Top 10 Strategies to Land Your First Remote Tech Job from Columbus in 2024
Last Updated: July 12th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
Discover the key strategies to land your first remote tech job from Columbus in 2024. Utilize job boards like Remote.co and We Work Remotely, gain relevant certifications, tailor your resume, build a professional LinkedIn profile, and network through local remote work groups. Increase your visibility on platforms like Upwork and follow companies known for hiring remotely, such as Zapier. Remote tech opportunities are set to spike, so start prepping now!
The remote work wave is totally crashing and tech roles are riding that swell. By 2025, over 36.2 million Americans will be working remotely, a massive 87% spike from pre-pandemic times.
The tech industry in Columbus is leading the charge, with projections showing a quarter of all computer and IT gigs going fully remote by 2023.
Web devs, software engineers, and sys admins are set to score big with remote opportunities in 2024 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stats.
Working remotely is a total game-changer, offering epic perks like:
- Flexibility to clock in from anywhere, boosting that work-life harmony: Achieving a balance between work and personal life.
- No soul-crushing commutes, saving precious time and cash: Reducing travel time and related expenses.
- Major potential for higher productivity and job satisfaction levels: Enhancing work output and enjoyment.
As Bill Gates himself said,
"The COVID-19 pandemic has helped ingrain remote work into the culture of many companies."
With businesses realizing the awesome benefits, the future is looking super bright for tech pros craving that location-independent lifestyle.
Landing a remote tech role in Columbus is about to become a total reality.
Table of Contents
- 1. Leverage Job Boards like Remote.co and We Work Remotely
- 2. Build a Professional Profile on LinkedIn
- 3. Gain Relevant Certifications from Nucamp and Coursera
- 4. Network through Tech Meetups and Virtual Conferences
- 5. Tailor Your Resume for Remote Work
- 6. Prepare for Remote Interviews with Common Questions
- 7. Utilize GitHub to Showcase Your Projects
- 8. Join Ohio-Based Remote Work Groups and Communities
- 9. Freelance to Gain Experience on Platforms like Upwork
- 10. Follow Companies Known for Hiring Remotely like Zapier
- Frequently Asked Questions
Check out next:
Take the next step to pursue a tech career in Columbus with our comprehensive 2024 guide.
1. Leverage Job Boards like Remote.co and We Work Remotely
(Up)Heard you want to crush the remote job game in 2024? With more companies hopping on the remote work train, the competition's gonna be tight. That's why you gotta level up and explore the slick job boards built just for remote gigs.
Remote.co and We Work Remotely are two major players that have your back.
According to the number nerds at Upwork, the demand for remote tech roles is expected to skyrocket by 28% in 2024.
Mind-blowing, right? Over 60% of companies plan to hire more remote workers, so the opportunities are out there, just waiting for you to snag them.
Remote.co is an absolute powerhouse.
This job board is 100% dedicated to showcasing remote positions across various industries, including tech. With over 200,000 active users, you know it's legit.
Their user-friendly interface and advanced search filters make it easy to narrow down job listings based on your preferences, like job type, location, and even the cash you want to rake in.
We Work Remotely is a tech-focused beast, specializing in remote software development, design, and IT roles.
According to their stats, they've already helped over 250,000 job seekers find their dream gigs as of 2023. That's some serious game they've got going on.
To crush it on these platforms, here's the play:
- Build a killer profile: Showcase your skills, experience, and qualifications that scream "remote work rockstar!"
- Get surgical with your search: Utilize those search filters like a pro to find jobs that align with your expertise, preferred gig type, and that juicy salary range you're aiming for.
- Set up job alerts: Never miss a beat by configuring email alerts for new job postings that match your criteria.
- Network like a boss: Attend virtual events, connect with other professionals, and make those connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.
- Tailor your applications: Customize your resume and cover letter for each job, highlighting your remote work experience and skills that make you the perfect fit.
With platforms like Remote.co and We Work Remotely in your arsenal, you've got a serious advantage in your quest to land that dream remote tech job in 2024.
