Are you interested in working as a remote developer for a major firm in Silicon Valley, but you don’t have the ability to move to the US due to visa restrictions? Don’t despair; now more than ever, Silicon Valley companies are recognising the value of leveraging the skills of foreign talent. This is the ideal time to pursue a career as a remote developer.
As an experienced remote worker, my aim with this article is to equip you with the resources necessary to make a successful transition into your first substantial remote job. I currently work for Works, a company that connects developers with a global network of job opportunities. We provide some of the most comprehensive technical testing and evaluation services available in the industry. In this article, I will provide you with the invaluable knowledge I have gained during my journey through the Tries developer testing, tech stack testing and assessment process, as well as my insights as a current employee who works to ensure these processes are continuously improved and developed.
Before we move on, let us take the time to discuss some of the more pressing matters related to software development and remote work that you may have.
What is a remote software developer really?
A remote software developer fulfills the same duties and responsibilities as a non-remote software developer. They are both tasked with evaluating a customer’s specific requirements and then designing, testing, and optimising software to meet those needs. The main difference between the two is that a remote software engineer works from a remote location, typically their own home, while a non-remote developer works from a traditional office space.
Given that remote engineering is a profession which requires a significant amount of autonomy, engineers will experience minimal interference and guidance in their daily tasks. One of the key advantages of remote engineering is the increased flexibility it provides in terms of how engineers manage their time. Not having to travel to and from work every day gives engineers the opportunity to spend their free time as desired.
Are you able to work as a software developer from anywhere?
Indeed, software development is a highly dynamic and versatile career path. To work remotely as a software developer, you will need a reliable and high-speed internet connection and a powerful laptop or personal computer. Currently, the number of remote software developers is higher than it has ever been. According to a survey conducted by Stack Overflow, more than 50% of the software engineers surveyed reported working remotely at least partially. Additionally, the majority of these developers are full-time professionals.
Remote working is becoming increasingly popular among software engineers, due to its numerous advantages. Working remotely provides software engineers with a wide range of opportunities, such as increased wages compared to local norms, reduced travel time, and a healthier work-life balance. All of these benefits have made remote employment an attractive proposition for many software developers.
How much money do remote developers make?
It is widely known that remote employees often receive higher pay rates than non-remote employees with the same level of experience and doing the same job. In fact, according to an uncontrolled group research study, remote workers in the technical sector earned an average of 39.4% more than non-remote workers, while a controlled study revealed a 3.1% increase in wages for remote employees.
Are there difficult conditions for getting a remote programming job?
Finding a remote programming job is no easy task; however, fortunately for developers, there are numerous opportunities available nowadays. According to FlexJobs, web development topped the list of the 15 most common remote positions, with engineering coming in a close second. It is clear that remote programmers are in high demand.
Additionally, platforms such as Works are providing developers with the opportunity to easily locate top-notch remote programming jobs. For instance, developers can find full-time, long-term positions with Works. Furthermore, Works offers the convenience of providing developers with a swift transition to another company after completing a long-term engagement with a client. This means that developers will never need to apply for another job once they become a Works developer.
Are coding jobs demanding?
Coding jobs can be demanding, but they don’t have to be. Recent studies have shown that remote work or flexible work can help reduce job-related stress and improve employee morale. This type of work arrangement allows individuals to prioritise their health and fitness, thus providing a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Additionally, it can result in a lower stress level, ultimately improving job satisfaction and overall wellbeing.
How should I write my resume to highlight my coding abilities?
If you are looking to expand your expertise, it is worth taking a look at the list of the most popular Works software jobs to gain an understanding of what companies are actively recruiting for. Currently, there is a high demand for React-based developers, and Python positions are not far behind. Other roles that require a comprehensive knowledge of React and Node are also in high demand. Furthermore, the top six most sought-after skills are Ruby on Rails, iOS/Swift, and Java.
Will coding still be beneficial in 2025?
Despite the global pandemic, the number of software developers worldwide grew by 500,000 in 2020, reaching a total of 24.5 million. Current trends indicate that coding will remain a popular and essential profession even in 2025 and beyond. According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, the United States is expected to see a 30.7% rise in software engineering employment between 2016 and 2026, equating to 255,400 new employees.
How can I become a remote developer?
As it has been previously stated, the search for a remote development role is becoming simpler as time goes on. Many companies in Silicon Valley and the United States of America are now employing a wide selection of remote employees through Works. Although only the very best 1% of developers pass the screening process which rivals that of Silicon Valley, there are steps that can be taken to substantially increase the likelihood of becoming a Works remote developer.
Be ready to display your work.
If you are a software developer currently submitting an application, it is essential that you have a portfolio of your previous work. This could be code that you have uploaded to a version control repository such as GitHub, artwork that you have created, websites that you have designed, or apps that you have published in the App Store.
