Written By Kim Desmond
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Course Report strives to create the most trust-worthy content about coding bootcamps. Read more about Course Report’s Editorial Policy and How We Make Money.
What was once an idyllic pipedream of working from a laptop on the beach, remote work has become a global reality - and necessity. Driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the world now works remotely. For some, jumping on Zoom calls and working online is basically business as usual. Unfortunately for others, social distancing at home means no work at all. Despite much of the world slowing down, software engineers continue to be in extremely high demand. Now more than ever, learning skills to work remotely can safeguard your career against whatever life throws your way. And once life returns to normal, you'll be able to work remotely and have your coconut on the beach, too. Keep reading for important considerations, tips, and resources from CodingNomads on finding remote developer jobs after a coding bootcamp.
You’ll learn about:
Outpost coworking space backyard in Ubud, Bali - an unofficial conference call spot.
As a coding bootcamp grad, you are still at the beginning of your learning curve. Some people benefit from an in-person environment with face-to-face interaction. That said, having amazing mentors and a supportive team isn’t dependent on going into an office, and many people work and learn better on their own terms. Here are some crucial characteristics of a successful remote developer:
Do you prefer the stability of a paycheck? Or do you seek the variety of contract work?
Sometimes coding bootcamp grads need to start as contractors before landing a full-time job— especially if you want to work remotely. Starting as a contractor can be a great way to get your foot in the door, build your experience, and/or achieve the lifestyle you seek. Considerations for working as an employee vs. contractor:
Now that you’ve decided to ditch the cubicle, it’s time to find a remote job. The following tips are tried-and-true strategies from fellow digital nomads and our coding bootcamp graduates.
1. Work for less, gain more
We know you didn’t go to a coding bootcamp to make less money, but hear us out. Small companies and startups need software engineers, but can’t always afford a senior developer. You need to gain experience and want the flexibility of remote work. Make it a win-win by starting at an affordable rate, while you continue learning, building experience, and creating your ideal lifestyle.
2. Reach out to your network
Looking for remote work is an endless abyss of possibilities. Reaching out to your family, friends, and professional contacts is the easiest and most effective way to find work. Your software engineering skills are in high demand, so it’s very likely that someone in your extended network could use the help. Remember Tip #1. You’re not putting anyone out. You’re potentially doing them a favor.
Write up a quick message that outlines your motivations, skills, and the type of remote position you seek. Send it to your contacts, and ask them to pass it along too. Demonstrate that you have valuable skills to offer, and the eagerness to learn. You’ll have a much better chance getting an interview by means of someone who can vouch for you.
3. Resources to build your professional online networks
Your online networks are also a critical component to finding remote work. Online people are your people, and the sky’s the limit on how far your online network extends. This is also the best way for a remote company to vet who you are, and the value you bring to the table.
4. Prepare your collateral, prepare for the interview
Alongside building your network, you’ll need all the nuts-and-bolts items for landing your first job out of a coding bootcamp. This includes polishing your resume and cover letter, ensuring that you convey your technical skills, personality, and your value to the company in each.
Check out these additional tips on finding a job after a coding bootcamp, including how to seek companies you want to work for, customize your outreach, prepare for the technical interview, and succeed on the job.
5. Online job boards for remote developer jobs
Building your network is the most effective way to secure remote work. Entry-level positions are often not advertised online. If they are, cold-applying to jobs makes you just another applicant in the pool.
However, there are tons of developer job listings, so online job boards are worth a mention. Below are a handful, and a Google search will reveal many more.
(Pro tip: If you see a company you like that’s hiring devs of any level, try to connect with dev employees on LinkedIn / AngelList. Ask if they’d be willing to chat with you about what it’s like to work there on the team. See if they’re looking for any entry-level devs.)
Students join CodingNomads to jumpstart their dream of becoming a digital nomad, supported by our global community of students, alumni, instructors and staff. Many of our students go on to land remote developer jobs after graduating, armed with in-demand engineering skills and remote work resources from our courses.
As a team of remote developers ourselves, we love helping students enjoy the process of learning to code, and achieve the remote work lifestyle. You can try any of our online coding courses for free, and when the time is right, experience the digital nomad lifestyle at our international traveling coding bootcamps.
Working remotely can be a great arrangement for the right people, offering the flexibility to spend more time at home, or wherever you choose. But remember that it’s still hard work. If after your coding bootcamp—or at any point in your career—you seek autonomy and are ready for the challenge, use these tips as guidance for a rewarding remote developer career.
Digital nomads: any more tried and true tips for coders new to the remote scene?
Bootcamp grads: any questions about working remotely?
Let us know in the comments!
Kim Desmond is the Cofounder of CodingNomads, an award-winning coding bootcamp for Java, Python and JavaScript fullstack engineering. An avid traveler and digital nomad, Kim is passionate about helping students live their best lives through quality training and fun life experiences.
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