Companies that hire remote software engineers might have a lot to say on the topic. Hiring remote software engineers is a rigorous process. For the last year or so, we have experienced a global pandemic that has upended everything in its wake.
Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced engineer deep into your career, the uncertainty is the same. The job market post pandemic is very different and some of these differences are here to stay.
This article aims to outline the things companies that hire remote software engineers are looking for in potential candidates. And of course, tips on how to go about nailing those things in your applications and interviews.
Technical Knowledge
The number one or the most basic criterion to judge potential software developer additions to the team are technical skills. Do you possess the exact skills or experience that the job you’re applying to asks for.
It is always a good idea to research your options deeply. I suggest shortlisting job posts that define the responsibilities of the role very clearly and genuinely interest you. Now, I know you might be wondering what if you’re not qualified for what really interests you.
And to get the required experience you need to be in a similar role in the first place. Well, I am here to tell you that you have more options than you think.
You always start small and work your way up. You need to get yourself an internship that will allow you to interact and learn from someone in the role that you want. In the times we live in now, internships are almost all remote so your chances of getting one aren’t slim.
Secondly, you can always volunteer for non-profits or even build up your resume by doing Open Source projects. The goal is to build up the experience for the job that you want. It’s the long term that you need to be focusing on.
You can also start work for what you’re qualified for, if you really need to be earning. It gets easier to switch roles into what you really want to be doing if you already have a rapport with the company. In the meanwhile you can learn from the people around you.
In any case, not being able to defend what you claim in your resume reflects very badly for the rest of the interview.
The Right Fit
The second most important thing that your interviewer wants to judge is the kind of person you are. That is a broad statement to make but what it really means is would you be able to thrive in the environment you are applying to become a part of.
This includes things like how you present yourself and what motivated you to apply to this particular job. Right of the bat, no interviewer is going to like a negative attitude.
Veriato’s top employee monitoring software can record all digital activity on your employees’ devices. You will have access to everything from the websites they visit and emails they send to the keystrokes they make and files they download.
You can even review screenshot recordings to see what your employees are viewing on their PCs. Finally, employers can find out who’s working hard and who is hardly working.
So when explaining why you left the previous job, you may not want to speak about your previous employer badly. Rather, focus on how you think you can be a good value addition to the current company.
A lot of candidates have difficulty in properly articulating why they chose this role with this company. Companies will balk if you say that it pays well. They will be impressed if you can tell them you have vision and how this role is a stepping stone to achieving that.
Companies that hire remote software engineers also want to make sure your personality aligns with the company culture. I suggest working on building up your online presence. Talk about your experiences on your blog or podcast. Participate in an online or real world community. That will make it so much easier for the company to decide whether they want you.
Also Read: How to program philips universal remote
Aptitude
Another must, particularly in the field is your readiness to learn and adapt on the fly. If there is one thing that is true no matter what, it is change. Especially, in these unprecedented times if you can show your willingness and aptitude to grind through challenges and adapt to new conditions, you’re in a good place to get hired.
Even still, this one is more applicable to progressing quickly once you get the job that you wanted. In the interview you would be required to recount an occasion where you were able to show the said traits.
Networking and Connections
Lastly, although looking for a solid network behind an applicant isn’t the number one thing companies that hire remote software engineers look at, it can be very advantageous to have. Most people get into new positions beyond their first one because of personal connections. 70-80% of people find their next job via their network.
This ties in very neatly to the idea of being able to switch roles once you start work at a company. You will definitely need someone to mentor you if you join for the purpose of becoming a better you.
If you’re someone who has yet to get into the job market and are worried at not having connections, do not worry. You have all the time in the world to cultivate professional relationships and tend to them.
It is an ongoing process for life. You have to stay in touch with people just like you stay in touch with friends. Being well connected will in one way or another help you immensely down the road.
If you’re looking for job openings in this niche and are looking for fulfilling remote work check out Gaper where we vet only the top 1% of global talent.
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