Top 10 Strategies to Land Your First Remote Tech Job from Lawrence in 2024
Last Updated: December 13th 2024
Too Long; Didn't Read:
In 2024, landing your first remote tech job involves strategies like optimizing your LinkedIn profile, crafting a standout tech resume using Canva, and showcasing projects on GitHub. Use Jobscan to tailor applications, leverage freelance experience on Upwork, and explore remote opportunities on We Work Remotely. Stay productive with Focus Booster and upskill using Coursera. Remote work continues to thrive, with 31% of entry-level tech jobs being remote and 92% of employees valuing video conferencing for remote success.
Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.
The remote work scene in 2024 is looking pretty sweet! According to the stats, around 60% of job seekers are digging the hybrid life, while 37% want to go fully remote.
The top reasons? Skipping those brutal commutes and having more flexibility to handle personal stuff. For companies, it means access to a wider pool of talented people and better retention rates.
Breaking it down by industry, tech roles are sitting at 25% hybrid and 16% remote, which is solid. Even entry-level gigs are embracing the remote grind, with 31% of those positions going virtual.
Now, let's talk about our chill college town, Lawrence.
This place is becoming a remote tech hotspot! With its affordable living costs and proximity to major hubs like Kansas City, it's an appealing option for companies hunting for remote talent.
Plus, we've got co-working spaces and networking events tailored to remote workers, making it easier to connect and collaborate. Speaking of connecting, be sure to check out the tips from Nucamp on how to network your way into Lawrence's tech community.
Table of Contents
- Crafting a Compelling Tech Resume with Canva
- Maximizing LinkedIn for Networking in Kansas
- Empowering Interviews with Microsoft Teams
- Upskilling with Coursera's Online Certificates
- Building a Portfolio on GitHub
- Exploring Remote Opportunities on We Work Remotely
- Tailoring Applications Using Jobscan
- Leveraging Freelance Experience from Upwork
- Staying Motivated with Focus Booster
- Frequently Asked Questions
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Uncover the leading tech companies and startups in Lawrence, set to hire top talent in 2024.
Crafting a Compelling Tech Resume with Canva
(Up)Creating an awesome tech resume is a must if you want to score that dream job in 2024. Keep it clean and organized, highlighting your mad skills and hard-hitting achievements.
Quantify your work with cold, hard numbers - that's what gets hiring managers hooked. And don't forget to optimize it with relevant keywords so you can breeze through those Applicant Tracking Systems.
Making your resume pop visually is a game-changer.
Canva is the go-to tool for creating slick designs effortlessly. With professional templates and cool graphics, you can craft a resume that screams "Hire me!" without breaking a sweat.
Remote work is blowing up! If you've got experience rocking it from home, flaunt those virtual collaboration skills and time management talents.
The tech scene in Lawrence is firing on all cylinders, but the competition is fierce.
An impressive resume highlighting your remote work prowess could be your ticket to scoring that coveted job. So, put in the work, showcase your unique skillset, and get ready to level up your career in 2024!
Maximizing LinkedIn for Networking in Kansas
(Up)Creating a killer LinkedIn profile is essential for scoring remote tech jobs in 2024, especially if you're based in Lawrence, Kansas.
This professional networking platform, with over 850 million members worldwide, offers prime opportunities for networking, job hunting, and flexing your skills.
Your LinkedIn game needs to be on point.
Optimize your headline and summary with buzzwords that grab recruiters' attention. List your technical skills, certs, and achievements, backing them up with solid numbers.
Like, "Developed a Java/Spring Boot microservice app, cutting response time by 35%." Boom! Setting up your profile right makes all the difference.
Once your profile's polished, it's time to network like a pro.
Connect with industry peeps in your desired field and location. Join groups like "Remote Tech Jobs in Kansas" or "Lawrence Tech Community" and show off your expertise through discussions.
Endorse your connections' skills you've witnessed firsthand, and ask for recommendations from colleagues or managers to boost your credibility.
Using LinkedIn strategically for job hunting is key.
Don't forget to share industry insights, personal projects, or thought-provoking content regularly.
Staying active helps you stand out and catches the eyes of potential employers or collaborators. Set up job alerts and use LinkedIn's advanced search to find remote tech roles that match your goals and experience level perfectly.
Empowering Interviews with Microsoft Teams
(Up)Landing that sweet remote tech gig is all about nailing the virtual interview, and Microsoft Teams is the way to go.
First up, make sure your internet connection is solid, find a spot without distractions, and dress like a pro for the video call. Next, get familiar with Teams' features like screen sharing, virtual backgrounds, and live captions – these will make you look like a total tech whiz.
When prepping, be ready for questions like "Tell me about your experience with [relevant tech/coding language]," "How do you handle problem-solving in a remote team setting?" and "Describe a time you faced a tough technical challenge and how you overcame it." Practice your responses, highlight your remote work experience, and show off your ability to collaborate virtually.
Also, have some engaging questions for the interviewer to show you're genuinely interested in the role and company culture.
