Where to find Linux jobs?

Linux
1

I’ve been working with Linux for a few years and want to switch jobs. Can anyone recommend good platforms or resources to find Linux-related job openings? Any advice on how to tailor my resume for these roles would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

2

I’ve been in your shoes, switching roles after a few years working with Linux. Here’re several places and strategies:

Platforms for Finding Linux Jobs

  1. LinkedIn: It’s one of the best platforms because so many recruiters actively search for candidates here. Update your profile to mention specific Linux skills and endorse relevant skills.

  2. Indeed: Most generalized, but you can use specific keywords like “Linux Administrator,” “Sysadmin,” “DevOps Linux,” etc. Alerts can be super useful too.

  3. Dice: This one’s tailored more for tech jobs. Great filters to narrow down your search for Linux-centric roles.

  4. HackerRank or GitHub Jobs: When you’ve got a few repos or challenges showcasing your Linux skills, these can help demonstrate proficiency.

  5. Glassdoor: Good for salary insights and company reviews alongside job searching.

  6. Job Specific Sites: Check specialized job boards like LinuxCareers.com or Linuxtalent.com. These are niche, but very targeted.

Company Websites

Many companies prioritize direct applications through their career portals. Keep a list of top companies you’re interested in and check their job boards regularly.

Networking

Sometimes, jobs aren’t posted and come through connections. Engage in forums (like this one), join Linux-focused LinkedIn groups, attend local meetups/events, and conferences. Connections can be gold.

Open Source Contributions

Contributing to open source Linux projects can make your resume pop. It shows practical skills and community involvement.

Resumé Tailoring for Linux Jobs

  1. Technical Skills: Clearly list out Linux skills - include distributions you’ve worked with, scripting languages (bash, python, etc.), and tools (Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, etc.) you’re familiar with.

  2. Experience: Make sure to outline specific scenarios where you’ve solved problems using Linux. Mention projects, improvements achieved, and any automation you’ve implemented.

  3. Certifications: Highlight any Linux certifications you have like RHCSA, CompTIA Linux+, or LPIC. They add a lot of value.

  4. Keywords: Tailor your resumé for keywords from job descriptions. Use terms like “systems administration,” “network configuration,” “server management,” etc., to align with ATS (applicant tracking systems).

  5. Quantifiable Achievements: Whenever possible, mention quantifiable achievements like “reduced server downtime by 25%” or “improved system performance, leading to xx% faster processing.”

Cover Letter Tips

  • Craft a cover letter to show your passion for Linux. Mention specific experiences with Linux, how you’ve implemented it in unique ways, or any particular respect you have for the company’s use of it.
  • Link your experience directly to the job description requirements.

Example Resumé Snippet

John Doe

[Contact Information]

Professional Summary:

Linux Administrator with 5+ years of experience in managing, supporting, and troubleshooting Linux environments. Adept in configuring servers, managing databases, and automating administrative tasks using bash and Python scripts.

Technical Skills:

  • Distributions: Ubuntu, CentOS, Debian, RHEL
  • Scripting Languages: Bash, Python
  • Tools: Docker, Kubernetes, Ansible, Jenkins
  • Certifications: RHCSA, CompTIA Linux+

Professional Experience:

Senior Linux Administrator | XYZ Corp | June 2018 - Present

  • Managed over 150 Linux servers, applying security patches, performing regular updates, and optimizing server performance.
  • Automated routine tasks using bash scripts, reducing manual effort by 40%.
  • Implemented and managed Docker/Kubernetes clusters, enhancing deployment efficiency by 30%.

… and so on.

Final Advice

Don’t just apply. Be proactive. Follow-up politely a week after applying. Tailor each application thoughtfully for the best results. Your passion for Linux gotta shine through, from your resumé to your cover letter to each interaction you have.

And yeah, don’t forget to leverage platforms like ‘LinkedIn’ for networking along with job searching.

3

LinkedIn again? Almost every piece of advice out there points to LinkedIn. Yeah, sure, it might help, but unless you literally live on it, I don’t think it’s the golden ticket.

Platforms like Dice and Indeed are fine, but they’re pretty generic. If you’re serious about Linux, try the niche job boards. Like LinuxCareers.com. Less crowded, better focused.

Certifications sound good in theory, but how many hiring managers even check them nowadays? Experience > Certs, always. Contributions to open source projects, like on GitHub or GitLab, actually show what you can do. Sure, take the certs if you want, but don’t hinge your hopes on them.

Networking? Yeah, true. But let’s be real - who has time for meetups and events when you’re juggling your current job and applying for new ones? Forums might cut it, but the real bite comes from LinkedIn groups (ugh again) or Reddit communities.

Resumés and keywords for ATS, well, that’s hit or miss. Too often these systems are a black box. Focus on making your stuff clear for the human that reads it – if it gets past the automation.

Oh, don’t forget about Upwork or Freelancer! Contract jobs can turn into full-time gigs, and you can even test the waters with different companies without a huge commitment.

Final take? Balance your efforts between mainstream and niche, and show what you can do via projects rather than loads of certifying pieces of paper.

4

Don’t overlook places like Reddit’s /r/linuxadmin or /r/devops if you’re looking for Linux roles. These communities often have job postings and you can get real-person advice there. Plus, the discussions might help you level up your skills or find out what other Linux professionals are using in their careers.

I get what byteguru’s saying about LinkedIn. It can be a bit tedious, but if you use it smartly, the payoff is there. For example, join Linux and DevOps-focused groups, comment on posts, and share relevant content. It doesn’t have to consume your life; just use it efficiently.

I kinda like the idea of HackerRank and especially GitHub too. Showcasing your repositories is super valuable. Plus, contributing to open-source projects is like a living portfolio. Also, small plug here: check out GitLab as well. More companies are recognizing GitLab contributions, and it’s a similar concept.

Speaking of certifications, while they’re not the end-all, having at least one or two can make your resume stand out more, especially for automated systems or when HR screens you. True, experience counts more, but don’t discount the value certs can add in HR’s eyes.

Here’s another tip: Be proactive on specialized forums like LinuxQuestions.org or even Unix Stack Exchange. Sometimes job postings do show up, but more importantly, you can showcase your knowledge. Potential employers do notice active, knowledgeable contributors.

And byteguru nailed it with Upwork or Freelancer. Freelance projects can lead to full-time offers, and you can diversify your experience without switching jobs every couple of months.

Resumé-wise, concentrating on quantifiable achievements is always a golden rule. But don’t cram it full just to beat the ATS. Make sure it’s human-readable too because ultimately, a person will review it at some stage.

Lastly, take breaks. Job hunting can be exhausting. Make sure to keep your mental health in check while you’re at it.

Happy job hunting!