join Alumni Associations: Most universities have dedicated alumni associations that set up events, hook up connections, and provide resources for job hunting.
- Hit Up Networking Events: Make it a priority to show face at alumni gatherings, both in-person and virtual, to build relationships and expand your professional circle.
- Utilize Online Platforms: Sites like LinkedIn Alumni Tool and university-specific alumni portals can help you identify and connect with alumni already killing it in your dream field.
A prime example of alumni networking success is "Charles Wilson, a recent grad from Colorado College who landed a remote software engineering role at a top tech firm after connecting with an alumnus at a virtual networking event."
Research and Apply to Companies Known for Hiring Remotely
(Up)Landing that sweet remote tech gig in 2024 is all about playing your cards right. The game's changing, and more companies are getting hip to this remote work wave.
Giants like Automattic, GitLab, and Zapier are leading the pack, opening doors for remote techies like us to join their squads from anywhere.
But the deal is - you gotta do your homework and get familiar with their vibes before sliding into those application inboxes.
Check out their websites, peep those career pages, and get a feel for how they roll with remote work policies and company cultures. Don't sleep on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn either - those employee reviews are pure gold for getting the inside scoop.
If you know someone already working at one of these companies, hit them up and pick their brain.
They can give you the real tea on what it's like to be a remote worker there. And when you're crafting those resumes and cover letters, make sure to flex your remote work skills - show them you're a boss at managing your own time, communicating clearly, and crushing it solo.
Now, let's talk about some standout companies that are absolutely killing it with remote work.
Automattic, the masterminds behind WordPress.com, have over 1,200 employees scattered across 77 countries, and they've got this remote collaboration thing down to a science.
Then you've got GitLab, the DevOps platform heavy-hitters, running an all-remote operation with team members in 67 different countries.
And let's not forget Zapier, the workflow automation champs, who've been rocking the remote game since day one with a fully distributed global team.
"Working remotely at Zapier has been a total game-changer. I can balance my life and work like a pro while teaming up with some seriously talented folks from all over the world." - John Moore, Senior Software Engineer at Zapier
Do your research, tailor those applications to show off your remote skills, and scope out companies that have mastered the remote work flow.
With the right moves, that dream remote tech job in 2024 will be yours for the taking.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)How can optimizing my LinkedIn profile help me land a remote tech job?
Optimizing your LinkedIn profile is crucial as recruiters actively search for candidates on the platform. Make sure your headline and summary are rich with relevant keywords, get your skills endorsed, and share your projects and portfolios. Engaging with companies and their employees on LinkedIn can also open up networking opportunities.
How can local tech meetups in Colorado Springs aid my job search?
Participating in local tech meetups and networks is key to breaking into the remote tech scene. Meeting fellow techies, attending startup pitch events, and engaging in conversations can expand your network, expose you to job opportunities, and provide a support system for career growth.
Which online job boards are best for finding remote tech jobs?
We Work Remotely and Remote.co are excellent platforms for finding remote tech jobs. These sites allow you to filter job listings by role, experience level, and tech skills, and set up email alerts for new job postings that match your criteria.
What are the benefits of contributing to open source projects on GitHub?
Contributing to open source projects on GitHub helps you improve your coding skills, demonstrate your passion for the field, and collaborate with industry experts. Employers often value open source contributions as they provide tangible evidence of your skills and teamwork abilities.
How can I prepare effectively for remote job interviews?
To excel in remote job interviews, research the company culture, practice coding challenges, ensure your video call setup is professional, and highlight your remote work skills such as communication, time management, and self-motivation. Mock interviews and understanding the company’s workflow can also give you an edge.
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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.