According to a survey, 92% of employees agree that video conferencing tools are crucial for remote work success.
So, leverage Teams' capabilities to create a seamless interview experience.
Consider sharing your screen to present a project or portfolio that showcases your technical skills. As Richard Thomas, CEO of MicroTek, said,
"Remote interviews require a heightened level of preparation and technical proficiency to ensure a smooth and professional experience for both candidates and interviewers."
Upskilling with Coursera's Online Certificates
(Up)It's 2024 and the tech game is changing faster than you can say "AI takeover." If you want to snag that sweet remote gig you've been dreaming of, you gotta keep leveling up your skills.
Coursera's online certificates are like cheat codes for boosting your career. These bad boys cover all the hottest tech trends, from coding and cybersecurity to data science and cloud computing.
Don't just take my word for it, industry experts are raving about the importance of continuous learning.
It's not just about staying relevant, but also about adapting to new technologies and staying ahead of the competition. With skills like machine learning, blockchain security, and AR/VR development in high demand, investing in your education is a no-brainer.
Sign up for those Coursera certs and start flexing your newfound knowledge on your resume.
List that fancy certification front and center, along with any epic projects or coursework you completed. Sprinkle in some killer tech keywords, and boom – you've just leveled up your job hunting skills.
The remote tech world better watch out, because you're coming in hot with your continuous learning game on point.
Building a Portfolio on GitHub
(Up)Landing that sweet remote tech gig straight outta Lawrence in 2024? You gotta build a standout developer portfolio.
These days, having a slick GitHub profile is like a golden ticket - it shows off your coding skills and proves you can collaborate, document, and present your work like a boss.
72% of hiring managers say your portfolio is a game-changer when they're deciding who to hire.
So, here's the deal: to make your GitHub portfolio pop, start by organizing your projects into separate repos with killer README files that break down the goals, tech used, and key features.
Keep your code clean and consistent across all projects, following industry standards like a pro. And don't just stick to solo projects - show off your versatility by including collabs too.
But that's not all! Contributing to open-source projects on GitHub is a major flex.
It shows you're down with the tech community and can work as part of a team like a champ. And when it comes to making your portfolio irresistible to potential employers, here are some pro tips:
- Highlight your problem-solving skills: Document how you tackled challenges and implemented innovative solutions. Employers dig strategic thinking.
- Showcase your technical expertise: Use projects that feature cutting-edge tech and frameworks relevant to the job you want. Prove you're ahead of the curve.
- Demonstrate those communication skills: Keep your commit messages, issue descriptions, and pull request comments clear and concise. Teamwork makes the dream work!
As Daniel Moore, Senior Software Engineer at Microsoft, puts it,
"A well-crafted GitHub portfolio speaks volumes about a candidate's dedication, attention to detail, and ability to deliver high-quality work."
Follow these tips, keep refining your portfolio, and you'll be a top contender for those coveted remote tech roles in Lawrence and beyond.
Exploring Remote Opportunities on We Work Remotely
(Up)Alright, let's talk about We Work Remotely, which is the ultimate job board for scoring remote tech gigs in 2024.
This platform has been crushing it for over a decade, trusted by top companies for remote hiring. With their advanced search filters, you can find jobs tailored to your skills, region, and preferences.
Plus, you'll get real-time alerts to stay ahead of the game. But that's not all – they hook you up with a ton of valuable remote work resources, including a blog, podcast, and an active community forum for networking and learning.
It's like having a remote work support squad in your pocket.
Now, let's talk about landing that dream remote job. First, you need to understand the remote work landscape.
Companies can be either "remote-first" or "remote-friendly," and it's essential to know the difference. Remote-first companies are built from the ground up for remote work, while remote-friendly ones allow it, but their processes are still geared towards office work.
Some top remote-first companies include Shopify, Dropbox, and Pinterest, while Blackbaud, Calm.com, and Ceros are remote-friendly.
Once you've identified your target companies, it's time to optimize your job hunt:
- Create a killer profile: Highlight your remote skills and experience.
- Set up personalized alerts: Based on your preferences, use We Work Remotely's advanced search to uncover niche roles.
- Use the bookmarking feature: Save promising opportunities for later review.
- Tailor your application materials: Customize your resume, cover letter, and highlight relevant keywords and skills.
- Study the company's culture: Align your pitch accordingly and showcase any prior remote work experience or transferable skills.
With the right strategy and We Work Remotely's comprehensive platform, you'll be well on your way to landing your first remote tech job from Lawrence in 2024.
Tailoring Applications Using Jobscan
(Up)In this digital era of 2024, nailing those job applications is key to scoring your first remote tech gig from the heart of Lawrence. With Jobscan, you'll have a serious advantage in tailoring your resume and cover letter to absolute perfection.
This AI-baddie scans your materials against the job description, giving you the lowdown on how to optimize for those sweet, sweet keywords and content relevance.
Jobscan's survey shows that applicants who use their insights are 62% more likely to snag an interview than those who don't.
