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

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Alright, so you're fresh out of school and itching to score your first real tech gig, but you'd rather work remotely than be stuck in a stuffy office, right? Well, Des Moines has got your back with some solid remote job opportunities.

Principal Financial is a major player in the area, and they're all about that flexible work life. Over 60% of their employees get to work remotely at least part-time, which is pretty sweet if you ask me.

Another big name in the game is Hy-Vee, the grocery giant.

They've got virtual roles up for grabs in coding, data crunching, and even digital marketing. And their careers page says they're all about creating an "inclusive work environment, whether on-site or remote." Gotta respect a company that values flexibility like that.

Local job boards can hook you up with even more remote opportunities from companies like Workiva (cloud software), Dwolla (fintech), and Denim (a marketing agency with a fully remote team).

Just remember to do your research and find a company that vibes with your values. Hy-Vee, for instance, is all about "integrity, respect, teamwork, and putting the customer first," according to their site.

Finding that right cultural fit can make or break your remote work experience.

1. a) Central Theme: Principal Financial offers flexible work arrangements. b) Sentence: Over 60% of employees at Principal Financial enjoy remote work options.
2. a) Central Theme: Hy-Vee supports remote work in various roles. b) Sentence: Hy-Vee has virtual roles in coding, data crunching, and digital marketing.
3. a) Central Theme: Local job boards provide additional opportunities. b) Sentence: Local job boards can connect you with remote roles at Workiva, Dwolla, and Denim.
4. a) Central Theme: Company culture is crucial for remote work. b) Sentence: Finding the right cultural fit is essential for a successful remote work experience.

To sum it up, there are many opportunities for remote tech jobs in Des Moines.

Principal Financial and Hy-Vee are just a couple of examples of companies supporting flexible work arrangements. Make use of local job boards and always ensure the company culture aligns with your values for the best remote working experience.

If you want to land that sweet remote tech gig in Des Moines, you gotta make your resume pop like a fresh new TikTok trend.

Start by highlighting your coding skills, like Python, React, or whatever's hot in the tech scene. Show off those projects you've crushed, and don't be shy about flexing those numbers – recruiters eat that stuff up!

But it's not just about the skills.

Your resume needs to look as clean as a brand new MacBook. Keep it simple, organized, and easy to read.

Use those cool templates from sites like Canva to make it look fresh without going overboard. And if you've got some killer quotes or testimonials about your remote work game, throw those in too!

Remember, the best way to stand out in Des Moines' tech scene is to show that you're not just another coder, but a true problem-solver with mad skills.

So get creative, highlight those wins, and let your resume do the talking. You've got this!

Let's talk about leveraging LinkedIn for that sweet remote tech gig. This platform is a total game-changer with over 700 million members and companies just waiting to be tapped into.

Forget the old school job boards; LinkedIn is where it's at.

First things first, make sure your profile is on point – highlight those skills and experiences to catch the eye of potential employers.

Then start engaging with the community by creating posts that showcase your expertise. Share tips, insights, and make connections with others in your niche. The more value you bring, the more you'll stand out from the crowd.

But it's not just about posting – you gotta network too.

Start by engaging with local tech events and meetups in Des Moines.

Join groups like "Iowa Techies" and get involved in the convos. Your next remote job opportunity could be just a comment away.

And don't sleep on those hashtags either.

Using the right ones like #RemoteJob and #JobSearch can majorly boost your visibility and help you land that remote tech job straight from Des Moines.

With a little creativity and hustle, LinkedIn can be your gateway to a whole new world of career possibilities.

If you're looking to score that sweet remote tech job straight outta Des Moines, you gotta level up your skills, and coding bootcamps are where it's at. These bad boys are the fast track to gaining all those in-demand tech talents that employers can't resist.

According to industry experts, coding bootcamp grads are landing jobs left and right, with a whopping 97% employment rate within 180 days of graduation.

Now, let's talk about Nucamp Coding Bootcamp – these guys are killing it.

Not only will they hook you up with the latest coding wizardry, but you'll also learn those crucial soft skills that remote companies crave, like communication, time management, and problem-solving ninja moves.

