A Simple Guide to Landing Remote Tech Jobs as a Newbie: 7 Strategies to Make it Happen.
By Jewel. U
Remote work has risen in the tech industry, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. As more companies embrace remote work, the pool of job seekers has become increasingly competitive, making it challenging for newbies to break into the industry.
If you’re a tech newbie looking for a remote job, this blog post is for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven (7) strategies that can help you land a remote tech job, even if you have little or no work experience.
From developing your skills and building a solid portfolio to networking, joining fellowship programs, and tailoring your job applications, these strategies can help you stand out and make a positive impression on potential employers.
So, let’s dive in and explore these strategies in detail.
Develop Your Skills
Developing your skills is critical for landing a remote tech job as a newbie. You must have a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to demonstrate to potential employers that you are capable of handling the job responsibilities.
Start by learning programming languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Numerous online resources, such as Codecademy, Udemy, Coursera, and TheBulbAfrica, offer free and paid courses in web development and other tech skills.
You can also gain practical experience and build your portfolio by participating in coding challenges or contributing to open-source projects. Building projects or contributing to open-source projects will allow you to show potential employers your skills and work.
Also, keep yourself updated with the latest industry trends and technologies. Try subscribing to tech-related newsletters or following social media tech influencers to stay up-to-date with the latest trends, new technologies, and emerging job opportunities.
Build a Strong Portfolio.
Creating a strong portfolio is another crucial step in landing a remote tech job as a newcomer. A portfolio is a collection of your work that shows potential employers your skills, experience, and projects.
Start by identifying the types of projects you want to work on and compiling a list of potential projects that match your interests and goals. Then, begin creating projects that demonstrate your abilities and expertise. To build your portfolio, you can work on personal projects, contribute to open-source projects, or participate in coding challenges.
Make sure your portfolio is well-organized and visually appealing. Showcase your best work and emphasize your contributions to each project. Include a brief description of each project, the technologies used, and the challenges encountered.
Finally, promote your portfolio to potential employers by sharing it on social media, including it on your resume and cover letter, and linking it to your job applications.
Join Fellowship Programs.
Joining fellowship programs is an excellent way to gain hands-on experience and build your network.
Fellowship programs offer structured learning opportunities, mentorship, and real-world experience.
The Fellowship At The Bulb Program, for example, provides an opportunity for you to gain experience in the tech industry through training, internships, and mentorship. Look for fellowship programs that match your interests and skill set.
Network and Build Connections
Networking and attending events can be a great way to make connections and find job opportunities in the tech industry. It would be best if you attended industry conferences, meetups, and online events to meet other professionals in the field and learn about new technologies and trends.
Networking events provide opportunities to meet hiring managers, recruiters, and other professionals in the tech industry. It’s essential to come prepared with business cards and a short elevator pitch about your skills and experience. Be sure to follow up with any contacts you make after the event to continue building your network.
Online events, communities, and webinars are also great opportunities to learn about new technologies and trends in the industry. These events and groups can provide valuable insights into the skills and experience that employers are looking for in remote tech job candidates.
Create a Standout Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume and cover letter are your first impression of potential employers. Make sure they stand out and showcase your skills and experience.
You can create one online with the tools available or outsource it to professionals who do them.
Use keywords and phrases that match the job description to increase your chances of getting noticed.
It might help to customize your resume and cover letter for each job application to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
Apply for Remote Tech Jobs.
Once you’ve developed your skills, built a strong portfolio, networked, and created a standout resume and cover letter, it’s time to apply for remote tech jobs.
There are several job search platforms and websites specifically designed for remote work, such as Pace Africa, FlexJobs , We Work Remotely, and Remote.co.
You can also search for remote job openings on traditional job search websites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.
Be sure to read the job descriptions carefully and tailor your application to each specific job.
Prepare for Interviews.
If you’ve landed an interview, congratulations!
Now it’s time to prepare. Research the company and the job position beforehand and be ready to answer common tech interview questions.
If the interview is remote, make sure to make a good impression and dress professionally, even if the interview is virtual.
Ensure you have a stable internet connection and a quiet space to conduct the interview.
Finally, you’ve reached the end of this article about landing remote tech jobs as a newbie!
By now, you should have a good understanding of the strategies you can use to make your job search successful.
Let’s quickly recap what we’ve covered:
- Develop your skills
- Join fellowship programs
- Build a strong portfolio.
- Network and build connections
- Create a standout resume and cover letter.
- Apply for remote tech jobs.
- Prepare for interviews
Remember, landing a remote tech job as a newbie requires dedication, hard work, and persistence. But with the right strategies in place, you can achieve your career goals and land your dream job.
We hope this guide has provided you with the tools and resources you need to succeed in your job search.
Keep learning, growing, and pushing yourself to be your best.
The remote tech job of your dreams is within reach — go out and make it happen!
You can also check out our recruitment engine Pace.Africa for remote tech jobs.