By customizing your resume and cover letter for each role, you're showing you truly get what the employer wants. Plus, a whopping 87% of hiring managers prioritize applications with relevant keywords matching the job requirements, according to CareerBuilder.
Here's how to make Jobscan work for you:
- Upload your resume and the job description to the platform.
- Check out the comprehensive analysis, focusing on the keyword optimization score and content recommendations.
- Seamlessly incorporate the suggested keywords and phrases into your materials, keeping it natural.
- Tailor your resume's summary, skills, and experience sections to highlight your qualifications for that specific role.
- Customize your cover letter to directly address the employer's pain points and how your expertise can contribute to their success.
By optimizing your applications with Jobscan, you're showing you're detail-oriented and committed to landing that role.
As a tech pro in 2024, that level of meticulousness and adaptability will make you stand out from the crowd and increase your chances of scoring your first remote tech job from Lawrence, Kansas.
Leveraging Freelance Experience from Upwork
(Up)In this digital age, freelancing is the ultimate game-changer, especially if you're looking to score that sweet remote tech gig in Lawrence.
According to a survey by Upwork, a whopping 53% of Gen Zers work full-time hours on freelance projects.
Nearly 70% of us are either already freelancing or plan to in the future. Talk about a power move!
- Building a killer profile: Treat it like your virtual resume, showcasing your mad skills and past wins. Craft a clear intro, list your skills, and showcase your portfolio – that's how you'll catch a potential client's eye. And don't forget to sprinkle in some relevant keywords to boost your visibility.
- The real kicker: Freelancing isn't just a side hustle anymore. More and more companies are open to hiring remote talent, and your freelance experience can be a major selling point. According to a study by Flexjobs, a solid 58% of freelancers have transitioned into sweet remote employee roles.
So, don't sleep on those freelance gigs – they could be your ticket to a full-time remote tech career in Lawrence.
- Nurture client relationships: To make the most of your freelance experience, nurture those client relationships by delivering top-notch work and keeping the lines of communication wide open. Express your interest in a long-term collaboration during those project wrap-ups or performance reviews.
- Leverage testimonials: Don't forget to leverage those glowing testimonials and positive feedback – they're basically digital gold for showcasing your value to potential employers.
"The future of work is no longer tied to a physical office space." – Upwork CEO Hayden Brown
So, why not embrace the freelance lifestyle and build a killer online presence? With the right mindset and a bit of hustle, you could be well on your way to landing that dream remote tech job in Lawrence.
Staying Motivated with Focus Booster
(Up)Remote work is the new wave, and Focus Booster is about to be your best friend on this journey. After 15 years of being a game-changer, they've decided to call it quits, but don't worry, they've got something even better brewing - Time Stream, a fresh productivity app that'll keep you on point.
Staying motivated is key when you're hunting for that remote tech gig.
A study by Apollo Technical found that remote workers can be up to 47% more productive than office peeps.
That's insane! To keep that productivity game strong, you gotta break down your tasks into focused 25-minute sprints with short breaks in between. It's like a power-nap for your brain, helping you avoid that dreaded burnout.
But it's not just about the grind, you need a solid plan too.
Set achievable goals like applying to at least 5 remote tech jobs per week, networking on LinkedIn for an hour daily, and completing an online course every couple of months.
Tools like Focus Time can help you prioritize that deep work and boost your productivity. Don't forget to check out Nucamp's guide on landing a remote tech job from Lawrence for some killer tips.
You got this!
- Consistent Application: Set achievable goals like applying to at least 5 remote tech jobs each week.
- Dedicated Networking: Spend an hour a day networking on LinkedIn to widen your professional circle.
- Continuous Learning: Complete an online course every couple of months to stay updated with new skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
(Up)What are the benefits of pursuing a remote tech job in 2024?
Remote tech jobs in 2024 offer flexibility to manage personal life, eliminate long commutes, and provide access to a wider pool of employers. This is particularly popular as 60% of job seekers prefer a hybrid setup and 37% are looking for fully remote roles.
Why is Lawrence becoming a remote tech hotspot?
Lawrence is becoming a remote tech hotspot due to its affordable living costs and proximity to major hubs like Kansas City. The presence of co-working spaces and networking events tailored for remote workers also enhances connectivity and collaboration.
How can I improve my chances of getting a remote tech job using LinkedIn?
Optimize your LinkedIn profile by using buzzwords in your headline and summary that attract recruiters, list technical skills and certifications, and network by joining relevant groups and discussions. Regularly share content to stay active and visible.
What strategies can make a remote job interview successful?
Prepare by ensuring a stable internet connection, dressing professionally, and familiarizing yourself with Microsoft Teams' features like screen sharing. Highlight your remote work experience and ask engaging questions to demonstrate genuine interest.
How can Jobscan help in tailoring applications for remote tech jobs?
Jobscan aids in analyzing your resume against job descriptions to optimize keyword usage and content relevance. Customizing application materials for each role can increase your chances of landing interviews by 62% by aligning with employer expectations.
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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.