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Best LinkedIn Practices for Remote Software Developers

Finding a community of like-minded, engaging people is crucial for people in any profession. For software developers, platforms like Reddit, HackerNews, and .Dev do just that. These spaces are excellent for everything tech-related: knowledge sharing, updates, and riveting discussion. LinkedIn isn’t the go-to space for most software developers – understandably so. We’re here to explain why it should be.

More than just a job-hunting platform, LinkedIn today functions a lot like social media - a new, improved space for working professionals to find their audience. A glance at LinkedIn feeds is enough to reveal the shift in the platform’s ethos over the years. Where there were once dull job updates galore, there’s now a great deal of storytelling - albeit professional. People often share industry updates or analyses on LinkedIn. It’s easier now to personalise profiles and feeds too. Developers will find that besides job hunting, building a community is central to the philosophy behind LinkedIn 2.0.

LinkedIn can be a fantastic platform for software engineers to connect with a global developer base or find the best job openings. Below, we’ve listed a few best LinkedIn practices to help remote software developers optimise the benefits exclusive to this underrated platform.

Choose a professional profile picture An appealing profile picture creates a great first impression. From peers to recruiters, most people judge profiles based on the picture. You’ll want to come across as pleasant and proficient – someone people would like to work or spend time with.

What’s the key to a fantastic picture? Don’t overthink it. Ensure your face is visible and smiling. Do remember that there’s a fine line between looking professional and grumpy. Keep the smile warm and natural. Group pictures and selfies are absolute no-nos.

Use the right keywords Like other social media platforms, LinkedIn also has in-built algorithms that rely on keywords. Since recruiters use keywords when searching for talent, profiles with specific keywords tend to be more visible than others. It’s imperative that you use the correct keywords to bump up your profile. Remove irrelevant keywords that don’t match your skills or industry. Instead, incorporate keywords related to your niche or proficiency in various programming languages.

Define the headline Simply writing that you’re a “software developer” will do very little on LinkedIn. It’s generic and doesn’t warrant more than a passing glance. There are hundreds of developers vying for the spotlight. How do you ensure your profile stands out? One way to achieve this is by defining the headline or the short blurb to your profile.

Being more specific helps both you and people viewing your profile. Provide an outline of technical skills and what type of software development you do. A defined headline removes room for ambiguity right from the start. It catches people’s attention, compelling them to read and find out more.    

Spruce up the ‘About’ section or LinkedIn summary The LinkedIn summary is one of the best places for your personality to shine. Keep it short and catchy. Consider it as a window offering employers peeks into who you are – a smart, thoroughly interesting professional. A well-written summary includes your years of experience. Bonus points if it mentions additional qualifications that can spruce up your profile. The section must convey passion for your work aboveeverything else.

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Top 10 Remote Work Tools that Team Smart Working Suggests

Remote work became the norm during the pandemic as organisations worldwide prioritised employee health and safety. Despite initial teething concerns, companies swiftly adapted and even grew in crisis. Many reported positive impacts on their productivity and employee satisfaction levels.

It was a testament to resilience in the face of change – most of it made possible by cutting-edge technology for remote working. As teams become even more agile and flexible work desirable, choosing the right tools for remote work becomes crucial.

The good news is that many of the best collaboration tools are free or available easily over the internet. Let’s take a look at the ten best ones across different remote working categories.

Video Conferencing Tools

1. Zoom

2. Skype

3. Cisco Webex

4. Join. me

Chat Applications

1. Slack

2. Chanty

File Storage Tools

1. Google Drive

2. Dropbox

Task or Project Management Tools

1. Todoist

2. Trello

This list is by no means exhaustive. Many collaboration tools don’t fit in neat categories but can significantly enhance the remote working experience. You could also explore other tools: employee rewards and recognition, attendance, remote desktop software, mobile hotspots, motivation apps, and visual boards, to name a few. 

Choose the tools that work best for your business. Whether you’re a small business owner, multinational corporation, or in the creative field – there’s a perfect remote working tool for everyone. 

https://smartworking-solutions.com/blogs/remote-work-tools/

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How to Setup a Remote Team

A few years ago, hiring remote teams would have been a big no for the average company. Today, it’s not only an accepted option but, in many cases, the preferred one. COVID-19 exacerbated the push, marking a decisive change in how businesses operate.

Technological advances have enabled remote teams to work efficiently from almost anywhere in the world. Managers today can hire the best professionals based on skills and not location.

It’s an exciting prospect which can produce a thriving hub of innovation and development when effectively implemented

When setting up a remote team, businesses must establish solid foundations. It involves two essential components: building processes and developing the culture. The two are critical drivers for efficient, productive remote teams anywhere.

