How to search for Jobs
This page should contain: effective approaches to job hunting, including utilising job boards, company websites and recruiters
Job hunting involves a strategic approach that includes leveraging online job portals, networking, optimising application materials, and staying informed about the industry. In this section:
1. General Guidelines on Job Search 🥸
Use Online Job Portals 💻
Leverage various job portals specific to Europe or those with a strong presence in the region:
Tech-Specific Job Boards: Here are the best that are highly active and reliable:
Dice,
Also, try check start-up job boards like:
Network & Engage with the Community 👩👩👧👧
Networking is the process of making connections and building relationships in the business world. By building relationships with professionals in the tech industry can lead to mentorship opportunities, advice, and referrals, but also access to hidden job markets that are not advertised publicly, and gain insights into companies’ cultures and work environments. And needless to say, a referral from someone within the company can significantly boost your credibility.
Talking to professionals who are already in roles you aspire to can also give you a better understanding of what the job entails, the skills required, and potential career paths. Remember that networking is a two-way street: offer your assistance and expertise to others in your network.
Effective Networking Strategies include attend industry events, leveraging social media and online communities. Here are some actionable steps you can take now to start building your professional network:
On Linkedin you can join:
We also suggest you join Linkedin groups like this group for Web Developers and UX/UI Designers
Look for more networking groups online and in your area!
Join the ReDI alumni slack channel (add channel)
Check out Meetup events online, for example (add events in January)
Local Expert Groups: Join local design meetups and tech groups in major cities across Europe. Platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite often list such events.
Conferences and Workshops: Attend industry conferences, workshops, and webinars such as UX London, UX Copenhagen, or EuroIA, and hackathons such as Web Summit, JSConf, and React Europe. Look for Calendars with web development events in your country or area. Here is an example for UX/UI Conferences in Europe
Online Communities: Engage with online communities on LinkedIn, Reddit (e.g., r/userexperience, r/web_design), and other design forums.
For Mentoring (both looking for mentors and offering yourself as a mentor):
Leverage Social Media 📣
Twitter and Instagram: Follow and engage with tech influencers, agencies, and companies.
LinkedIn: Use LinkedIn to connect with professionals in the industry. Follow companies of interest and engage with their posts.
Apply Directly on Company Websites 🌐
We also recommend making a list of companies you'd like to work for and just keep checking for new opportunities daily. Research companies that are known for their culture or have open positions. Apply directly through their careers page. Notable European companies and startups often have dedicated career sections.
Other General Tips 🤘
Develop Key Skills: Try to stay current with in-demand skills for the job.
Stay Active in Tech Communities: Both online and local communities can help you stay connected and updated on job openings.
Continuous Learning: Tech jobs are highly competitive. Keep upgrading your skills with certifications, online courses, and side projects to stand out.
2. Looking for Remote Tech Jobs - if you live in a Remote Area 💻
Use Specialised Remote Job Boards 📊
There are platforms that cater specifically to remote work, especially in tech. Some popular ones include:
We Work Remotely (focused on tech, design, and marketing)
Remote OK (offers filters by category, like UX/UI or web development)
AngeList (already mentioned above, it is ideal for remote startup jobs)
Stack Overflow Jobs (tech jobs, with a filter for remote roles)
LinkedIn (use filters to search for "Remote" jobs specifically)
Leverage Global and Remote-First Companies 👔
Many companies operate entirely remotely or have a remote-first culture. Target these types of companies, as they are more likely to offer positions to candidates regardless of location. Some notable examples include:
Automattic (the company behind WordPress)
GitLab
Zapier
Toptal
Participate in Online Communities & Freelance Platforms 👩👩👧👧
Engage with remote work communities or platforms where tech talent is hired on a freelance basis. This could lead to longer-term remote employment:
Upwork and Freelancer: Great for gaining remote work experience as a freelancer.
GitHub: Actively contribute to open-source projects, making your name known in the remote developer community.
Dev.to, Reddit (r/forhire, r/remotework), and Stack Overflow: Join discussions to network and find opportunities.
Networking Virtually
Since you’re in a remote area, building connections virtually is crucial. Attend virtual tech meetups, webinars, and conferences to meet remote-friendly companies and professionals. Use platforms like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and Twitter to find tech events.
3. Looking for Local Tech Jobs 👩💻
Use Local Job Boards and Company Websites 📊
If you're looking for jobs within your area, besides using the platform listed in the general section, and filtering by location, you can also research tech companies in your city and check their career sections for job openings.
Tap into Local Networking Events 🤝
Networking is key for local job hunts. Attend in-person events, meetups, and tech conferences. Besides the options mentioned in the general section, we recommend you also check local co-working spaces. Many cities have tech hubs or co-working spaces where tech companies and freelancers gather. These spaces often host networking events.
Use Local Recruiting Agencies 🕵️♀️
Sometimes, recruitment agencies specialize in connecting talent with tech companies in specific cities or regions. Consider contacting a local recruiting firm to help find a position that matches your skills:
Robert Half or TEKsystems are well-known for placing tech professionals in local roles.
Research smaller or region-specific recruiting agencies focused on tech in your area.
Leverage Alumni & University Networks, also outside ReDI 🎓
If you're a recent graduate or have university ties, leverage your alumni network to find local tech opportunities. Many universities have career centers or job portals specifically for alumni:
Reach out to your alumni office or career services for any local tech job opportunities.
Join alumni LinkedIn groups or participate in university-hosted job fairs.
Get Involved in Local Projects 🏗️
Participating in local tech initiatives or projects is a great way to build connections and visibility in your area:
Volunteer for Local Nonprofits: offer your web development or UX/UI skills to local nonprofit organizations.
Hackathons: Join local hackathons, even if they're small-scale. It’s a great way to meet hiring managers or other tech professionals.
Many cities have internship or apprenticeship programs that connect young professionals with local startups or established tech companies. You can check if something similar exists in your area.
Extra Resources 📚
Check out this Free LinkedIn Learning Courses for Job Hunters
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