Are you growing tired of your regular 9-to-5 desk job? Maybe you’re interested in freelancing but have no idea where to begin. If you’re a budding software engineer, it’s now more lucrative than ever to jump headfirst into freelance work.
So, where do you start?
Remember that freelance work will likely start out slow but will continue growing as long as you’re willing to water it. The more effort you put in, the more reward you’ll get out of it. You might want to find a software engineering job where you can work remotely or get clients that will help you build your freelance portfolio. The remote job search and freelancing software engineering may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry – we have all the tips and tricks to help you get off on the right foot.
Colin Morgan, a Canada-based remote software developer, says:
“The most important thing to remember when looking for remote Software Developer positions is to cast a wide net. You're competing with hundreds of thousands of other people and it's important to leave no stone unturned. Keep your resume strong, open enough channels, and you're bound to see results.”
So, You Want to Work Remotely…
First things first, what have you done in the past when looking for a job? Chances are you’ve scoured job board after job board, perhaps even looking for things you’re overqualified for and may not want to do.
Well, the remote job search is not all that different. Some great remote job boards for remote or freelance software engineering opportunities are:
While LinkedIn may come as no surprise, this site is a great place to start. LinkedIn allows you to apply to jobs at the click of a button, making it easier than ever to find freelance work.
Formulate a Plan
The first step to becoming a remote software engineer is formulating a plan and capitalize on your strengths.
Identify what your primary skills are and then use those as your selling points. Make a list of your skills and experience in the industry (if you have them) and use that as a platform in which to promote your candidacy.
Key things you’ll want to consider:
- Make your personal and professional network aware that you’re seeking remote opportunities
- Determine your niche or area of expertise
- Decide what price or price range is acceptable should you receive a job offer
- Create an online portfolio to showcase samples of your work
- Find platforms where you can connect with potential clients
Build Your Community
One of the most important aspects of freelancing is networking. Consider finding a few people that will help mentor you and share details about what freelance life is like. These connections could end up helping you in the future or could even become freelance clients!
Some great ways to network are:
- LinkedIn groups
- Facebook community groups
- Slack community channels
- Reddit pages (subreddits)
Fostering connections and networking is central to any freelance business. Creating relationships with people and groups, whether or not they’re your direct clients, builds your reputation and can lead to projects down the line.
Sign Up for Emails
Everyone has a newsletter these days. Did you know that many are purely for sharing job listings?
If you’re in the market for a freelance software engineering job or remote work, there’s bound to be a newsletter out there specifically listing jobs in this niche, just for you. Do a search for popular newsletters, ask connections in your network for newsletters they recommend subscribing to, and don’t be afraid to let your inbox become flooded with job listings for the time being.