Their Full Stack Web Development Bootcamp is a total gamechanger, covering everything from front-end sorcery with HTML, CSS, and React, to back-end mastery with Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. You'll be a web dev powerhouse, capable of building mind-blowing apps from scratch.

Nucamp's got your back with career support, networking opportunities, and even scholarships to help make your coding dreams a reality.

So, what are you waiting for? Level up your skills, crush that job hunt, and join the ranks of remote tech superstars working from the comfort of your favorite Des Moines coffee shop.

LinkedIn is where it's at if you wanna score that sweet remote tech gig in Des Moines next year. First things first, your headline needs to be on point - something catchy like "Coding Wizard | Remote Rebel" or "Tech Guru | Digital Nomad." The summary? That's your chance to flex those remote skills - smash out keywords like "virtual collaboration" and "flexible work culture."

Don't just talk the talk, though - show off your remote hustle by highlighting your mad skills with video conferencing tools, project management apps, and team communication platforms.

Soft skills are key too - things like time management and adaptability are gonna make you stand out from the crowd. Studies show remote employers are all about that strong communication game, so make sure you got it on lock.

Now, let's get tactical:

• Update those "Open to Work" settings to scream "I want a remote gig!"
• Join some dope industry groups and get involved in remote work discussions
• Add skills like "Remote Work" and "Virtual Collaboration" - get your connections to endorse you
• Showcase any remote experience or certifications you got in that "Featured" section

With a LinkedIn profile that's optimized for remote work, you'll be catching recruiters' eyes left and right.

LinkedIn's own reports say 72% of hiring managers use the platform to find remote talent, so you gotta bring your A-game.

Attending local tech meetups in Des Moines is an awesome way to expand your professional network and find remote job opportunities. Over 80% of tech pros find meetups super valuable for meeting potential employers or business partners, according to a Startup Grind survey.

Des Moines has a thriving tech community with several active meetup groups, like:

• DSM Tech: A community of over 2,500 members dedicated to advancing technology and innovation in Des Moines. They host monthly events, workshops, and hackathons.
• Gravitate Coworking: A coworking space that organizes regular meetups for remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate.
• Des Moines Web Geeks: A group focused on web development, design, and programming, offering educational sessions and networking opportunities like the Iowa Tech Connect Meet-Up.

Online communities are also helpful for networking remotely.

According to the Remote Work Report by Buffer, 27% of remote workers struggle with loneliness. Engaging in online tech communities helps you stay connected while making valuable connections.

Check out:

1. LinkedIn Groups: Join groups like "Remote Workers" or "Remote Tech Professionals" to connect with like-minded people worldwide.
2. TechBrew events: Events hosted by the Technology Association of Iowa are incredible for networking in the Des Moines tech scene.
3. Slack Workspaces: Many companies and organizations have public Slack workspaces where you can join channels related to your interests.

As Sarah Harris, Chief People Officer at Zenefits, notes, "Building authentic relationships through in-person and online communities is key for remote workers to stay connected and advance their careers." Consistently engaging in local meetups and online communities can open doors to new opportunities like freelancing or contract work, mentorship, and valuable industry insights.

Job hunting for remote tech roles is no joke, but these job boards will have your back. First up, we got We Work Remotely - thousands of remote gigs, from software dev to design and UI/UX. They even show you how many folks have applied, so you know what you're up against.

Then there's FlexJobs, with over 50 categories like computer & IT and coding, all pre-screened for legit openings.

But here's the real game-changer: job boards dedicated to remote roles.

Sites like Jobspresso and EuropeRemotely are all about that work-from-anywhere life.

Jobspresso hooks you up with curated tech jobs worldwide, from content marketing to engineering manager roles at big names like Yelp and Canva. And if you're gunning for gigs synced with European time zones, EuropeRemotely is your new best friend.

Pro tip: set up job alerts on these sites to get the freshest openings delivered straight to your inbox.

That way, you can apply ASAP and beat out the competition. With dedicated remote boards and personalized alerts, you're increasing your chances of landing interviews and scoring that dream remote tech job.