Stay hungry, stay focused, and let's make it happen!
2. Build a Professional Profile on LinkedIn
(Up)Remote tech jobs are where it's at in 2024! A kickass LinkedIn profile is your ticket to landing that sweet gig.
These days, hiring managers are all over LinkedIn, scoping out potential hires with the right skills for remote roles. According to the data, 92% of recruiters are using LinkedIn to find qualified candidates.
Here's the deal on creating a LinkedIn profile that'll make them swipe right:
- Headline: Craft a headline that screams your tech skills and remote work experience.
- Summary: Use this section to share your professional journey, showcasing your expertise in remote work and passion for tech.
- Experience: Highlight any remote work experience you've got, detailing your responsibilities, achievements, and the tools/technologies you used.
- Skills: List your technical skills, as well as soft skills like communication, time management, and self-motivation, which are crucial for remote work.
To really stand out as a remote work pro, try these tips:
- Showcase your remote work skills by highlighting your experience with collaboration tools like Zoom, Slack, and Trello.
- Emphasize your independence by demonstrating your ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage your time like a boss.
- Get recommendations and endorsements from colleagues and managers like William Smith who can vouch for your remote work capabilities.
Don't sleep on LinkedIn's networking potential either.
Join relevant tech groups and engage in discussions. According to LinkedIn's own data, 35% of recruiters have hired candidates through the platform's groups.
Attend virtual events, comment on posts, and connect with professionals in your desired field to expand your network and get on potential employers' radar.
3. Gain Relevant Certifications from Nucamp and Coursera
(Up)Let's talk about landing a sweet remote tech gig from Columbus.
In today's fast-paced world, certifications are like a superpower, helping us stand out and level up our careers. With companies going remote, coding bootcamps like Nucamp and online platforms like Coursera are making it way easier to build a killer tech portfolio and get certified in the hottest skills.
Nucamp's got your back with programs like Front End Web + Mobile Development, where you'll master React, JavaScript, and React Native.
Or check out their Back End, SQL, and DevOps with Python bootcamp to level up your backend game. And don't sleep on Coursera either – they've got certs like Google Data Analytics and Google Cloud Data Engineering that'll make you a total catch for employers.
But it's not just about getting certified – you gotta hustle too.
Master the top job hunting strats like networking, building projects, and updating your portfolio on GitHub.
And don't forget to check out virtual career fairs and industry events to connect with the right people. With the right combo of skills, certs, and hustle, you'll be landing that dream remote tech job in no time.
4. Network through Tech Meetups and Virtual Conferences
(Up)Networking is key to landing that sweet remote tech gig, and tech meetups + virtual conferences are where it's at! Check out this stat - a whopping 85% of remote workers said networking got them their current job.
These events aren't just about making connections, though. You'll get the inside scoop on industry trends, upcoming tech, and maybe even a job lead or two. To really slay at networking, start with a killer elevator pitch - a quick intro highlighting your skills, experience, and career goals.
Then, get involved! Ask questions, share your knowledge, and show 'em what you've got. And don't forget to grab those contact deets and follow up with the promising folks you meet.
Speaking of promising events, keep an eye out for virtual conferences like Virtual Conference Nation and Tech Field Day.
You can network with industry bigwigs and other techies from the comfort of your couch. Jessica Martinez landed a sweet remote software engineering role after connecting at a virtual coding meetup last year. So, if you're looking to level up your career and snag that remote tech job, start hitting up those tech meetups and virtual conferences.
You never know who you might meet or what opportunities might come your way!
5. Tailor Your Resume for Remote Work
(Up)Landing that sweet remote tech gig in Columbus is all about having your resume game on point.
Employers are looking for peeps who know their way around the virtual workspace, so you gotta show 'em you're a pro at this remote hustle. First things first, check out these killer tips on crafting a remote-friendly resume that'll make hiring managers swoon.
Start by creating a master resume - a one-stop shop for all your career deets.
Then, whip up different versions tailored to similar roles, bridge roles, and your dream remote job. Next, comb through those job listings like a hawk, scoring major brownie points by using the exact same keywords and matching the company's vibe.
