“Why Do You Want to Work Here?”
If you are a developer, you’ve probably heard this question in countless interviews. For those looking to work at leading U.S. companies from outside America, the answer is quite clear.
Working for leading U.S. companies offers a unique set of benefits for developers:
U.S. companies often have access to the latest technologies, tools, and methodologies. This exposure allows developers to work on innovative projects, use state-of-the-art tools, and apply the latest best practices in software development.
The experience gained in such environments can significantly enhance a developer’s skills, making them more competitive in the global job market and ready to work on almost any project, no matter how challenging it is.
Furthermore, leading U.S. companies are known for their focus on professional growth and career development, offering extensive training programs, opportunities for certifications, and diverse project experiences.
All this, coupled with more competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages than any other region of the world, is compelling.
The convenience and the challenge of working for a U.S. company are clear for developers from regions such as Latin America. So, let’s delve deeper to understand how you can start advancing your career working in the U.S.
How Can Outsourcing Break Down Barriers?
If you’re seeking employment in the American market, the first thing you need to understand is where the opportunities lie.
Generally, the most familiar option is applying for job openings at companies in that region that require roles similar to the ones you perform. However, this is no easy task because you need to take the time to search (on hiring platforms or networks like LinkedIn), keeping in mind that the competition for these positions is extremely high. It’s essentially like finding a needle in a haystack.
Yet, there’s another alternative that can be of great help to talents from regions like Latin America. Companies like InclusionCloud offer outsourcing services, including staffing, dedicated teams, and consulting.
These companies act as intermediaries, connecting Latin American professionals with job opportunities in the U.S. market. In addition to easing access to remote jobs, they provide comprehensive advice and support to help these talents successfully integrate into the U.S. labor market.
We recommend following us on LinkedIn, where we post job opportunities in the U.S.
They work with a wide range of clients needing specialized talents for projects in areas like AI, machine learning, blockchain, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Oracle, QA, data engineers, data scientists, among others.
But what is the current landscape for IT outsourcing? These services have been on an upward trajectory in recent years. Research and Markets report that the IT Outsourcing Market size is estimated at USD 617.69 billion in 2024, expected to reach USD 806.53 billion by 2029.
This is due to factors such as:
- The digital economy boom: 77% of businesses are increasing their IT budgets for consumer-facing digital products and services in 2024.
- The Generative AI & Cloud Effect: This booming adoption of cloud computing and generative AI is creating a perfect storm that’s driving unprecedented demand for skilled developers, with the market predicted to reach almost 188 billion U.S. dollars by 2030.
- Customers Want More Digital Services: Driven by the convenience of one-click purchases, 24/7 availability, an extensive online selection unbound by physical space constraints, and the ease of comparing and researching products, consumers are increasingly embracing digitized consumption habits.
- The Growing Skill Gap: With the increasing complexity of systems, algorithms, and software, the need for specialists is fiercer than ever. Plus, companies need to keep pace in their cutting-edge projects, such as those integrating generative AI, cloud solutions, blockchain, and more. This is why the demand for specialized talents in these fields has skyrocketed. As previously mentioned, there’s a looming threat of unfilled jobs due to the skills gap. By 2030, more than 85 million jobs might go unfilled because there aren’t enough skilled people to take them.
Remote Work: Is It Still Relevant for U.S. Businesses?
It can be said that the new normal is flexible work. The percentage of U.S. companies offering flexibility increased from 51% at the start of 2023 to 62% around November. But still, 38% of business leaders prefer people to work from the office, but it seems impossible to go back to pre-pandemic times when people were in the office five days a week.
This change, however, varies according to the roles and industries you’re working in. In tech roles, companies are more open to hybrid or fully remote jobs to retain and attract top talent. They recognize that the competition for specialized talent is fiercer than ever, so adapting to this new reality is essential.
Moreover, for tech workers, remote work means regaining time by not commuting to the office, achieving a better work-life balance, and increasing productivity.
For businesses, it translates into a boost in productivity, higher talent retention, and employee satisfaction. A report indicated that companies fully flexible between 2020 and 2022 saw their revenue grow by 21%, significantly higher than the 5% growth recorded by those requiring in-person work.
