Remote Job Red Flags: 5 Warning Signs Not to Apply for a Remote Job Opening

If you’ve been scammed, phished, or blindsided by an employer during your job search, you understand why it’s important to recognize red flags. This is even more critical when you’re searching for remote jobs. As a remote job seeker, you don’t have the advantage of interacting in the employer’s traditional workplace setting. Without face-to-face interactions and opportunities to observe, it’s easy to miss remote job red flags, and it’s easy for employers to disguise them, too.

What are some of these remote job red flags? Which warning signs indicate a scam versus an undesirable role? How can job seekers more easily and quickly recognize them so they don’t waste valuable time, energy, and even money in the job search process?

Here are some red flags for remote jobs you may recognize in your job search.

Red Flag 1: You Sense a Scam

How can you tell if you’re being scammed? Job scams are big business. Whether the scammer is seeking immediate funds or access to job seekers’ data, job seekers are regularly harmed by remote job scams. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) found that in 2019, job seekers who were scammed lost $3000 on average.

One of the remote job red flags indicating a potential scam or phishing attempt is an employer who’s in a rush.

“I think it’s a red flag when the employer is overly active to hire you and to get you to complete payroll forms. I’d advise job seekers to check reviews for the company on recruiting sites to see if there are complaints about the company, too,” warns Teletha Davis-Leonard, Director of Human Resources with the Arkansas Department of Education.

Another indicator that you may be applying for an illegitimate job is an employer asking way too many personal questions about you or your workspace.

“I know someone who landed a virtual interview with a health insurance company, and during the interview, the recruiter asked her to show him the room where she’d be working remotely to see whether the room would be free of distractions and to ensure the door could be locked,” shares Stephanie Cruz, Administrative Assistant.

So, how do you avoid being victimized? There’s no single foolproof method, but there are practical, simple ways to verify employers, check credentials, and avoid scams. This can be as simple as avoiding “employer” email addresses that look like personal email addresses or being leery of any employer or recruiter who contacts you before you have even completed an application.

Red Flag 2: You Sense a Toxic Employer

You should also avoid those who are simply bad employers. Multiple signs indicate you may be dealing with a toxic employer or work environment.

If the hiring team seems conflicted about hiring you, you might be better off looking elsewhere. This could indicate internal conflict and power struggles within the organization.

“When there’s an obvious difference of opinion, you’re looking at a red flag. One person really wants Jane Doe, and the other doesn’t. That’s a tough gig to start,” notes Todd Raphael, Head of Content at SkyHive.

Another red flag indicating a toxic employer or workplace is when the tone of your interviews and conversations is negative. Are the recruiters positive, enthusiastic, and pleasant? Or do you notice the recruiters never smile, yawn often, or avoid eye contact? Does the employer speak highly of the company, or do they mention negative aspects repeatedly? Do you leave the interview feeling excited and upbeat, or do you leave feeling drained?

If it’s the latter, look for other employment. While some employers mask their toxicity well, others don’t. And if you can see the toxic red flag waving, you should get out before you get started.

To reveal remote job red flags, you should ask questions such as:

• How many employees work remotely or in hybrid settings?
• When are team meetings scheduled?
• What are team (and other) meetings like?
• What are the expectations regarding work hours, contributions, and outcomes or performance?

You’ll often see remote job red flags when employers respond to these questions and make it clear that their idea of remote work isn’t the same as yours.

Red Flag 3: Unclear Job Posting

While not all job postings are written by professional writers, they should still provide a clear picture of what the employer is looking for and what you would be doing if you were hired. If you can’t clearly ascertain these two things from a job posting, you should not apply or should at least seek clarification before interviewing.

“A big red flag is when the job described during the interview doesn’t really line up with the job posting. Is the job going to be the one featured in the job posting or the one the recruiter is describing?

I think it’s worth getting clarification, but it’s still a bit of a red flag,” warns Wes Pearce, Resume Writer and Remote Career Coach. “Sometimes companies use a general job description just to get something up quickly. Then, during the interview, they get more specific. It would help if they took the time upfront to write a clear job posting,” Pearce adds.

Red Flag 4: You Might Be Micromanaged

One type of employer almost every job seeker hopes to avoid is the micromanager. Most remote job seekers are deliberately pursuing greater flexibility in scheduling, freedom to accomplish goals in various ways, and more purposeful use of work time.

If the employer indicates you would be required to log into a tracking system the entire work day, you might be dealing with a micromanager or at least a toxic environment. If the employer insists all employees adhere to specific processes, even when working remotely, it’s worth asking why. Another sign of a micromanager is a hiring manager who insists on being in control of the interview process and requires a lengthy, involved hiring and onboarding process.

It’s really best to avoid micromanaging and other toxic leadership traits before you find yourself working in a high-stress, high-burnout environment.

Red Flag 5: The Employer Has Unethical or Unrealistic Expectations

Michael Stinnett, Career Coach, points out that job seekers should be wary of employers who ask too many personal questions and expect an up-front investment. This can be a sign of a job scam or simply an employer trying to skate by without investing in its employees.

“Do they ask questions they shouldn’t be asking: do you have kids at home, do pets distract you, etc.? Do they expect you to pay for your own equipment if needed?” Stinnett warns against pursuing employment when employers ask these questions.

Additionally, job seekers should familiarize themselves with illegal interview questions and understand that being asked to complete extensive tests or work projects as part of the interview process may indicate the employer will be difficult to work for, operate unethically, or expect too much of employees.

As with a traditional job search, remote job seekers should follow their gut, conduct adequate research before pursuing any job opening, and immediately report ethical and legal violations.

Remote Job Red Flags Wrap-Up

If you watch diligently for these red flags and use caution when applying for remote jobs, you’ll land one that provides you with the career fulfillment and flexibility you’re seeking.