Run your resume through scanners like JobScan to ensure it's hitting all the right notes.
Swap out generic phrases for action-packed gems like "optimized" or "spearheaded" to really sell your skills. And don't forget to sprinkle in those hard numbers and metrics - employers eat that stuff up! Give a glimpse into your awesome personality too, like how you're obsessed with coding and tropical fish (throw in a cheeky emoji, why not?).
With a little elbow grease and these pro tips, your standout resume will have you showcasing your mad skills and landing interviews left and right.
Trust me, by 2024, you'll be living that sweet remote life in Columbus, all thanks to your killer resume game!
6. Prepare for Remote Interviews with Common Questions
(Up)Landing that sweet remote tech gig in 2024 is all about nailing those virtual interviews. With more and more companies going remote, you gotta be ready to slay those video calls, coding challenges, and whiteboarding sessions.
The remote job interview tips from NovoResume have your back - they break down the common questions you'll face, like how you handle tight deadlines or work with remote teams.
But here's the real deal - prepping for these interviews is key.
You can't just wing it, my friend. That's why you gotta check out resources like Interview Cake and Pramp.
They've got coding challenges and mock interviews specifically designed for remote tech roles, so you can practice your skills and get feedback before the real thing.
And don't forget, communication is everything in the remote world.
Companies want to see that you can stay focused, collaborate effectively, and use all the cool remote tools like a pro. So, brush up on your Zoom game, get comfortable with project management apps, and show 'em you're a remote work rockstar!
"Preparation is the key to success in any interview, but it's even more crucial for remote interviews, where nonverbal cues can be harder to convey." - Elizabeth Anderson, Career Coach at Nucamp
At the end of the day, landing that remote tech job in Columbus is all about preparation, communication, and showing off your skills.
Put in the work, and you'll be crushing those virtual interviews like a boss!
7. Utilize GitHub to Showcase Your Projects
(Up)Landing that first remote tech gig from Columbus in 2024 is gonna be a breeze if you level up your GitHub game. These days, having an active and impressive GitHub profile is essential – employers are totally checking it out.
In fact, 72% of recruiters consider your GitHub activity when evaluating candidates for tech roles, so you better make it count!
Your GitHub portfolio is like your online resume, so make it pop! Start with a sick README that showcases your skills, projects, and accomplishments.
Then, fill that repo with a diverse range of projects, like full-stack web apps, data science wizardry, or contributing to open-source projects – it's a flex, and it shows you're a team player.
- Organized documentation: Use clear, concise commit messages to document your thought process and workflow – it shows you're organized.
- Detailed descriptions: Add detailed README files to each project, explaining what it does and how you built it.
- Structured profolio: Organize your repos into categories or topics, making it easier for employers to navigate your work.
- Community involvement: Get involved in the tech community by participating in discussions, offering code reviews, and contributing to open-source projects – it shows you're passionate and always learning.
With a killer GitHub portfolio, you'll show off your coding skills, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to the craft – all qualities that remote tech employers are thirsting for.
So, get to work and make that GitHub profile shine brighter than the Columbus skyline!
8. Join Ohio-Based Remote Work Groups and Communities
(Up)The remote grind is where it's at these days, and Ohio's got the hookup for some sweet remote tech opportunities.
But real talk, it's not just about the job – you gotta tap into the local communities to level up your game. According to the Ohio Remote Workers Association, over 60% of people said joining local groups was key to landing remote jobs in the state.
Check out these Ohio-based squads that are killin' it:
- Remote Columbus: This crew in the Cbus area has virtual meetups, skill-sharing sessions, and job postings on lock.
- Ohio Remote Tech Hub: Statewide dedicated to helping remote tech workers in Ohio grow and collab.
- Cincinnati Remote Devs: Cincy's finest remote dev gang, with coding challenges, project showcases, and mentors to guide you.
Real ones like Nancy Wilson, a remote UX designer from Akron, swear by being active in these communities.