Below, we list some of the most crucial aspects to keep in mind when building a remote team.

Define goals

Find the right talent

Create organisational guidelines

Make a workflow

Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Get organised

Communicate effectively and empathetically

Build personal connections

Offer team building opportunities

Create spaces for peer-to-peer learning

Invest in learning and development

Setting up effective remote teams requires considerable strategy and effort. Take the time to consider your goals and how remote workers can help scale your business. When done right, remote teams significantly contribute to a company’s profitability. They increase productivity, enhance the scope of services, and reduce operating costs. 

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As a business owner, would you consider hiring a remote staff.

Today’s technology has made working from home more feasible for companies. Having remote staff comes with many advantages, including:

Saving money: Cutting down costs on maintenance, rent, and other overheads.

Increased productivity: Flexible working helps people work during hours when they are the most creative and focused.

Higher employee retention: Having autonomy makes employees happier at their workspaces.

Reduced absenteeism: Optimum work-life balance means healthier lifestyles and fewer sick days. 

However, every business is unique. Despite the cost benefits, companies must evaluate whether it’s a good fit for their specific goals. No solution is foolproof. So, it’s essential to assess some potential drawbacks and hidden costs.  

Tax implications: While you can cut certain costs, there are also potential tax implications concerning remote workers.

Finding the right people: If the role is critical to your business, consider the pros and cons of hiring someone remotely for the job. Collaboration concerns could arise, possibly impacting output and productivity in the long run. Remote workers must be self-directed and comfortable working with diverse people.

Data security and intellectual property: These issues can be easy to solve. However, if you don’t address them right from the start, they could pose significant challenges for your company. 

COVID-19 has placed remote working at the forefront of employer and employee interest. Even with the potential for great savings, it still doesn’t make remote working a blanket solution for every business. 

Long answer short, it’s worthwhile to lay the groundwork, but take care to consider the feasibility for your specific business. 

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The rise of remote hiring during COVID-19

We know that remote working is a flexible work arrangement - where companies allow employees to work virtually or outside of office spaces. Employee location is not an issue. You can be working remotely in the same city, country, or abroad.

Remote hiring works similarly. It means recruiters are not confined by geography when hiring talented people. They have access to a larger talent pool, focusing hiring efforts in emerging markets or overseas. On the other hand, local recruiters usually hire candidates only and exclusively within specific regions.

Remote recruitment became a corporate norm to counter the spread of the novel Coronavirus. Now that several companies have experienced remote working first-hand, remote recruitment continues to be an industry trend for many reasons. International hiring possibilities open up tremendously. Companies can find candidates with the exact skills they need without incurring high costs. The turn-around time is also faster. It’s a game-changer for businesses or start-ups looking to scale.

Most talent acquisition teams interview candidates over video conferencing these days. It’s not uncommon for job seekers to receive offers without meeting the team or recruiters in person. Companies routinely conduct virtual onboardings for new staff. These relatively novel strategies are indispensable to the remote hiring landscape. 

The pandemic changed people’s lifestyles and mindsets in numerous ways. An overwhelming majority no longer view working in fancy buildings as a perk. They prioritise work-life balance and flexibility. Working and hiring remotely fit perfectly in this new world, and they’re here to stay.

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Can a UK limited company hire non-residents to work remotely from another country?

Many businesses in the UK hire non-residents as remote employees. While it was common practice before the pandemic, the crisis helped make its adoption more prevalent. 

Traditionally, companies relied on outsourcing to hire workers from overseas. Today, there’s evidence showing an increasing preference for remote staffing. It offers companies high outputs at relatively low costs while enjoying the benefits of an in-house team. The model is ideal for businesses looking to scale and prosper. 

As a rule, UK firms cannot formally hire remote employees abroad unless the company has an incorporated legal presence in the country concerned. Having a local entity is a much simpler route for both businesses and remote employees. Typically, it means the localised operations are responsible for managing people, operations, accounting, and administrative processes. 

Hiring remote employees is more prevalent and accepted today. Organisations need to only look into different tax implications and labour laws that specifically address the employment of remote workers overseas. 

When in doubt, it’s best to seek the help of remote staffing professionals. Smart Working is a recruitment company headquartered in the UK that specialises in remote staffing from countries like India. The Smart Working team can answer any questions you may have on hiring remote workers.     

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What are the benefits of hiring a remote Salesforce team in the UK?

