Remote work has been on the rise for the past couple of years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. If anything, more companies plan on increasing their remote offerings in the future. Given the many benefits a remote job has to offer, including more flexibility and reduced expenses, you might be considering this type of role! So, how do you find a remote job that’s right for you?

As you look for a new role, you might see a ton of exciting new remote jobs out there! However, not every role or company is the right fit for remote work. From technology to company culture, there are a lot of factors that determine if you will be set up for success in the new role. Interested in learning how to find a remote role that’s right for you? Get started with these four questions: 

Does the company provide remote technology + resources?

With the rising need for remote work, companies have had to invest in new, cutting-edge remote tools and resources in order to remain competitive. When you’re looking for your next remote job, it’s critical that you ask your new employer what specific tools and resources they’ll provide. Will they provide you with infrastructure like a company computer and phone, or will you have to provide these on your own? Is there a messaging platform they use to help facilitate communication between employees? Having an idea of what resources and tools will be provided can help you decide if all your needs will be met in a new remote role. 

Do they have clear expectations?

To find a remote job that is right for you, it’s important to be aligned on expectations. For example: 

• How often and how will you communicate with your supervisor?
• What are the expectations for response times?
• Are there any set scheduling requirements, or times you must be available to the team?
• How will productivity be measured?

If an employer isn’t clear on their expectations, this can be a red flag that they do not have a formal or well-thought-out remote work policy. If that is the case, you risk feeling disconnected and disorganized in your new role. 

Has there been an effort to maintain company culture?

In a remote job, company culture still matters! Not only can a positive one help you feel connected to your colleagues and the overall company mission, but it can also keep feelings of burnout in check. As a result, be sure to evaluate how the company is able to maintain their culture remotely. Questions about transparency, how they’ve shown employee appreciation, and what they plan to do to keep staff connected in the future can give you a good picture of how a potential employer reinforces company culture.

How much does the company value work-life balance?

Maintaining a positive work-life balance can be more challenging when working from home. As a result, it’s important to have an employer who both recognizes this and makes an effort to ensure their employees are maintaining a good work-life balance. To find a remote job that’s right for you, you’ll want to determine if the company offers benefits like flexible scheduling, health and wellness initiatives, and team bonding events.

Looking for more resources for your job search? Check out our 2021 Career Outlook!