10 Tips To Land Remote Jobs as a Non-U.S. Remote Developer

Working remotely and exploring remote jobs for non-U.S. residents as a developer in Latin America can be exciting and challenging at the same time. To ensure a successful collaboration, it’s essential to establish a good impression from the beginning and adopt effective work practices. We know that it’s a big leap for your professional careers and that this new path can raise concerns. For this reason, we offer you 10 useful tips to navigate this new international environment.

1. Make a good first impression

One of the most basic, although sometimes difficult things you need to be eligible for remote jobs for non U.S. residents is to make sure you have a stable internet connection and a well-functioning camera and microphone. According to Pumble, 74% of recruiters indicated that knowing how to use digital communication tools and video conferencing is also a crucial skill for job candidates to possess.

Try turning on the camera during the meetings to establish a closer relationship. Additionally, you can demonstrate you’re proactive by being available using effective communication tools and routines, and answering as soon as possible to inquiries.

2. Practice proactive communication

The Pumble report above also mentioned that 70% of global employers indicate that communication is the most desirable skill for potential recruits to have. That’s why dedicating time to fluid communication during an interview and subsequent coding challenge is crucial, even if you need to pause technical work for a few minutes.

Don’t be shy and ask questions, showing interest in the onboarding process and the business requirements of the company. This way you can quickly demonstrate the value of your addition, and that is exactly what clients are looking for when they post remote jobs for non-U.S. residents.

In principle, communicating more helps build trust and keep everyone informed about the status of your tasks. Building trust takes time. Until implicit trust is formed with the team, it’ll be better to over-communicate than to under-communicate.

3. Strike a balance between independence and collaboration

Being independent and problem-solving is valuable, but don’t hesitate to ask thoughtful questions and seek support when you get stuck, whether technical or non-technical. Remote jobs for non-U.S. residents usually implies dealing with a lot of distance, which means there will be a lot of value in the way you work with your team and how collaborative you are.

Showcase that you can be a team player by thinking of your future teammates and client when inquired about possible scenarios and problems to solve during the interview. And once inside the team, earn respect and trust through immediate tangible results. You can look for tasks that don’t require in-depth knowledge of the business, as even the simplest ones can be meaningful.

Actively participate in public communication channels. Asking questions and giving answers in open spaces can benefit others who have similar challenges. You can also share solutions that have made your work easier, as internal collaboration improves efficiency and quality of work.

4. Use tools and resources

“Always deliver more than expected.” — Larry Page, co-founder of Google Larry Page

Code reviews are a crucial aspect of software development, as they provide a space for developers to give and receive feedback on their work. By engaging in code reviews, developers can learn from each other, identify potential issues, and improve the overall quality of the codebase. It is essential to approach code reviews with an open mind and a willingness to learn from others.

In addition to code reviews, you can also leverage tools to enhance your productivity. Tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, and Grammarly can help the coding process be more efficient, provide suggestions for improvement, and ensure that code is clean and error-free. These tools can save you time and effort during a coding challenge and your daily work, while also showcasing your value and speed of your delivery. 

Furthermore, staying up to date on new technologies is essential for you to remain competitive in the ever-evolving tech industry. By continuously learning and exploring new technologies, you stay ahead of the curve. Demonstrating expertise in your technology stack can also help you stand out and attract new opportunities.

5. Learn to manage conflicts and challenges

“The things we fear most in organizations – fluctuations, disturbances, imbalances – are the primary sources of creativity.” Margaret J. Wheatley, Management Consultant

Find value in disorganization, identifying improvements and sharing them, and bring suggestions and solutions from the beginning of the onboarding process, if appropriate— this will give you competitive advantage. Let’s see how to achieve that:

During the coding challenge or once on the team, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what is expected. This starts with well-defined tasks that leave no room for ambiguity. If a task is not clearly outlined, ask questions and seek clarification to avoid any misunderstandings or mistakes.

Maintaining an efficient work pace is also key to completing tasks in a timely manner. This involves staying focused, avoiding distractions, and managing time effectively. By prioritizing the key points of what is expected for each task, you can ensure that you are meeting the requirements and delivering quality work without getting lost in the details.

6. Prepare for cultural differences

Understand the culture and what criteria are prioritized in the client’s company. Integrating into their business environment will help you work more aligned with their objectives and expectations to better understand their organizational context.

Familiarize yourself with cultural differences and embrace fluid communication, as remote jobs for non-U.S. residents still are made of many local team members, whose culture is different from yours.

Take advantage of small moments, when you feel it’s appropriate and doesn’t disrupt workflow, during meetings to talk about topics not strictly related to work. Sharing experiences not only builds relationships, but also shortens the distances generated by virtuality.