Salesforce is one of the leading names in cloud computing technologies. Over the last year, we’ve seen more businesses optimising their processes using the Salesforce CRM than ever before. It’s no surprise that professionals with a Salesforce Certification are in high demand in the UK today.

Companies can choose to hire in-house or remote Salesforce developers. Depending on your goals, consider the pros and cons of both scenarios before deciding. It’s possible to find a highly-skilled Salesforce team from anywhere in the world.

Through a targeted hiring approach, remote staffing companies like Smart Working can find excellent developers who deliver results and have experience in your sector. Depending on location rates, a remote team would also cost much less compared to in-house hires. You won't need to break the budget on office rent, utilities, and other overheads.

On the other hand, internal Salesforce developers come with the advantage of knowing your business inside out. They’re a part of your team and can enhance Salesforce extensions tailored to organisational goals and culture. There’s no one way of going about hiring a competent Salesforce team. Take care to think through what each one can do for your business needs, and then proceed with your hiring accordingly.

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How can a UK company hire Indians remotely?

To find talented professionals in India, UK companies must partner with trusted remote staffing companies with proven experience in the area. Despite being on the other side of the globe, remote staff deliver excellent value to companies as if they are in the same office. Having autonomy over how they work makes remote employees more productive, efficient, and engaged than on-site staff. 

When hiring remote teams, organisations must remember that they are as integral to company culture and processes as in-house staff. Besides employees’ skills, you will need to look at culture fit and soft skills – people that you know can have a long-lasting relationship with the company. 

The best way to go about it is by partnering with a remote staffing company like Smart Working. Headquartered in the UK, the Smart Working team are specialists in providing the most talented remote team members from India at a 50% saving for companies.

For anyone looking to increase the size of their team, the process at Smart Working is easy and highly effective. What’s more, it’s risk-free. Clients incur costs only when they are confident they have found the ideal person for their team. The Smart Working website and LinkedIn page have all the details you may need.

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Hire Sales People with Smart Working

We help businesses grow by providing them with highly skilled sales people who come at a 50% saving compared to hiring in-house. We create long term relationships by tailoring our recruitment entirely to your needs.

The sales people we provide you with will have the experience, skills and energy that you require. You will have a free week long trial to confirm they will provide value for your business both in the short and long term.

Our people are our greatest asset – all our sales staff have proven track records and very strong skill sets. They are determined individuals who will consistently deliver for your business with pride and dedication.

The use of VOIP telephones allows you to see call volumes and easily listen to your sales’ staff calls to help them improve.

Get experienced, capable staff members at a fraction of the cost of hiring local support.

Services Our Candidates Provide:  Telesales

We provide sales people who have experience selling to the UK and the US. Whether you want to increase revenue, expand your sales channels, regain market share or develop your key accounts, we can provide a remote telesales solution tailored to your goals. You’ll be able to coach and train your new team member.

Lead Generators

Let us help you generate new qualified leads in a cost efficient manner by providing you with a skilled and trained remote lead generator

Optimize your sales team by generating higher calibre qualified leads at a significantly lower cost

Outbound Lead Generation:

Cold Calls

Email Marketing

Appointment Booking

Inbound Lead Generation:

Search Engine Optimization

Social Media

Pay-Per-Click Advertising

Hire Software Developers with Smart Working

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Are companies in the US and the UK opening up to hiring people from other countries for remote work

A few years ago, companies would decide to outsource work to other countries primarily to save on costs. However, with the rise of remote work during the pandemic, many companies have realised that the benefits of a remote workforce go far beyond saving money.

Remote work is today an attractive prospect compared to in-office hires or outsourcing. It might have begun as a necessary experiment, but the model proved many detractors wrong. Conclusive data has shown how remote employees are 35 – 40 per cent more productive than their colleagues in the office. They’re also highly engaged and far more likely to stay on at their workplaces.

Talented people live around the world. Through widening the talent search, companies in the UK and US have access to excellent resources. Whether you’re a leading tech giant or a promising startup, it’s now easy for everyone to hire talented people. 

Finding the right local talent at the right price is increasingly difficult. Median salaries and costs of living continue rising in the UK and US. At the same time, there are fewer candidates with the requisite skills needed.

Remote working has never been easier than it is today. It’s an established norm across leading global corporations, especially in a post-Coronavirus world. Cloud software is now easily accessible and affordable. The range of collaboration software and tools in the market meets every possible need – from project and task management to team building. All of this makes remote work incredibly effective and efficient.

Remote work offers tremendous value for clients. If there’s anyone who can vouch for this, it’s the team at Smart Working that has over two decades of experience in the space. Headquartered in the UK, Smart Working is a staffing company that hires talented people with the exact skills and experiences clients need.

