How to Find Remote Jobs – 25 Websites To Help You Work from Home Online

The way we work is changing rapidly. Even before COVID-19 disrupted traditional office life, remote work was growing in popularity, with a 44% growth in remote work over the last 5 years according to FlexJobs. Now, as companies and employees adapt to a new normal, it‘s clear that remote work is here to stay. A Gartner survey found that 82% of company leaders plan to allow remote work some of the time going forward.

For developers and tech professionals, the shift towards remote work is particularly advantageous. Coding and software development are well-suited for remote environments, and many top companies now hire developers regardless of location. Whether you‘re looking for the flexibility to work from home, want to travel the world as a digital nomad, or simply want to broaden your job prospects beyond your local area, finding a remote development job is a smart career move.

The Benefits of Remote Work for Developers

Remote work offers compelling benefits for developers at all career stages:

• Flexibility: Work when and where you‘re most productive. As long as you have a computer and reliable internet connection, you can code from home, a coworking space, or your favorite coffee shop.
• Work-Life Balance: Remote jobs eliminate commuting, allowing you to use that time for coding, skill development, or personal pursuits. Many remote companies offer flexible schedules so you can optimize your work around your life.
• Increased Productivity: A two-year Stanford study found that remote workers were 5% more productive than in-office counterparts, likely due to fewer distractions and a quieter work environment.
• More Job Opportunities: When you‘re not limited by location, you can pursue exciting projects and work with top companies around the world. This is especially valuable if you live in an area with a less robust tech scene.

Of course, remote work has its challenges too – from combating isolation to managing work-life boundaries. But with the right strategies, tools, and job fit, you can thrive in a remote development career.

25 Top Websites for Finding Remote Developer Jobs

So where can you find legitimate remote developer jobs? While general job sites like Indeed and LinkedIn have remote offerings, niche sites focused on remote tech roles can speed up your search. Here are 25 of the best sites for finding remote developer and software engineering jobs:

Sites with a developer/engineering focus:

1. Arc: Connects developers with remote jobs at companies using their tech stack. Includes resume guides and a salary explorer.
2. Stack Overflow: Famous developer Q&A site with a job board for programmers. Filter by "Remote" under perks.
3. Gun.io: Freelance platform for experienced developers to work with top tech companies.
4. Hired: Matches developers and engineers with innovative companies. Select "Remote" under location.
5. X-Team: Matches developers with long-term remote positions at leading brands.
6. Turing: AI-backed platform connecting developers with long-term, full-time remote opportunities.
7. Moonlight: Helps developers find remote contract work and side projects with top US companies.
8. Toptal: Exclusive network connecting seasoned developers with companies for remote freelance work.

Remote-focused tech job boards:

9. We Work Remotely: Remote jobs board for developers, designers, writers, customer support and more.
10. Remote.co: Job board and resource site for remote work across fields like development, design, and marketing.
11. RemoteOK: Aggregates remote jobs in development, design, customer service, and other categories.
12. Remotive: Remote startup and tech jobs with resources for remote workers.
13. Pangian: Remote jobs for developers, project managers, marketers and more.
14. Jobspresso: Curated remote jobs in tech, marketing, customer support, and more.
15. JS Remotely: Remote JavaScript developer jobs.
16. DailyRemote: Aggregates full-time and part-time remote development jobs.

Other sites with remote tech job listings:

17. FlexJobs: Paid membership site for thoroughly vetted remote and flexible jobs across 50+ career fields.
18. Dribble: Best known as a platform for freelance designers, Dribble also has remote developer jobs.
19. AngelList: Find remote developer and engineering roles at startup companies.
20. Working Nomads: Remote jobs in development, design, management and more.
21. Landing.Jobs: Helps developers and tech pros find remote jobs worldwide.
22. Authentic Jobs: Remote jobs for developers, designers, and creative professionals.
23. Idealist: Find remote tech for good jobs at nonprofits and mission-driven organizations.
24. Outsourcely: Connects companies with remote talent in development, design, marketing and more.
25. Remoters: Jobs and resources focused on remote work for digital professionals.

While not an exhaustive list, these sites are a great starting point for your remote development job search.

