Top Tips For Securing A Remote IT Job

Remote working has always been prevalent in certain sectors of IT. However, like many other industries, Covid and multiple lockdowns has caused remote working to jump to a new level of popularity. Many IT professionals have realised that remote working benefits their productivity and their work/life balance. The vast majority of workplaces have responded positively to this move in the market, and understand that offering remote working can create a better workplace culture and help with attracting/retaining talent. Yet, some businesses continue to resist this change, and will not offer remote or even hybrid working opportunities.

As an IT recruiter with 10+ years of experience, I have spoken with thousands of IT professionals, and I understand the key reasons why many are now searching for fully remote IT jobs. Below I discuss some of the best methods to find this specific type of role:

Looking for a remote IT job? Find a recruiter

Okay, I might sound a bit biased here, but I truly believe that working with recruiters directly is one of the most straightforward ways to source a remote IT job. Start the conversation by saying what you are looking for and specify if you are only interested in remote working opportunities, or if you are willing to take up a hybrid IT job for the right company. Making it clear whether you prefer office-based, hybrid, or remote roles, and the reasons why, makes it easier for recruiters to match you to the most suitable employer/job.

There may be some recruiters who advertise that they specialize in headhunting candidates for remote roles, which may tempt you as the best option. However, you will find most recruiters are well-versed in dealing with jobs that have a variety of working patterns, so I would recommend going to an agency that specialises in the IT sector to secure your perfect remote IT job.  Sector specialist recruiters are more likely to be well acquainted with companies that have a positive approach to hybrid and remote workers, and most importantly, have the need for your skillset.

At VIQU, we might already have a suitable remote IT job that fits your knowledge and experience, or we can create a bespoke campaign for you and reach out to companies who we know could be the right fit for you in terms of skills and flexibility. We understand how important remote working is to many candidates. We will create a profile for you on our database, containing your CV and your key drivers, such as working from home, and then any consultant at VIQU can get in touch if they have a suitable opportunity for you.

Explore the job boards

Even if you are in conversation with multiple recruiters, it’s still a good idea to have a look around yourself to see what’s available!

Job boards can be a great tool for helping you to search for remote jobs, as you can narrow down the search massively by using keywords. The keywords I would recommend typing in alongside your desired job title/ skillset include, ‘remote’, ‘telecommute’, ‘hybrid’, ‘flexible’, and ‘working from home’. Doing this will maximise your chances of finding a suitable remote IT job.

Previously, candidates have informed me of job boards such as ‘FlexJobs’ and ‘JustRemote’ that only feature remote opportunities. This can be an easy way of identifying remote jobs and discovering some of the companies which are open to remote workers. However, I would caution against only using this option, as it’s unlikely all companies will use these more niche sites.

Get networking

Networking is a useful and informal way of searching for jobs. I’ve spoken with candidates who have found notable success in using personal connections to secure roles. In fact, I’ve used my professional network to help me progress in my own recruitment career!

Networking is often a long game and if you don’t have the time to build new relationships, don’t be afraid of posting that you are ‘open to work’ on your LinkedIn profile. Let your key connections know you are looking for work and ask them to share your CV with their employers (if relevant) and inform you of any opportunities. You might be surprised at who gets in contact with you this way.

Finding an IT job through a connection would also increase your chances of getting through to an interview stage and a good basis for negotiating a remote working option.

Search the company’s website

If you’ve found a job that you’re really excited about, but you’re unsure whether they’ll offer it on a fully remote basis – the first step is to look up the company. Search their website to see whether their internal vacancies section mentions remote working. I have found that companies are increasingly open about the benefits they offer, so they can entice the best talent. This might benefit your job search as it can help you establish which companies will offer remote working opportunities and decide which ones to contact and move forward with.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask companies directly when you are interviewing! While some companies may not advertise remote working options as part of their standard recruitment process, they may consider it for the right candidate. Other companies may hesitate to have remote working implemented right from the start of your employment, but could offer it once you’ve worked there for a few months or passed your probation period.

Keep these tips and methods in mind when you are searching for your next remote IT job, and I am confident that you will find the ideal role for you in no time.

You can find our latest remote IT jobs by checking out the roles on our website. Use keywords like ‘hybrid’ and ‘remote’ to narrow down your search to only display suitable roles.

If nothing immediately catches your eye, send us your CV and we’ll keep it on our database, ready for when the right opportunity for you comes along.