Several years ago, working from home wasn’t an option for most people. The internet was already widely used and smartphones were making their way into everyone’s pocket. Even so, remote positions weren’t as commonplace as they are now.

All kinds of virtual opportunities have sprouted up since, which is fortunate considering that we’re still in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. This means job seekers have to practice more due diligence before accepting a job offer though.

Ask These Questions Before Accepting

As tempting as it might be to accept the first one you get, make sure you aren’t signing up for a role that isn’t suitable for you. The moment you accept the terms, it’s going to be hard to change them so ensure that you won’t have any regrets.

Money is, of course, an important factor but it’s not the only thing you must consider. Here are questions you must ask the interviewer or recruiter before you accept a job offer:

What are the working hours like?

If you’ll be working with an employer from the other side of the world, it’s vital to have an idea about the schedule. Those in different time zones will be expected to set up a time that will overlap with each other. Best case scenario, they will allow you a flexible schedule that’s more action and goal-oriented.

What is the arrangement like?

Chances are, the arrangement was mentioned in the job listing but in case it wasn’t, make sure to ask about it. There are three kinds of working setups, namely:

• Contractual: The line between contractors and freelancers may seem blurred but there is a difference. Contractors are usually paid by the hour and tasked to work on projects for a certain period of time.
• Freelance: You get to decide your own taxes and hours, as you bill clients according to your own payment schedule. You’re free to pursue other opportunities but won’t receive any employee benefits.
• Full-time: You consider your clients as employers since you get to enjoy the perks that come with working full-time. As for your pay, you normally have a fixed monthly salary or get paid by the hour.

How are payments done?

If your employer is based in another country, it’s important to get a handle on salary arrangements because you might have to convert currencies, among other things. There might also be a situation where they use only international transfers or pay into online accounts like PayPal.

How is communication handled?

Some companies use one tool for communicating while others use a combination of different software to keep their workers engaged. By finding out what they use, you’ll have a better idea about their expectations when it comes to communication, especially as a remote professional.

What are their biggest remote challenges?

Find out how long the business has been working remotely and what their biggest issues are with having a virtual team. Through this, you’ll determine if they’ve found their footing when it comes to have workers spread out across the globe or not.

Will tools be provided for you?

Some companies are willing to provide you with the tools and equipment you need, but others don’t. Either way, ensure that you have the proper working environment to tackle your responsibilities. Here are the essentials that you need to think about:

A good computer

If your laptop wheezes whenever you turn it on or if your CPU is hot enough to fry an egg on, you have to consider getting a new computer for your job. The type of equipment you need varies according to the work you do.

When you’re gunning for a role that involves graphic-heavy tasks like video editing, you want a powerful desktop PC that has at least 8GB of RAM and a multi-core Intel i5 processor. When you work mostly with office documents, a netbook might suffice for your needs.

A good connection

As a virtual worker, you’ll be doing a lot of video calls and cloud storing. In order to handle that much bandwidth, make sure you have a proper internet connection. A fiber plan is ideal for high speeds and smoother experiences but DSL may be a more affordable option.

We recommend having a backup ISP as well. You never know when your provider might have a system activity so you want to be sure that your job won’t be caught up in their whims. A pocket Wi-Fi is a smart idea if you work in different places.

Consider these other factors

The job you pick will affect your life in many ways, from determining the amount of free time you have to how much money you get. To make a more informed decision so you choose a role that leads to satisfactory work-life balance, look at these factors too:

• Commute: even remote workers aren’t spared from this as some clients want their team to work in a specific co-working space or some place similar.
• Job title: this helps to clarify your position within the organisation and provides stature which is useful for future job searches or promotions.
• Responsibilities: pick a role that offers a variety of tasks that you’re interested in so you remain engaged while still being held to reasonable expectations.
• Career advancement: think about what it means for your career in the future, such as if you might want to shift industries later on.
• Company culture: work with a client that matches with your preferences and personal style, be it a traditional approach or a more relaxed environment.
• Networking opportunities: this is particularly important for freelance or contractual setups as you want chances to connect with what may be your future clients.
• Family considerations: discuss the job offer with your partner or parents to better understand its impact on your time with them.
• Professional field: there may be specific kinds of tasks that you prefer doing so go for a position that allows you to work on these kinds of activities.
• Business stability: prior to accepting the offer, look into the finances and projections of the employer to determine if they’re more likely to expand and retain staff.
• Negotiation opportunities: even if you do intend to accept their offer, it’s a good idea to enter negotiations all the same to get more favourable terms.

Find remote jobs to apply for

If you are searching for a virtual role, you have to think about all of the possibilities before accepting an offer. There may be terms that you wish you negotiated for but it’s going to be difficult to change them once you agree to them.

We at Remote Workmate can help you make the virtual working experience easier. Not only are we connected to clients from around the globe but we also advise candidates like you on what you must do to prepare for the position.