INSIDE: Wondering how the remote hiring process works? Every company does things a little differently, but overall, there’s a pretty simple process most of them follow. Learn what to expect right here!
If this is your first time looking for a work-at-home opportunity, you’re probably overwhelmed with excitement about the possibilities. There are so many opportunities to choose from. You’re looking forward to the potential freedom that comes with a remote position. And of course you’re looking forward to avoiding rush hour traffic twice a day!
But then, the anxiety sets in. What does this job search actually entail? How do you interview for a remote job?
How the Remote Hiring Process Works
Every remote company has its own interview process. It can also vary depending on the type of remote work you are seeking. In today’s post, we will be sharing a little about how the remote hiring process works and a few things you can likely expect.
Submit Your Application Online
The first step is obviously applying to a job of interest. This is done entirely online. Most larger companies will have a career center on their website to which you can provide your information and upload a resume. If you are applying for a remote job at a smaller company, you may be required to email your resume along with a cover letter.
No matter where you are applying, check and double check the directions. Many companies will include specific directions that must be followed in order to be considered for a job. This is especially the case with companies that require you to email them. They may ask for a specific subject line or text within your email. If you don’t follow these instructions exactly, you may be automatically disqualified as a candidate.
Take a Skills Test
Depending on the job you are applying for, the next step in the hiring process may be a skills-based pre-employment test. If the company you are applying to has a career portal on its website, a test may even be part of the application process.
Worried about how your skills stack up when compared to other remote candidates? There are plenty of websites to test your typing, grammar, communication and other skills typically looked for by an employer. For FlexJobs members or if you belong to a remote work site like Upwork, those sites have skills tests available as well.
In lieu of a skills test, you may be asked to provide work samples if you are applying for a job in an industry like freelance writing or graphic design.
Take an Equipment Test
You may be required to perform an equipment test. This is especially the case with customer service jobs. Many require the installation of special software, and Internet speed is important to ensure customers are not disconnected. A company may also verify the operating system of your computer and memory available to make sure your equipment is compatible and up to date.
Before allowing remote access to your computer, make sure you know who you are dealing with and never download software from a website you don’t know and trust. Many scammers will pose as legitimate companies, so always double check email addresses and URLs.
Some companies supply equipment! Check out legit work from home jobs that provide equipment here!
Do a Remote Interview
Once you have passed the preliminary steps, you may be invited to a remote interview. This may be done by phone, but a video interview is also a popular option today. With the latter, you may meet a hiring manager via Zoom or Skype. (Side note: a legitimate company will NOT ask you to interview via Facebook Messenger or some other instant messaging service. This is a sure sign of a scam.)
During the virtual interview, you will likely be asked those common questions that trip us all up. So be prepared to answer things like:
- Why are you a good fit for this job?
- Give an example of a time you resolved a problem at work.
- What are you looking for in a remote job?
You should also prepare answer for common remote work questions, such as:
- Why do you want to work from home?
- Give an example of a time you worked on a project independently.
- How do you stay motivated when unsupervised?
You should also use this time to ask any questions you may have about the job. This is encouraged. If you are wondering about scheduling, length of project or opportunities for advancement as a member of the remote team, bring it up. And always inquire about the next step in the process. When can you expect to hear back from the hiring manager?
Complete Your Onboarding and Training
Once hired, you will begin an onboarding process that may include new remote employee paperwork and signing contracts and non-disclosure agreements. You will also be required to complete some form of training as a new remote worker, which will also probably be done entirely online. Once completed, you can begin remote working!
Final Thoughts About how the Remote Hiring Process Works
As you can see, the hiring process for a remote job is just as intensive as applying for an on-site job. Because there are so many people applying for online jobs, the process for hiring remote workers typically consists of several steps. Many people get discouraged when they find out getting hired for a remote job can be a lengthy process. Don’t give up! Sticking with it is half the battle.
