5 Red Flags to Watch for When Applying for Remote Jobs
Wes Pearce
Resume Writer & Remote Career Coach + I’m “That Remote Guy” 🙋🏻♂️ Helping people find the remote career they’ve dreamed of in less time + Join 30K+ on the Escape the Cubicle Newsletter👇
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Have you seen any of these “red flags” when searching for your remote dream job?
One of the biggest concerns I hear from clients is they find too many “scams” or job postings that say they’re remote, but not.
I know many of my clients have almost fallen for some of these sketch opportunities. So, I compiled this list of 5 red flags to look out for:
1. Vague Job Descriptions
• Red Flag: Lack of specific responsibilities or required skills
• My close call: One client almost joined a "remote marketing role" that was actually MLM!
• Green Flag: Clear, detailed job descriptions with specific requirements
2. Unrealistic Salary Promises
• Red Flag: "Unlimited earning potential" or too-good-to-be-true pay
• My experience: Offered a "six-figure opportunity" that required buying product
• Green Flag: Transparent, market-rate salary ranges
3. Mysterious Company Background
• Red Flag: No website, limited online presence
Recommended by LinkedIn
• Almost got me: Nearly interviewed with a "startup" with zero digital footprint
• Green Flag: Professional website, active social media, verifiable reviews
4. Rushed Hiring Process
• Red Flag: Pressure to accept offer or start work immediately
• My red flag moment: Asked to start "training" before receiving an offer letter
• Green Flag: Structured interview process with reasonable timelines
5. Poor Communication
• Red Flag: Delayed responses, unprofessional emails
• My experience: Dealt with weeks of silence, then demands for immediate availability
• Green Flag: Prompt, professional communication throughout
Quick Tip: Trust your gut. If it feels off, it probably is.
Another Quick Tip: Use LinkedIn to your advantage. Find their company page and also do a bit of research on the top leaders.
Have you spotted any of these remote job red flags? Or what’s another red flag you’ve seen? Let’s share below and build a better “red flag detector” together!
#remotework #jobsearch tips #careeradvice
📌 Join the Escape the Cubicle Newsletter: Want to get daily & weekly job search tips & advice in your inbox? We're giving away a free resume template all week. 📌
Thank you, Wes Pearce, for sharing these essential red flags to watch for in remote job applications! In today's growing remote work environment, it's more important than ever to be vigilant. Have you encountered any red flags in your search?
The Business Growth Coach® | Forbes Coaches Council | LinkedIn Top Voice | 30K+ Clients & £45m Generated | Empowering entrepreneurs to scale businesses with less time, effort & money. Speaker | Author | Podcaster
3moIts a reminder to apply mindefuly and don’t for any job interview Wes Pearce
Understand Your Buyer Better and Create an Effective Sales Ecosystem Through Brain Science I Sales Coach I HarvardX Verified Neuroscience Researcher I Ex-Microsoft I Founder I Keynote Speaker I Captain ⛵ Dog Mom 🐶
4moSo true. Using the word, family is such a red flag. Wes Pearce
AI & Marketing Consultant 🚀 $190M in Attributed Revenue 📢 Former CMO 📈 I help companies leverage AI to optimize their marketing and sales.
4moIt's crucial for many of us to be aware of these red flags, especially in remote work, Wes Pearce
Former bank executive with 35 years of experience | Options trading expert who has taught 730+ students | Join my Masterclass to learn the strategy I used to create a 6-figure income stream
4moWes Pearce Good points!