7. Take advantage of opportunities as learning

When looking for remote jobs for non-U.S. residents, you’ll find that they often work with the latest technologies. So staying on top of the latest trends and advances in your field is crucial for success. Keep learning and expanding your knowledge, as this will show a dedication to your career and a willingness to adapt to changes in your industry. This not only benefits you personally but also enhances the quality of the projects you work on.

Keeping up with industry trends allows you to stay competitive and relevant in your field. It helps you to anticipate changes and challenges, and to proactively seek out new opportunities for growth and advancement. By being aware of the latest developments, you can stay ahead of the curve and position yourself as a valuable asset to many U.S. organizations.

Moreover, continuous learning can lead you to increase your job satisfaction and fulfillment. It allows you to develop new skills, explore new ideas, and expand your professional network. This can open up new career opportunities and help you to achieve your long-term goals.

8. Put yourself personal challenges

Knowing yourself is crucial in setting realistic expectations for yourself and others. By understanding your strengths, weaknesses, and limitations, you can better assess what you can feasibly achieve within a given timeframe. This self-awareness also allows you to be more proactive in managing your time effectively. By recognizing when you are most productive and focused, you can schedule tasks accordingly and avoid wasting time on less important activities.

Setting expectations is important not only for yourself but also for those around you. If you join one of those remote jobs for non-U.S. residents you’re looking for, setting expectations will help establish a long term relationship. This involves planning your tasks, setting deadlines, and avoiding distractions. By being disciplined and organized, you can make the most of your time and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Another way to make sure you overcome new challenges is to incorporate personal management tools and make sure you keep your own task board up to date. So as not to overwhelm you and keep track of what you did and what you need to do.

9. Be authentic and transparent

“Be undeniably good. No marketing effort or social media buzzword can be a substitute for that.” — Anthony Volodkin, founder of Hype Machine 

Be authentic and transparent in all interactions—if you work hard, honesty will be your best friend, showcasing your true abilities. Usually remote jobs for non-U.S. residents are more demanding than average when it comes to honesty and transparency, as they are putting their trust in you from across continents. So honesty about your abilities, availability, and progress on tasks will help build a relationship of trust from the sharing of the CV to the culmination of your first project.

Being authentic is also recognizing when you need support. No one can do everything on their own, and seeking help from members of your team can be beneficial. Whether it’s asking for guidance, delegating tasks, or collaborating on projects, working together with others can help you achieve your goals more efficiently and effectively. Don’t be afraid to reach out for support when necessary, as teamwork can lead to greater success.

10. Make the most out of the timezone overlap

A survey found that 14% of employees cited working across zones as a remote work challenge. Thus, having chosen a U.S. business as a LATAM developer is ideal, because the timezones are equivalent. 

That being said, remote jobs for non-U.S. residents may still be a few hours of difference depending on your home country, which is why it’s so crucial that you adapt your schedule to close the gap between you and your team’s working hours. 

You can achieve better coordination by clearly communicating your schedules and periods of availability from the get-go. This will facilitate synchrony with colleagues and clients in different parts of the world. It’s also good to plan and be transparent about absences, such as vacations or offline times, to avoid unnecessary interruptions to the team’s workflow.

Remember that each interaction is an opportunity to improve and strengthen the relationship with your client and team. Adapting to new cultures, taking advantage of available tools and being proactive in communication are key elements for success in this diverse and global environment.

BONUS: Get to work with the most disruptive U.S.-based teams at BEON

At BEON, we provide an accessible and exciting way to explore remote jobs for non-U.S. residents and launch your career into space. Our experienced, multicultural team, including our Talent Experience Managers (TEMs), are always available to provide you with guidance and support once you’re onboard. 

We have internal communication channels to clear up doubts, share experiences and connect you with other BEONers. We also organize recreational activities and networking events to build meaningful relationships, as well as specialized resources and support in solving problems. Discover how our community can fuel your success in this exciting stage of your career. We are here to support you every step of the way!

Key takeaways

• Establishing a strong first impression is crucial for non-U.S. residents seeking remote jobs, which means having a good connection, a professional home office, and availability to respond requests.
• Proactive communication skills, including asking questions and providing timely responses, are highly valued by employers, facilitating successful onboarding and collaboration.
• Finding a balance between independence and collaboration is essential, showcasing the ability to be a team player while also demonstrating problem-solving skills.
• Cultural awareness and embracing fluid communication are vital for integrating into diverse teams and building strong relationships.
• Continuous learning and staying updated with industry trends are essential for remaining competitive and demonstrating commitment to professional growth.
• Transparency and authenticity in interactions foster trust and strengthen relationships with clients and team members.
• Maximizing timezone overlap and clear communication of availability optimize coordination and minimize disruptions in remote workflows.