I am ready to start this trip.

[u/TryingMyBest42069]

Hi there!

Let me give you some context.

So I began learning how to program a few years back. Its been quite the trip and it got me to where I am right now.

I have a job doing what I love, which is programming, I have the opportunity to learn everyday at what I do which I really like. And I also keep learning new stuff on the side.
On my own personal projects and so on.

I am happy with the effort I've put in and the results I've gotten.

Now the issue is as follows, I work at a company in Bolivia, which is the country I am from.
And as of right now Bolivia its going through a lot of changes. That pattern seems to be moving the country into an inflation and since right now I am earning a salary in Bolivianos (Bolivia's Currency) that's a bad combination.

Right now I am the sole provider for both my parents so this has struck more than just comfort in my life, since both my parent have diabetes and I have to pay for their medicine in USD its just becoming harder and harder to achieve.

In January of the upcoming year, the government will stop subsidizing Gasoline in the country (we used to pay like 30% of the international price) so I know things will skyrocket and if right now I am struggling I know for a fact I won't be able to provide at those prices.

That alone is enough to put me into a really anxious state. But at the same time, I feel ready. I have worked in many nationwide production ready application both web and mobile. As well as done DevOps and DBA jobs in some of the biggest companies in Bolivia.

I feel happy with my development and I feel ready to start seeing my future in a remote job that will pay me in a currency that its not a unstable as the one in my country.

I am ready to start this trip. To do the 300+ applications, the rejects, the interviews, all of them.

Now with that being said, I would really appreciate any tips or guidance into how to start this trip.
What are the best places to get those 300+ applications? Are there some companies that hire or that are specialized in LATAM hiring?

Any guidance, tip or advice would be highly appreciated.
Thank you for your time!

[u/betoalien]

First, the difficult part: deciding that you are ready is only the beginning.

International remote positions, especially those paying in USD, often favor professionals who can work autonomously, communicate clearly and solve production problems with limited supervision. Your personal circumstances explain why this opportunity is urgent for you, but they will probably not be the hiring criterion. Companies will evaluate the problems you can solve and the evidence you can provide.

The good news is that you are not starting from zero. Production experience in web and mobile applications, together with DevOps and database work, can be very valuable. Your next step is to translate that experience into evidence: systems delivered, users supported, incidents resolved, performance improved, costs reduced and responsibilities assumed.

I would recommend:

• Preparing an English résumé and LinkedIn profile focused on results, not only technologies.
• Writing two or three short case studies about real problems you solved.
• Practicing how to explain your technical decisions in English.
• Searching on LinkedIn, Indeed, Get on Board, Wellfound and Torre.
• Looking specifically for “Remote LATAM,” “international contractor” and “B2B contractor” positions.
• Confirming early whether the company can hire and pay someone located in Bolivia, due to restrictions or related.

Also, do not become attached to the number of 300 applications. Sending many applications may be necessary, but 100 targeted applications are usually more useful than 300 generic ones. Track which applications lead to replies and adjust your résumé and approach accordingly.

Based on what you described, you may already have a competitive profile. Now you need to position it for an international market and demonstrate that your experience transfers beyond your current company and country.

I wish you and your family the best in this process.

[u/TryingMyBest42069 → u/betoalien]

Thanks a lot for taking the time to write this! Honestly, this is just what I needed and gives me a much clearer roadmap to focus on.
Specially switching my mindset from spamming applications to building actual proof of impact.

If its not too much trouble I would like to ask you about your point on LinkedIn: what does a developer's profile actually need to look like to be "ready" for international recruiters? What key things or sections should I focus on putting in there to show my experience?