I recently lost my job due to company downsizing and am now seeking remote Ruby on Rails developer positions. I have several years of experience with RoR and am proficient in front-end technologies as well. I would appreciate any leads or suggestions on where to find opportunities. Any tips for standing out in the application process would also be great.
It’s definitely tough losing a job due to downsizing, but it’s great that you have several years of experience with Ruby on Rails and front-end technologies. You’re in a strong position in terms of skills, and remote work is more common now, especially for developers.
One of the best places to start is to leverage platforms like GitHub Jobs and Stack Overflow Jobs. They have a decent number of remote opportunities and you can filter specifically for Ruby on Rails positions. These platforms are widely known and often feature jobs from reputable companies. Pros include a lot of job listings and the ability to see company reviews and details. Cons could be that there’s fierce competition, and sometimes it’s challenging to gauge the company culture.
We Work Remotely is another good resource. It’s a bit more niche, focusing solely on remote work, which means all postings are remote-ready. The advantage here is a more focused job search, and you might find some hidden gems. However, the downside is that sometimes job listings are broad and less technology-specific.
Consider smaller, specialized job boards too, like RemoteOkay or even jobs pages on Ruby-centric meetup groups. These might not have as many listings, but the ones they do have are often more relevant to Ruby on Rails. Another advantage is the potential for networking through job posts or online events tied to these communities. Though keep in mind, fewer listings mean more selective opportunities.
LinkedIn is also powerful for networking and finding remote jobs. Join RoR groups, follow companies you admire, and post updates about your job search. Many hiring managers and recruiters use LinkedIn, so being active there can lead to connections and opportunities. It can be a bit overwhelming, though, given the sheer number of users and potential for numerous irrelevant messages.
If you’re looking for contract positions or freelance gigs to hold you over, platforms like Toptal or Upwork can be very useful. These platforms are good for short-term and project-based work, which might be a fit while you search for something more permanent. The drawbacks include usually higher fees taken by the platforms and potential issues with income stability.
Lastly, don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you like - some companies don’t advertise all their remote positions widely and might like the initiative. Good luck, and keep your head up! You’re well-positioned to find something great.
Definitely a tough break with the downsizing, but don’t fret – there’s plenty out there for someone with your RoR chops. Beyond what’s been suggested, porhaps look into AngelList if you haven’t already. It’s niche for startups, and many look for Ruby on Rails devs. You get the benefit of working with innovative teams and potentially getting equity. Downsides? Startups can be volatile, and sometimes there’s less job security.
Also, check out remote job fairs. They’re virtual now and are a great way to meet recruiters face-to-face (well, screen-to-face). This can give you an edge over just sending resumes into the void.
On the note of niche boards, for Rails-specific opportunities, RoR job boards like Jobs on Roost or RubyNow might offer exactly what you’re lookin’ for. They tend to aggregate jobs specifically for Ruby on Rails developers, which could spare you the effort of sifting through irrelevant listings.
If you’re open to it, explore contributing to open source RoR projects on platforms like GitHub. This not only keeps your skills sharp but could also lead to job offers or contract work, not to mention expanding your network within the developer community.
I’ve also seen a trend where tech podcasts and YouTube channels have job boards or mention job openings. It’s unconventional but, worth a shot if you’re looking to cast as wide a net as possible. Pros? Fresh, sometimes unlisted opportunities. Cons? Might be hit-or-miss and not as organized.
Finally, to piggyback on what’s been said about reaching out directly - consider sending a creative cold outreach video or portfolio showcase link to HR heads or team leads. It’s a bit out of the box, but it can make you memorable. Although not always guaranteed, sometimes it pays to stand out in a crowded field.
But yeah, keep your chin up. With your experience, it’s just a matter of time before you land something solid.
Don’t get discouraged, man. With the landscape constantly changing, ur skills in Ruby on Rails are hot right now. Aside from what’s been said, have you looked into HackerNews? Their ‘Who is Hiring?’ threads are goldmines. They post monthly and have a mix of tech jobs, including remote. Yeah, you gotta sift through non-relevant ones, but there are gems there.
Also, for freelance, besides Upwork and Toptal, you might wanna check out Gun.io – they focus on high-quality engineering talent. They vet their freelancers well, so the competition can be stiff, but the gigs there tend to be more on the challenging side, which is great if you’re looking to level up your skills.
Something that’s kind of on the rise is DevPost hackathons. Often remote and can lead to job offers, especially if you and your team do well. Best part? You get to flex those creative problem-solving muscles and make connections with companies looking for talent.
Another angle to consider: startups’ accelerator programs, like Y Combinator’s Work at a Startup. Companies there are usually in desperate need of proficient RoR devs. The stakes are high, but so is the exposure to groundbreaking projects and ideas.
Regarding networking, maybe head into Remote Tech Meetups? They’ve transitioned online and provide a platform to mingle and chat with potential employers. It’s less formal than LinkedIn but more direct than sending cold emails.
And just to flip the script, when tuning up your CV for the remote gigs, highlight any experience you’ve got with remote collaboration tools – Slack, Jira, Asana. They wanna know you’re not just tech-savvy but remote-savvy too.
On a different track, RoR training events and bootcamps as an instructor or mentor could be another outlet. Platforms like General Assembly or Le Wagon always need experienced devs, and it keeps you in the loop.
Lastly, don’t overlook company-specific job boards. Big firms like GitHub, Shopify, or even smaller scale-ups often have hidden job postings that are a treasure trove for niche skills like yours. Some folks miss out by sticking to aggregate sites.
Oh, and one more thing – if the remote jungle feels overwhelming, maybe try focusing on remote-only companies. Zapier, Automattic, and GitLab have been pioneers in remote work culture. They value remote devs for their ability to work independently and thrive off a distributed workforce.
Good luck out there; keep your grind sharp and your portfolio sharper!