Amidst economic uncertainty in 2024, cutting costs is a top priority for executives. Hence, remote work is one of the key strategies leading to the adoption of models like nearshoring to adjust IT budgets and keep projects on track by allocating technology resources in areas with more favorable rates.
What Do You Need to Work in the U.S. as a Developer?
Now is the time to offer you a few tips, ensuring you grasp the key qualities and valuable aspects that will make your profile appealing for roles at top companies in the United States.
Please take note:
1. Be Confident in English
Fluent English communication is essential for working effectively in U.S. companies. Practice your English language skills, especially technical vocabulary and business communication, to excel in interviews and daily interactions.
2. Be Flexible
While the nearshore regions have similar time zones (within a few hours of each other), you may need to make some adjustments to your workday to be in sync with the in-shore team. Be prepared to accommodate 1-2 working hours to overlap with your U.S. team for meetings, collaboration, and real-time communication.
This adaptability is precisely why Latin America, despite its geographical distance, is regarded as a nearshore option. Its time zones closely match those of the United States and its neighboring countries, facilitating easier and more efficient collaboration.
3. Be Agile
Many U.S. tech companies follow Agile methodologies like Scrum or Kanban for project management. Familiarize yourself with Agile practices and tools to seamlessly integrate into Agile teams and workflows, ensuring efficient collaboration and delivery of results.
4. Be Open-Minded
While working in a U.S. tech environment, you may encounter differences in communication styles, work ethics, and approaches to problem-solving. Although nearshore countries are often familiar with U.S. culture, it remains crucial to actively embrace and adapt to these cultural nuances. This understanding fosters effective teamwork and collaboration, enhancing productivity and innovation.
U.S. tech companies are committed to diversity and inclusion, valuing a wide range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. Embracing open-mindedness and respect for diversity within your team is essential.
By contributing to an inclusive work environment, you ensure that every team member feels valued and heard, reinforcing the importance of diversity even in nearshore contexts already acquainted with U.S. culture. This commitment to openness and pluralism not only enriches your professional experience but also strengthens the collective capability of your team.
5. Follow Us and Apply
Stay updated on job opportunities by following Inclusion Cloud’s LinkedIn page. We regularly post job openings and updates on our platform. Keep an eye on our page for new opportunities and apply to positions that match your skills and interests.
What Are the Most In-Demand Tech Skills in the U.S. in 2024?
Finally, we share some of the most demanded skills in the U.S. market for you to apply if you specialize in any of them. Or, if you have yet to master these skills perfectly, continue learning and developing for the future, as these technologies promise to be at the forefront for at least the next five years:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML): With GenAI and ML leading technological innovation, understanding these technologies is essential for a broad range of applications.
- Cloud Computing: Understanding cloud architecture, including AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, is crucial due to the growing reliance on cloud computing to sustain Generative AI needs.
- Python: Python remains a highly sought-after skill due to its versatility in various applications, including web development, data analytics, and machine learning.
- Kubernetes: This container-orchestration system is crucial for automating application deployment, scaling, and management, making it a valuable skill for cloud computing environments.
- AI Prompt Engineering: A relatively new field, prompt engineering involves working with AI models to refine their responses, requiring a deep understanding of AI, natural language processing, and machine learning.
- Data Science and Analytics: The ability to analyze and extract insights from data is in high demand across industries. This includes data analysis, data visualization, and data engineering.
- Robotic Process Automation (RPA): This skill is crucial for automating routine tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity in various industries.
- Blockchain Technology: Will still be relevant, despite seeming forgotten in today’s landscape. Knowledge in blockchain is important for cybersecurity, secure transactions, and the development of decentralized applications.
Conclusion
This guide has laid out the pathway for developers looking to make their mark in leading U.S. companies.
By enhancing your skill set in the areas most in demand, such as AI, ML, cloud computing, and blockchain, and embracing the essential practices of flexibility, open-mindedness, and agility, you’re setting yourself up for success in the competitive U.S. tech industry.
Remember, the demand for tech talent is on a steep rise, with technological advancements and digital transformations driving the need for skilled developers across a variety of domains.
Now is the time to position yourself at the forefront of this wave, leveraging your unique skills and the insights provided here to embark on a rewarding career journey.
Regularly check our open positions in the jobs section of our LinkedIn page and start advancing your career today!
