23 Questions To Ask Before Accepting a Remote Job

Remote work can be tough if you don't live by the 9 Remote Worker Best Practices. You’re not surrounded by colleagues and bosses, but you do have the freedom to choose where you live and often set your own hours.
But it can also be tough to stay motivated without coworkers around every day. So before accepting a remote job offer, consider these questions!

Important Questions To Ask Before Accepting a Remote Job

Most of us know the Reasons Why Remote Work is Better than Office. But if this is your first remote job, then make sure not only to check if it's a Legit Remote Job, also ask yourself a few questions before accepting an offer.

You don’t want to end up hating remote work because you didn’t do your research beforehand!

#1 What's the company culture like in person and remote employees?

This is a great question to start with. The company culture is the foundation for every job. If you spend 40+ hours a week at work, then you must enjoy what you do and who you're doing them with.

If your potential employer can't give an honest answer here, they might not be willing to provide much insight into their hiring practices or career growth opportunities either.

#2 How does the company handle remote work-related emergencies?

You need to know what would happen if your power went out or you came down with a serious illness and couldn't work for an extended period. Can the company cover any expenses, like medical bills? Will they offer paid leave in emergencies? Is there coverage from another employee who can fill in while you recover?

#3 What are your thoughts on telecommuting?

Some professions, like sales and public relations, are almost always done in-office. But if you have a job where being at your desk isn't necessary for the company to complete their work—or even just completing yours—then it may be possible for you to telecommute as well!

#4 Do you have any experience with remote employees before, or is this your first time?

Remote work is unique and can be difficult, so your employer must have experience with remote employees. If they don't have any telecommuting policies in place for other companies or their staff, then you're going to go into this blind.

There are pros and cons to both sides of the table when it comes to employers hiring remote employees, but not having any experience with it means you're going to have a more difficult time.

Remember: some companies hire both in-office and telecommuting employees for the same roles so that everyone has an opportunity to advance their career at their own pace!

#5 Do I need to relocate or travel for this job offer?

If you need to relocate or travel for the job, this is a good question. Some jobs require relocation or frequent traveling and make it difficult for employees who work remotely. Make sure not to apply if your new role requires either of these things!

#6 What are the company's remote policies (i.e., will they pay for phone service, Skype, etc.)?

A company will provide different amenities to its on-site and remote employees. For example, some companies won't pay for Skype calls or phone service if you're telecommuting. The employer must be transparent about these things so you can understand what your responsibilities as a telecommuter are!

#7 How much time will I be required to spend at an office each week?

Some companies require employees to be at the office a certain number of hours each week. Others might hold meetings or events that everyone is expected to attend, and some telecommuters do need to visit their company's headquarters from time to time for training opportunities.

#8 Are there be any on-site requirements for training or meetings?

If you're applying for a role that requires on-site work, then your company will likely have some sort of training or meeting guidelines. You want to know what these are so that you can be prepared if they do happen!

#9 What type of equipment am I expected to provide myself with (iPad, laptop)?

You might need to provide your own equipment for the job, so you want to know what types of tools and supplies they'll be providing. If you're expected to bring a laptop or iPad with you, then it's best if that device meets all of their specifications!

#10 How many remote employees do the company has currently and how many team meetings will I be expected to attend?

Ask your potential employer how many employees work remotely and how frequently they hold meetings. If there are very few people on the team who telecommute or if you'll need to attend several company-wide meetings per month, then this role may not be for you!

#11 Do you offer any benefits for remote employees?

Benefits are a big part of working for any company, and some employers don't offer them to telecommuting employees. Make sure you know what your employer will be providing before accepting an offer!

#12 Is there an opportunity for growth within my role at this company or is it just a contract position without room for advancement?

You might be applying to a contract position instead of an actual job. This is fine if you're looking for some short-term work, but make sure there's potential for growth within the company before accepting an offer!

#13 Will I be working with other remote employees or will I be on my own all day long?

You might have to work remotely in a different location than your boss. This can be difficult if you don't know anyone or are used to having office friends around you all the time!

#14 What are the company's values and mission statement?

A company's values and mission statement are important to any employee. Make sure the one you're applying for aligns with your own personal beliefs before accepting a job offer!

#15 How does this position fit into the company's goals?

You want to know what your role in the company is and how you fit into their organizational structure. Make sure there's a place for you and that your job fits within the company before accepting an offer!

#16 Will I be working on my own or with a team of people?

Some companies hire remote employees to work on teams, while others prefer for you to be working independently! Make sure the company's expectations are clear before accepting an offer.

#17 What is your work-life balance like at this company?

Find out how much time you'll have to spend working every day and if there are any restrictions on when you can access company resources.

#18 Is there an opportunity to advance in the future, or will I plateau after a few years?

You might be doing entry-level work for a long time if you're hired at an organization that doesn't offer growth opportunities. Make sure there's room to grow within the company before accepting an offer!

#19 Do you have any remote employees currently working for you?

You might have a much better understanding of what being a remote employee is like if you speak with someone who already works at the company. Ask your potential employer for a list of any other employees working remotely!

#20 Will I be expected to work a lot of weekends or evenings?

This question is important for any employee, but it's especially crucial if you'll be working remotely! Make sure your employer is okay with the fact that you can't work late nights or weekends when they're at home.

#21 How often am I going to need to travel for work-related events?

If you need to travel for work frequently, then this might not be the right job for you. Make sure your potential employer knows that they shouldn't expect too much out of remote employees!

#22 Does the company provide any training for remote employees, such as how to use their equipment or software they'll need access to?

Make sure to ask specific questions about what you'll need to do your job. Ask for a list of any software or equipment that will be accessible from home and make sure they provide training on how to use everything!

#23 Is there any opportunity for advancement within this position- would I have an opportunity to take on more responsibilities over time?

Asking this question can help you determine if the company is truly invested in your development as an employee. Make sure there's room for advancement within the position before accepting an offer!

Conclusion

The questions you ask during an interview are just as important as the answers that come out of your mouth. You want to be sure you're asking all of the right questions before accepting a remote job offer because it's not always easy being separated from your colleagues and boss!

Take some time to go over these 23 questions with potential employers, make sure they understand how much work will need to happen remotely for this position, and if there is room for advancement within the company.

If any of these queries touch on something specific about their culture or values - see what kind of response they give before making a decision. The last thing you'll want is to end up in a position where people feel like they can't speak openly without fear of retribution or judgment.

Good luck and happy job hunting!