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Why are UK companies averse to hiring remote developers

Despite the rise of remote work since the pandemic, many UK companies seem hesitant to get on board. Recent data shows that less than a quarter of developer jobs in the UK come with remote working options. And this might not even be a UK-specific challenge. There’s evidence suggesting companies in the US are averse to hiring remotely as well.   

Depending on what you mean by “remote,” there could be many reasons behind companies deciding to keep operations on-site. 

For offshore teams, time zones are a critical factor for most companies. Development cycles can take forever if the team is half a world away. It's tough to address problems on time; unless on-site and remote employees can have overlapping schedules. This can be a significant barrier for most companies.

Additionally, communication can get tricky – not necessarily language-wise but in how employees perceive what is said. Cultural codes are different everywhere. So, managers must ensure nuanced communications to prevent any ambiguity. 

Many organisations have reported project management challenges when dealing with remote developers - whether in the UK or offshore. The concerns are similar: lack of timely updates and difficulties adhering to processes. If companies decide to hire remote developers, it’s mostly for independent projects that require as minimal review across geographies as possible. Concerns about intellectual property remain a pressing issue for some companies.

Viewed objectively, these are challenges that could arise on-site as well. Perhaps the larger issue lies in deeply-entrenched notions of how productivity equals being in office. We know that even the biggest names in Silicon Valley still don't offer remote developer jobs. While there’s no single factor driving their decisions, the root cause could quite possibly be an ideological difference still. 

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Request A Role

There are a limitless number of roles which we can provide. If you would like to explore whether we can provide you with excellent candidates at a 50% saving for a role then please fill out the consultation form and one of our consultants will be in touch. If you could provide the key details of the role, then we can assess the viable options prior to the consultation.

We have helped many businesses with many roles. Our talent acquisition team is confident of finding very strong candidates for almost any job. Use our free week trial to confirm they will provide short term value and long term solutions.

Smart Working allows businesses to work full time, directly and remotely with excellent people who will come at a annual saving compared to hiring the same quality in-house.

Our Headhunting team will find you candidates who have the exact skills and experience that you need. Review, interview and test them to make excellent risk-free hiring decisions.

We are able to attract the best talent at Smart Working because here we put our people first.

Why Choose Smart Working

Excellent Remote Candidates: We are able to attract the very best remote developers.

Risk Free Remote Hiring: Only incur cost when you are certain you have found someone perfect.

How to Hire Remote Employees and Remote Developers with Smart Working.

1. Describe Vacancy: Let us know who exactly you need and we will provide them to you at a 50% saving.

2. Interview Candidates: After a few days we will send you a shortlist of 3 excellent candidates who have the skills and experience you need.

3. Select Your New Team Member Review, video interview and test the candidates. If you think someone is excellent we will set them up to work full time and permanently with you.

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Hire Experienced remote Accountants

Hire Accountants with Smart Working. We are specialists in providing full-time remote Accountants and bookkeepers with the exact skills you require. Provide us with a detailed job description for your role and hire remote bookkeepers and Accountants with Smart Working.

With the use of web based accounting systems it is no longer necessary to have all your accounting department sitting in your office with the attendant costs and obligations. Our Accountants and Bookkeepers also come at a 50% annual saving.

The process is simple:

Get in touch and provide us with a detailed job description. Once received we will carry out a targeted recruitment process and then will present candidates within a week.

Review, video interview and test the candidates our Headhunting team have sourced. This is free as we are confident you will be impressed. We will find you the perfect individual.

Once you have made your selection, Smart Working will on-board your new team member to work with you on a full-time, remote and permanent basis much like an in-house employee.

Take advantage of this and let us provide you with highly skilled and experienced remote team members who will come at a 50% saving.

Hire Remote Accountants and Bookkeepers from India

Can Accountants Work Remotely?

Accounting work can encompass handling financial records of an organization which can be done remotely.

Accountants can take on a variety of specialized roles such as financial accounting, auditing, and budgeting that can be done from home.

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Hire Data Entry Operators in UK

We understand that the integrity of any company is based on the data they produce which highlights the importance of the Data Entry operator.

We will provide you with accurate, low cost and hardworking data entry operators. They will come at a 50% saving compared to hiring in house and will provide you with short term value and long term solutions.

Our rigorous internal vetting process ensures that we can scope our vast candidate pool to provide you with the perfect candidate for the role. To ensure the candidate is the right fit for your business, we encourage you to utilize our free week trial to allow you to experience the value for yourself.