How to Stand Out as a Remote Developer Job Seeker

With the rise of remote work, competition for remote developer jobs is heating up. To get noticed by top remote employers and recruiters, focus on the following:

• Highlight remote work skills and experience. Many of the skills required to succeed as a remote developer – like self-motivation, proactive communication, and strong problem-solving abilities – are the same skills you use in the office. Look for opportunities to highlight these skills on your resume and online profiles. And if you‘ve worked remotely before, even if it was a side project or short-term contract, make sure to mention this experience.
• Build an impressive GitHub profile. Contribute to open-source projects, share your own projects and code samples, and write clear, well-documented readme files. An active GitHub profile shows employers that you‘re passionate about coding and can work well in a distributed environment.
• Participate in coding challenges and virtual hackathons. Platforms like HackerRank, CodeChef, and LeetCode offer coding challenges that can sharpen your skills and get you noticed by hiring managers. You can also participate in virtual hackathons through sites like DevPost.
• Network in online tech communities. Join online communities for developers, like Dev.to, Hashnode, and industry-specific Slack or Discord channels. Follow and engage with industry leaders on social media. Attend virtual conferences and meetups. The more you build your professional brand online, the more likely you are to get referrals and job leads.
• Keep learning and developing your skills. The tech world evolves rapidly, and it‘s crucial to keep your skills up-to-date. Take advantage of online learning platforms like freeCodeCamp, Udemy, Coursera, and Pluralsight to learn new programming languages, frameworks, and tools. Build projects to practice your skills and add to your portfolio.

The Tools You Need to Succeed as a Remote Developer

To thrive in a remote development job, you‘ll need to be proficient with the tools that distributed teams rely on:

• Communication Tools: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom for team messaging and video meetings.
• Project Management Tools: Asana, Trello, Jira, Basecamp for task management and collaboration.
• Code Repository and Version Control: GitHub, Bitbucket, GitLab for storing and collaborating on code.
• Cloud Storage and File Sharing: Google Drive, Dropbox, Box for file storage and document collaboration.
• Time Tracking: Toggl, Harvest, RescueTime for tracking time spent on tasks and improving productivity.
• Focus Apps: Freedom, Cold Turkey for blocking distracting websites and apps.

Of course, the specific tools you use will depend on your team and company, but familiarizing yourself with popular remote work software will help you hit the ground running. It‘s also important to have a reliable computer, fast internet connection, and any other equipment you need to do your best work.

Cybersecurity Tips for Remote Developers

Another important consideration for remote developers is cybersecurity. When you‘re working from home or in public spaces, you need to be extra vigilant about protecting sensitive data and code. Follow these best practices to stay secure:

• Use a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to create and store strong, unique passwords.
• Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts.
• Keep your operating system, antivirus software, and other tools up-to-date.
• Use a VPN, especially when working on public Wi-Fi networks.
• Lock your computer when you step away, and don‘t leave it unattended in public.
• Be careful when clicking links or downloading attachments, even if they seem to be from a trusted source.
• Follow your company‘s security policies and report any potential security issues.

By taking cybersecurity seriously, you can protect yourself, your employer, and your clients.

The Future of Remote Work for Developers

As companies realize the benefits of remote work – like reduced overhead costs, increased productivity, and access to a global talent pool – it‘s likely that remote job opportunities will continue to grow. In a 2020 Stackoverflow survey, 75% of developers said that they work remotely at least three days per month, and 60% of developers reported working from home full time due to COVID-19.

While some companies may return to the office post-pandemic, many will embrace a remote-first or hybrid approach. This shift is good news for developers who want more flexibility and autonomy in their careers. By honing your skills, building a strong online presence, and staying open to new opportunities, you can thrive in the world of remote work.

Start Your Remote Job Search Today

If you‘re dreaming of a location-independent career in tech, there‘s no better time to start your remote job search. Use the job boards listed above to find exciting remote development opportunities. Tailor your resume and online profiles to showcase your remote work skills and experience. And remember, landing a remote job takes time – don‘t get discouraged if you don‘t hear back right away.

With persistence, skills, and a bit of luck, you can find a remote development job that empowers you to do your best work, no matter where you are. Good luck with your search!