As more and more businesses go remote, the demand for tech workers who are skilled in remote operations rises. Whether you are a remote engineer, developer, or any other type of worker, it is important to have the right skills to be successful in a remote environment. However, to remain competitive in this remote work culture, employees and employers alike have to continuously update and improve their skills, especially tech skills.

The technical skills required for remote work can vary depending on the position, the project, the company, and other factors. However, there are some essential skills that all remote workers should have to be successful.

What are Tech Skills and why do Remote Engineers need them?

Technical skills are the abilities and knowledge needed to perform specific tasks. They are usually related to a particular job or industry. For remote workers, technical skills are essential for two main reasons:

  • First, most remote positions require some degree of interaction with technology. Even if you are not working in a tech-related field, you will likely need to use technology for communication, collaboration, and other work tasks.
  • Second, technical skills can give you a competitive edge in the job market. With more and more businesses going remote, there is an increasing demand for workers who are skilled in remote operations. By updating your skills and adding new ones, you can make yourself more attractive to potential employers.
  • Finally, technical skills can help you be more efficient and productive in your work. By learning how to use new tools and technologies, you can save time and energy on tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.

Technical Skills for a Remote Developer

  • Programming languages: If you are a developer, it is important to be proficient in one or more programming languages. The most popular language for web development is currently JavaScript, but there are many others that are also in demand, such as PHP, Python, and Java.
  • Databases: In order to work with data effectively, developers need to know how to use databases. MySQL and MongoDB are two of the most popular database management systems.
  • Web development frameworks: A web development framework is a collection of tools that helps developers build websites and applications. The most popular frameworks include Laravel, Ruby on Rails, and Express.js.
  • Version control: Version control is a system that allows developers to track changes to their code and revert back to previous versions if necessary. The most popular version control system is Git.
  • Task runners: A task runner is a tool that automates common development tasks, such as compiling code or running tests. Grunt and Gulp are two of the most popular task runners.

While some remote positions may only require basic technical skills, others may require more advanced skills. For example, if you are working as a remote developer on a web development project, you will likely need to know how to use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. If you are working on a project that uses a different programming language, you will need to be proficient in that language as well.

In order to stay competitive in the job market, it is important to continuously update and improve your skills. By adding new skills and keeping up with the latest trends, you can make yourself more attractive to potential employers and increase your chances of landing a remote job.

What are Some Essential Tech Skills for All Remote Employees?

In general, whether you have an engineering background or not, there are certain essential tech skills for all remote employees that will make remote operations a lot smoother, and these include:

#1 Remote Project Management:

This is key for all remote employees, as it allows you to manage projects from afar and keep track of deadlines, assigned tasks, and progress reports. There are various project management tools available online, such as Trello and Asana, which can make your job a lot easier.

Remote project management requires excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as the ability to use project management tools effectively. To remain on the same page as your team, you need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely, as well as provide regular updates on the progress of your projects.

Understanding how remote project management tools work and how to use them is essential for all remote employees.

#2 Technical Writing:

As a remote worker, you will likely need to communicate with clients and team members via email or chat. It is important to be able to write clearly and concisely in order to avoid miscommunication. Technical writing also requires an understanding of grammar and punctuation rules.

Suppose you are working on a project with a team of remote developers. In order to provide clear instructions, you need to be able to write in a way that is easy to understand. This means using simple language and avoiding technical jargon or vice versa (depending on your audience).

It is also important to proofread your work before sending it off. This will help ensure that there are no mistakes and that your message is conveyed clearly. If you are not confident in your writing abilities, there are various online resources that can help you improve, such as Grammarly and The Purdue Online Writing Lab.

These are just a few examples of essential tech skills for all remote employees. Depending on your position and the specific requirements of your job, you might need other skills as well. By keeping up with the latest trends and adding new skills to your repertoire, you can make yourself more attractive to potential employers and increase your chances of landing a remote job.

#3 Virtual Collaboration:

In order to work effectively with a team of remote workers, you need to be able to collaborate virtually. This means being able to communicate and share files online. There are various tools that can help with virtual collaboration, such as Google Drive and Dropbox.

When collaborating virtually, it is important to be organized and have a clear understanding of the project goals. You also need to be able to use the collaboration tools effectively in order to avoid any confusion or miscommunication.

Virtual collaboration requires excellent communication skills, as well as the ability to use collaborative tools  effectively. If you don’t know how to share your screen while on a Zoom meeting, or how to tag someone in a Google Doc, you won’t be able to work effectively with your team.

Virtual Communication:

Virtual communication requires proper knowledge of the tools available and how to use them. For example, if you are using Zoom for video conferencing, you need to know how to mute your microphone, turn off your video, and share your screen.

You also need to be aware of the different types of communication tools available and when to use each one. For example, email is typically used for formal communications, while chat apps like Slack are more informal.

Virtual communication requires excellent written and verbal communication skills. You also need to be able to use the various tools effectively in order to avoid any miscommunication.

Video Conferencing:

Finally, video conferencing is an essential skill for all remote workers. To participate in video conferences, you need a relevant software (such as Zoom or Skype) and a good internet connection.

You also need to be aware of the different types of hardware and software that can be used for video conferencing. For example, you might need a webcam, microphone, and speakers in order to participate in a video conference.

Conclusion

It is important that you have the necessary tech skills in order to work remotely. These skills include virtual collaboration, virtual communication, and video conferencing. So, upskill and learn these skills to work effectively from home.