Just remember, consistency is key - keep applying and don't get discouraged. The more you put yourself out there, the better your odds of landing that perfect remote gig.

Let's talk about acing those remote job interviews. According to the experts, testing your equipment and setting up a professional space is key.

And don't slack off on the practice sesh - hit up your crew for mock interviews or record yourself to spot any cringeworthy habits.

Now, let's dive into some hot tips that'll make you shine brighter than a new MacBook Pro.

First off, dress to impress, even if you're rocking those sweats from the comfort of your couch. Body language matters, so keep that eye contact game strong and ditch those fidgety habits.

Secondly, brush up on those common interview questions, like "How do you stay motivated when working remotely?" or "What's your ideal work environment?" Have solid answers prepped and ready to go.

• Dress to impress, even if you're working from home.
• Body language matters, so maintain eye contact and avoid fidgeting.
• Prepare for common interview questions and have your answers ready.

But that's not all! Make sure you know your stuff when it comes to communication and project management tools used in remote work.

Employers want to see that you're a pro at collaborating virtually. And don't forget to ask your own questions at the end - show 'em you're genuinely invested in the role and company culture.

"Just stay focused, confident, and ready to bring your A-game to the virtual interview arena!" - Karen Williams

With the right mindset and preparation, you'll be landing that dream remote gig in no time.

Freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr are a total game-changer if you're trying to break into the tech scene in Des Moines. These sites are packed with opportunities to kick-start your career and build an epic portfolio.

A recent study by Payoneer says the global gig economy is gonna grow by a massive 17.4% in 2023, hitting a market value of $455 billion.

That's insane potential for freelance techies like us!

To land your first freelance gigs, you gotta craft a profile that screams "hire me!" Upwork's data shows that profiles with a detailed overview and portfolio samples get 88% more job invitations.

Check out these tips for success:

• Optimize that profile: Load it up with relevant keywords, highlight your skills, and showcase your best work samples or personal projects.
• Set competitive rates: Do your research on industry standards, and adjust your rates based on your experience level and the project's complexity. According to Payoneer, the average hourly rate for tech freelancers on Upwork ranges from $20 to $120.
• Apply strategically: Tailor each proposal to the job, showing you understand the client's needs and can deliver the goods.
• Gather client reviews: Positive reviews can seriously boost your visibility and credibility on platforms like Fiverr. Aim for a minimum rating of 4.5 stars to attract more clients.

As you complete projects, keep updating your portfolio with your best work.

A recent Fiverr study found that freelancers with a solid portfolio earn up to 24% higher income compared to those without one. Success on these platforms often comes down to consistency, professionalism, and delivering killer results.

With dedication and perseverance, freelancing can totally pave the way for a thriving tech career in Des Moines and beyond.

"Freelancing allowed me to gain practical experience, build a diverse portfolio, and ultimately land my dream job as a full-stack developer." - Emily, a former Nucamp student turned successful tech professional

Landing that first remote tech gig can be a grind, but having a mentor in your corner can make all the difference! Studies show that mentorship is a game-changer for kickstarting your tech career.

These industry vets have been there, done that, and can hook you up with the real deal insights and connections to level up your job search. In Des Moines, there are plenty of ways to link up with a mentor:

• Get excited and attend the local tech meetups – these are the perfect spot to network with seasoned pros who can show you the ropes.
• Work on your LinkedIn presence and start reaching out to Des Moines techies you admire. A virtual coffee meeting is the perfect way to pick their brain and score some solid career advice.
• Join forces with professional organizations like the Association of IT Professionals or Iowa Data Science and Engineering Society – they've got mentorship programs available.

Just remember, these mentors are busy, so be respectful when reaching out.

But if you play your cards right, a mentor can be the key to unlocking that sweet remote tech role you've been eyeing. They'll hook you up with insider intel on the job market, share skills to level up your game, and maybe even put you on to their network for that dream gig.

As the professionals say, a solid mentor can be a valuable asset for your career, so don't overlook finding one!