I’m currently looking for job opportunities in Ruby on Rails development. I have a few years of experience but I’m struggling to find open positions. What websites or resources would you recommend for finding Ruby on Rails job listings?
I’ve been in your shoes, hunting for Ruby on Rails opportunities, so here’s what I’ve found helpful. First of all, have you tried specialized job boards like Remote OK, We Work Remotely, and AngelList? These platforms often have a decent amount of Ruby on Rails listings especially for remote jobs.
Now, if you’re looking for something more comprehensive, you can’t overlook GitHub Jobs. I’ve found some pretty good Rails gigs there over the years. The cool thing about GitHub Jobs is it’s very catered to software developers, so you can have a lot of luck in finding niche roles specific to Ruby on Rails.
LinkedIn is also a treasure trove if you use it wisely. While it can feel overcrowded, the key is to optimize your profile with specific keywords related to Ruby on Rails. Sign up for job alerts and make sure your profile screams ‘ruby on rails developer’ as much as possible. Some recruiters specifically look for that phrase and having it highlighted can put you in their crosshairs.
A word of caution: Sites like Indeed and Glassdoor can be a bit of a hit or miss in terms of highly specialized tech roles. You’ll find listings, sure, but they might not always be up to date or as high quality as specialized tech job boards.
Another wildcard approach: check out Reddit’s /r/rails or /r/webdev. Sometimes, startups and small companies post their job openings there before they make it to the conventional job boards. Plus, you can get a real good feel for the company culture if you interact with the team and community there.
Oh, and if you’re up for some networking, don’t skip local Meetups and RailsConf events. True, they might not land you a job overnight, but the connections can be invaluable over time.
Also, once in a blue moon, check out Hacker News’ “Who’s Hiring” post. It goes live the first weekday of every month and always has some promising leads. Sometimes niche, sometimes mainstream, but definitely worthwhile.
Leveraging your network can also be critical. Tell pretty much everyone you know that you’re looking for a Ruby on Rails gig— you’d be surprised how often connections of connections know of an opening.
Lastly, don’t forget about ‘voodoo comp’. This term was coined for office politics, but it applies to your job hunt too. It’s not all about where you look, but about how you present yourself. Make sure your Github repo is polished, show some contributions, small or large. A well-documented project with an active issues page can speak volumes.
Remember, the job hunt can feel like a full-time job itself. Make use of multiple platforms, keep tweaking your approach, and sooner or later, you’ll hit the jackpot.
Good luck in the trenches. Keep your eyes open and your code clean.
You know, @techchizkid has some solid suggestions, but let’s explore a few other avenues that might be a bit off the beaten path.
First, did you ever think about open-source contributions? Sure, it might not offer the immediate payoff like a job board listing, but by contributing to significant Rails projects, you’re putting yourself on the radar of the very people who are neck-deep in the Rails community. It’s not just about coding but solving real issues that other developers also face. When they see your username popping up consistently with quality contributions, you’ll start making a name for yourself. And guess what? Many companies scout open-source contributors for their development teams. Check out projects on GitHub that need help, and dive in. Bonus points if you can solve hard bugs or add significant features.
Another angle - why not try freelancing platforms like Upwork or Toptal? Yes, I know, freelancing might sound a bit chaotic compared to a stable 9-5 job. However, the experience you can gain and the connections you can make are invaluable. Plus, successfully completed projects on Upwork can lead to long-term contracts or even full-time positions. Toptal, specifically, has a pretty rigorous vetting process, but once you’re in, you’re exposed to high-quality clients who are willing to pay well for expertise in Ruby on Rails.
Don’t underestimate local tech communities either. Every major city – and even many smaller ones – has a tech scene where developers meet up. It can be through official channels like Meetup, industry conferences, or even smaller, informal gatherings. I’ve had some of my best job leads come from a casual chat over coffee with someone I met at a local tech meetup.
Also, have you looked into niche job boards that focus specifically on startups like Startup.jobs or even Y Combinator’s Who’s Hiring list? Startups are often looking for developers with specialized skills, and Ruby on Rails is pretty prevalent in the startup ecosystem. And unlike corporate job boards, these listings are usually more up-to-date and relevant.
Talking about Reddit, I somewhat disagree with @techchizkid on checking out broader subs like /r/webdev. While they might have some leads, I’d argue that local city-specific subreddits or tech-specific ones can sometimes yield better and more relevant results. For example, r/forhire sometimes has hidden gems by smaller companies that other major platforms miss out on.
Here’s a tip that’s slightly left-field: consider cold emailing companies you want to work for. Sure, it involves some homework and a bit of sleuthing, but the pay-off can be big. Find companies using Ruby on Rails, get the hiring manager’s contact, and send a personalized, concise email expressing your interest. Attach your resume, link to your GitHub, and mention why you think you’d be a good fit for them specifically. You’re not just another application in the pile, but someone who’s proactively reaching out, and it shows initiative.
On a different note, ever used Stack Overflow Jobs? Just like GitHub Jobs, it’s a platform directly within the developer ecosystem. You can filter by skill set, and the quality of listings tends to be pretty high. And while we’re on the subject of Stack Overflow, participating in the Q&A there can also indirectly open doors. High-quality answers in Ruby on Rails threads can set you apart and build your rep in the community.
And let’s touch upon the old-school recruitment agencies specializing in tech placements. Some agencies have deep connections in the industry and can connect you with opportunities that never make it to public job boards. Sometimes going through an agency can fast-track the process since they handle a lot of the preliminary screening and matchmaking process.
Lastly, if you’re really struggling, don’t shy away from short-term contract roles. Sometimes smaller contracts can act as a foot in the door to a longer-term position. Once you’re in, it’s your opportunity to showcase your skills, prove value and possibly convert that into a full-time gig.
Remember, finding the right opportunity can be as much about positioning and persistence as it is about scrolling through job listings. Keep your portfolio updated, keep contributing to the community, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
Good luck, keep coding clean and happy hunting!
I’d add one more angle here: think about contributing to open source. When you’re stuck, contributing to well-known Ruby on Rails projects on GitHub can get you noticed by companies and other devs using it. It’s more about building a network of peers who see you in action.
Also, while I see the merit in Upwork and Toptal, I’d suggest not putting all your eggs in the freelancing basket. They can be a good supplemental income but navigating rates and clients by yourself can be draining and often inconsistent.
On the other hand, consider joining online coding communities like DEV.to or Hashnode. Sharing your blog posts, side project updates, or even offering to help others can organically grow your presence and credentials in the Ruby on Rails space.
Startup accelerators’ websites also have job boards where they post about new positions. Places like Techstars or Seedcamp often have open, high-turnover positions at interesting young companies. These gigs can offer you significant experience and a chance to work with cutting-edge tech, even if they don’t come with the same security as bigger corporations.
Lastly, if you’re still struggling, pivot slightly to learn in-demand complementary skills. Maybe dabble in front-end frameworks like React or Vue.js, or delve into DevOps tools. There’s always evolving needs in tech, and the additional flexibility in your skill set can open more doors. Learning isn’t limited to bootcamps or courses; sometimes, diving into new projects or even watching YouTube tutorials can do wonders.
And don’t forget: keep your CV and portfolio sharp. Often overlooked, these can make or break your application in just seconds. Happy hunting!