How I Landed My First Remote Job

Landing your first remote job can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack, especially if you’re just starting out in your career or switching industries. For me, it was a mix of strategy, persistence, and timing. Here’s how I did it, and what I learned along the way.

1. Building the Right Skill Set

I knew early on that I wanted to work remotely, so I focused on developing skills that were in high demand for remote roles. For me, that meant diving deep into front-end web development. I chose HTML, CSS, and JavaScript as my starting stack, and later added React to the mix.

To strengthen my skills, I:

• Completed online courses from platforms like freeCodeCamp and Udemy
• Built personal projects and shared them on GitHub
• Participated in open-source contributions

This gave me not only technical experience but also a portfolio I could show to potential employers.

Related: In-Demand Tech Skills by Industry in South Africa (2025)

2. Creating a Digital Presence

Next, I focused on building a professional online presence. I revamped my LinkedIn profile to highlight my skills and projects, and I regularly posted updates about my learning journey. I also started a simple personal website that served as my portfolio and resume.

Made sure to:

• Write thoughtful project descriptions on GitHub
• Engage with developers on Twitter and LinkedIn
• Share what I was learning, even if it was just small wins

These actions helped me build a network and gain visibility among hiring managers and recruiters.

3. Applying Smart, Not Just Hard

Instead of sending out generic resumes, I tailored each application. I used tools like Huntr to keep track of where I applied and followed up if I didn’t hear back. I also made a habit of writing personalized cover letters that connected my skills to the company’s mission.

What really helped was targeting remote-first companies and startups. These organizations often have more flexible hiring policies and are open to junior developers if you show potential and enthusiasm

4. Prepping for Interviews Like a Pro

When I finally started getting interview requests, I prepared thoroughly. I practiced coding challenges on platforms like LeetCode and CodeSignal, and I rehearsed my answers to behavioral questions.

I also researched each company deeply so I could ask insightful questions and show genuine interest. One interviewer told me later that my curiosity and preparation stood out—and that’s what got me the offer.

Related: 2025 Software Engineer Salary Trends in south africa

5. What I Learned

• Consistency pays off. I applied to over 100 jobs before getting a serious offer.
• Soft skills matter. Communication, curiosity, and collaboration are huge in remote roles.
• The tech community is generous. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or mentorship.
• Celebrate small wins. Every new skill, project, or interview is progress.

Final Thoughts

Landing a remote job isn’t just about writing great code—it’s about positioning yourself, telling your story, and showing that you can thrive in a distributed team. If you’re on the journey, keep going. The right opportunity is out there, and your effort will pay off.

I hope this story gives you some inspiration and practical steps you can take toward your first remote role. Good luck—you’ve got this!