It is immensely gratifying to be able to demonstrate the finished projects that one has completed. At Works, we assess prospective employees based on their previous work experience, and many of our clients have a preference for examining samples of work that a potential match has produced.
Having a well-crafted cover letter and resume is an excellent way to make yourself stand out. However, it is essential to be detail-oriented when creating these documents. To demonstrate your ability to think critically, make sure that all of the information you provide is free from mistakes. This is a crucial step to take, as any errors on your resume will be a red flag for the employer. It suggests that you are not meticulous and do not check your work thoroughly. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that your resume is free of any mistakes.
It is essential to include pertinent information in your portfolio. If you state that you have a specific talent, make sure you have a project to demonstrate your proficiency in that area. You would be amazed at how often someone professes to be adept at coding using a certain language but fails to present a single instance of their work in that domain. If you believe you are skilled in a certain area, provide me with an example of your outstanding work!
Having strong English language skills is a critical requirement for anyone hoping to gain employment with a prestigious US company in a remote working capacity. Although there are many people who are not native English speakers, it is important to remember to keep your language concise. Do not overlook any weaknesses you may have in the language; instead, put in the effort to ensure that you have a thorough understanding of English, and that you can communicate in it effectively.
It is essential to consider language proficiency when selecting a team for development work, as this will be the language used for communication, commenting on code, and building the product for the end user. It is easy to underestimate the importance of having a good grasp of the English language, but in a live technical screening, a candidate with strong English skills will generally outperform one with weaker abilities, even if both have the same experience and perform similarly on automated tests.
What Can You Do to Be the Best at Automated Testing?
Prepare well for automated testing to achieve success.
Be certain to adequately prepare yourself with regards to any Python topics if Python is your area of expertise. Take the necessary steps to ensure that you are knowledgeable in all aspects of the language.
Ensure that you are adequately prepared to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the language in question, as the examination will be designed to assess your command over the subject. Furthermore, the test will also gauge your ability to comprehend complex concepts. If you are studying algorithms and data structures, it is essential that you have a thorough understanding of the basics, as well as the ability to visualise algorithms and analyse runtime complexity.
How Long Does It Take a Skilled Developer To Code an Automated Test?
It is estimated that it will take approximately eight hours for a trained employee to finish the automated testing. Therefore, it is achievable to complete the task in one day, however it is not recommended to place excessive pressure on oneself to complete all of the tests in such a short amount of time. To optimise the process, I would suggest dedicating two hours of each day to the task and allowing up to a week to finish the majority of the Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) in the qualifying tests.
Are You Going to Succeed or Fail on the Tech Exam?
Your preparation for the technical Works interview will be a crucial factor in determining your performance. We want to assess your technical knowledge in detail and evaluate your proficiency in design patterns through your performance on the MCQs. We are striving to ensure that you have a good working understanding of the design patterns.
As a successful applicant for this role, it is essential that you possess a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the programming language you use. This includes a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals, as well as the most advanced methods and techniques. Furthermore, due to the fact that we only accept the most highly skilled developers, you should be prepared to provide an in-depth overview of your projects and experience.
In order to pass a technical screener, you must be prepared to answer questions related to system design. This includes demonstrating an understanding of product architecture as well as the ability to discuss code implementation and deployment. It is essential that you are able to provide an overview of the entire program development process.
If you are a Python Django developer, it is important to be knowledgeable about the language and be able to respond to any queries about it in an informed and comprehensive manner. Additionally, having the ability to answer questions regarding system design and planning will give you an added advantage.
What Are the Stuck on the Screen for Developers?
Most people are not sufficiently equipped to cover algorithms and data structures in depth during a technical screening. Adequate preparation is essential for success in this area. Despite the fact that some people may believe that this knowledge is unnecessary for their job, proficiency in algorithms and data structures is indispensable for completing complex tasks. Another common problem encountered by many job seekers is their ability to express complicated concepts in the English language. It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to have strong English communication skills to secure desirable job opportunities in the United States.
Last Words of Advice
In conclusion, this essay has highlighted the challenges of finding a satisfactory job in Silicon Valley. In particular, it has been emphasised that the remote engineering industry is extremely competitive, and that the Works developer exams are designed to identify only the most talented and skilled candidates. It is essential for prospective applicants to be well-prepared for these exams in order to have any chance of success.
To land one of these sought-after jobs, consider the following:
- It is critical to improve any weakness prior to competition.
- If you underestimate the importance of having a thorough familiarity with algorithms and data structures, you will be unsuccessful when it comes to passing multiple choice questions or technical screenings.
- It is essential to ensure that your English communication abilities are suitable for the role you are applying for. If your proficiency is not up to the mark, it is advisable to take measures to enhance it.
- Include work connected to the languages you claim to know in your portfolio.
- It is essential that you take the time to update and refine your resume in order to make the best possible impression on potential employers. Failing to present a professional-looking resume could significantly reduce your chances of success.
