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Why is it so hard to get a remote job as a web developer?

With an increasing number of web developers seeking to work remotely, especially in today’s world of flexible, mobile working, securing a remote position can prove tough.

Jobs aren’t scarce in web development.

That’s a great thing for recruiters and hirers, but not so great for web developers.

The amount of work available far exceeds the number of developers working in the field.

You can look at it as a simple case of supply and demand.

The supply far exceeds demand, and so many developers, unfortunately, find themselves left out of work.

One of the key reasons it is so difficult for developers — both aspiring and seasoned professionals — to secure remote jobs is because employers and organizations have an infinite choice of professionals to choose from, in the form of agencies, development studios, freelancers, and the option of in-house recruiting.

The sheer amount of choice that employers have literally has no end, which means that whoever they do end up selecting for the job has successfully competed against a multitude of other equally capable colleagues.

Employers are bound to be choosing candidates who particularly stand out from their competition — and in no small way.

A multitude of factors such as cost, capability, and location are all at play here. Additionally, recruiters are looking at delivery time, flexibility in payment schedule, and the past experience that the developer is able to offer.

All of these points work together to determine how eager an employer is to enlist a suitable candidate for their job.

As you are competing with so many others, it’s vital that you show off your skills and explain what makes your work different.

A simple motto to follow when you’re struggling to find remote work as a web developer is to slightly undercharge and largely overdeliver.

A long-term position of employment is arguably more secure as a source of steady income in what has become such a volatile industry. But when you are working remotely, your key to success lies in just how well you can communicate what makes you likely to exceed the capabilities of your competing colleagues.

Maintaining a remote position for any period of time is a feat, particularly because hirers are typically looking to hire remote web developers over the short term, most of the time.

To summarize, here are our top tips for increasing your success as a remote web developer:

  • Keep your online profiles current
  • Ensure that your personal portfolio is kept up-to-date
  • Keep learning new skills and be sure to list them on your freelance profiles and portfolio
  • Clearly define your skills

And it goes without saying — good luck!

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