Our rigorous internal vetting process ensures that we can scope our vast candidate pool to provide you with the perfect candidate for the role. To ensure the candidate is the right fit for your business, we encourage you to utilize our free week trial to allow you to experience the value for yourself.

Services Our Candidates Provide:

Preparing and sorting documents for data entry

Entering data into database software and checking to ensure the accuracy of the data that has been inputted

Resolving discrepancies in information and obtaining further information for incomplete documents

Creating data backups as part of a contingency plan

Responding to information requests from authorized members

Testing new database systems and software updates

Hire Data Entry Operators in UK

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Possibility to work remotely from a different country while getting hired in UK

It is definitely possible to work remotely from a different country while being hired in the UK. However, the scope can vary from one employer to the next and the country you live in. 

If the company has hired you remotely, you can work from anywhere - as long as there is good internet connection. Check that you are permitted to work legally in the country of residence. Some countries may contain a statute of limitations and decide you’re no longer a visitor but a resident. Make sure your research is thorough since you don’t want to end up paying taxes both at home and abroad.

Next, keep your manager informed to ensure no breaches to your employment contract. This is crucial since working abroad may have employment and tax implications for the company too. 

Additionally, consider factors like travel and medical insurance. If you have private medical insurance, it won’t cover your bills outside the UK. So, you’ll need to think about how to meet medical expenses in a different country. 

If your salary is paid in the UK, you may incur additional costs trying to access the money. Most banks charge a 3 per cent fee to withdraw money when overseas - usually before accounting for the latest exchange rates. Over time, this can add up to quite a bit, especially if you have rent or local taxes to pay.   

To sum up, getting paid as a UK employee in another country does not typically breach local employment laws. But do remember that figuring out the details while you’re away is primarily up to you, not your employer.

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Do tech companies in Silicon Valley hire interns from the UK to work either in the US or remotely in the UK

Many leading tech companies will be more than willing to hire interns from the UK. Facebook, Google, and other tech companies have hired international interns in the past. Of course, depending on education levels and other factors, there may be challenges in obtaining the right kind of visa for work in the US. 

At the same time, there’s been a shift in how internships function. Every summer, college graduates usually flock to Silicon Valley for a shot at highly-competitive internships with tech giants and start-ups. But the pandemic turned tech campuses into veritable ghost towns. 

Potential employers now needed to host interns who would be working from home. The appeal of a Silicon Valley internship has always been about being immersed in all the action. So, to say that remote internships were a first would be putting it mildly – especially as an industry norm. 

However, it’s worthwhile to note that some Silicon Valley companies had been changing their internship formats long before the pandemic, too.

Regardless, a large number of summer internships moved online as COVID-19 began to spread in the country. Some companies shifted all internships online, while others offered smaller groups. Through all of it, the question of cancelling internships did not arise. A vast majority of companies decided to retain internships remotely. Not only does it provide a pipeline for potentially great hires, but it also offers companies a fresh perspective. 

Some companies are even assigning micro-internships where students can complete short-term projects remotely. What’s fantastic is students get paid, and it goes into their professional experience. From big names like Microsoft and Dell to venture capital firms – most companies offer paid, project-based internships that are remote. 

Hire Software Developers Remotely

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Why are UK companies averse to hiring remote developers

Despite the rise of remote work since the pandemic, many UK companies seem hesitant to get on board. Recent data shows that less than a quarter of developer jobs in the UK come with remote working options. And this might not even be a UK-specific challenge. There’s evidence suggesting companies in the US are averse to hiring remotely as well.

Depending on what you mean by “remote,” there could be many reasons behind companies deciding to keep operations on-site.

For offshore teams, time zones are a critical factor for most companies. Development cycles can take forever if the team is half a world away. It's tough to address problems on time; unless on-site and remote employees can have overlapping schedules. This can be a significant barrier for most companies.

Additionally, communication can get tricky – not necessarily language-wise but in how employees perceive what is said. Cultural codes are different everywhere. So, managers must ensure nuanced communications to prevent any ambiguity.

Many organisations have reported project management challenges when dealing with remote developers - whether in the UK or offshore. The concerns are similar: lack of timely updates and difficulties adhering to processes. If companies decide to hire remote developers, it’s mostly for independent projects that require as minimal review across geographies as possible. Concerns about intellectual property remain a pressing issue for some companies.

Viewed objectively, these are challenges that could arise on-site as well. Perhaps the larger issue lies in deeply-entrenched notions of how productivity equals being in office. We know that even the biggest names in Silicon Valley still don't offer remote developer jobs. While there’s no single factor driving their decisions, the root cause could quite possibly be an ideological difference still.