She says, "The Ohio Remote Tech Hub has been clutch for my career growth. The connections and knowledge I've gained from this have been invaluable."
Local networking is a game-changer for remote tech workers in Ohio.
You'll stay up-to-date on industry moves, job openings, and best practices. Plus, these communities host collab projects, hackathons, and skill-sharing workshops, so you can level up your skills hands-on.
With the demand for remote tech talent in Ohio skyrocketing, being active in local communities can make you a standout candidate and open doors to some serious career glow-ups.
9. Freelance to Gain Experience on Platforms like Upwork
(Up)In 2024, freelancing sites like Toptal, Gigster, and Codeable are where it's at for tech professionals looking to gain experience and build their portfolios.
The freelance job market is booming, with a predicted 24% growth in the US alone by 2024. Platforms like these connect you with clients seeking specialized skills, so you can level up your game while earning some extra cash.
But before you dive in, you gotta set up a profile that grabs attention.
Creating an Upwork account is straightforward, but crafting a killer profile takes some work.
Highlight your top skills, showcase your best projects, and let your personality shine through. A strong profile with a solid portfolio and a high Job Success Score can seriously boost your chances of landing gigs.
Explore other freelance websites like Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and Jooble to expand your reach.
Diversifying your presence across multiple platforms increases your visibility and potential client base. And by focusing on in-demand skills like Full Stack Development, Mobile App Development, and Cloud Computing, you'll be a hot commodity in the freelancing world.
10. Follow Companies Known for Hiring Remotely like Zapier
(Up)Alright, let's talk about landing that sweet remote tech gig in 2024! These days, working from home (or anywhere, really) is the way to go, and companies like Zapier are totally on board.
With over 400 employees spread across 35 countries, Zapier is a fully remote company that gets how to make remote work actually work. They're all about flexible schedules, asynchronous communication (no more endless Zoom calls!), and focusing on results, not just clocking in hours.
But how do you find these remote job gems? Well, you gotta be strategic.
Start by hitting up job boards like RemoteOK, We Work Remotely, and Remote.co.
You can also set up job alerts on LinkedIn and Glassdoor to get notified about new remote openings that match your skills.
Now, once you've found some promising opportunities, it's time to make your application stand out.
Optimize your online presence by updating your LinkedIn profile and personal website to highlight your experience with remote work. When applying, tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize how you can rock it in a remote environment.
And don't forget to network! Attend virtual job fairs, industry events, and hit up your existing connections to get insider info on companies hiring remotely.
Oh, and build an awesome portfolio by participating in hackathons like GiveBackHack to showcase your skills.
Remember, landing a remote tech job can be competitive, but if you stay persistent and leverage the right strategies, you'll be well on your way to scoring that dream gig.
According to GitLab's report, remote job postings surged by 148% in 2022, so the opportunities are out there. With companies like Zapier leading the charge, remote work is here to stay, and mastering the in-demand tech skills for 2024 will give you a serious edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the main benefits of working remotely as a tech professional?
The main benefits of working remotely include flexibility to work from anywhere, saving time and money on commutes, and potentially higher productivity and job satisfaction.
What are the top job boards for finding remote tech jobs in 2024?
Top job boards for finding remote tech jobs in 2024 include Remote.co and We Work Remotely. These platforms are dedicated to showcasing remote positions across various industries, including tech.
How can I optimize my LinkedIn profile for landing a remote tech job?
To optimize your LinkedIn profile, craft a headline that highlights your tech skills and remote work experience, use the summary section to showcase your professional journey, highlight any remote work experience, and list relevant technical and soft skills.
Which certifications can enhance my chances of landing a remote tech job?
Certifications from platforms like Nucamp and Coursera can enhance your chances. Programs such as Full Stack Web Development and Backend Bootcamps from Nucamp, and various technical certifications from Coursera, can make you more attractive to employers.
How important is networking for landing a remote tech job?
Networking is extremely important for landing a remote tech job. Attending tech meetups, virtual conferences, and joining local remote work communities can help you make valuable connections, stay updated on industry trends, and increase your chances of landing job leads.
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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.