5 Characteristics of a Remote Worker

Summary: Interviews for remote worker jobs will be trying to uncover five key characteristics that will show that the worker is suited for the work environment.

You finally have the opportunity to work remotely. Remote work opens up so much freedom of how, when and where one works. For some, this means being able to have a flexible schedule and enhanced productivity. Not everyone can be successful in a remote work environment. Interviewing for the job will be very much like a standard interview but there will be a few characteristics that they will be looking for in particular.

1. Accountability

Employers that have employees working remotely need ones that are accountable. Employees that show accountability are willing to take responsibility for their actions and can be trusted to do the work they say they will.

2. Technical Skills

Employers need remote workers that can handle their own technology and any such required skills for each aspect of the job. Employers will not hire someone that cannot prove they have the technical knowledge required for the job. An employee that does not have the knowledge needed will take extra time to figure things out, which ends up costing money.

3. Communication Skills

Communication is necessary for every workforce but is especially important in a situation where communication via email, phone, messaging is the only way to give feedback, report, and more. An employee that does not report promptly or accurately will end up costing the employer time and money. Plus the employee must be comfortable and willing to ask questions as they arise. A candidate needs to make it clear that they can communicate as often as the employer needs.

4. Proactive Reporting

Remote workers must be able to efficiently and honestly track the time they spend on a project. These employees should also be keeping track of the progress of their work and the status of each assignment. This means having an understanding of where each project stands and the approximate amount of time required for a project.

5. Concern

Employers want to know that their remote workers are invested in the company even if they aren’t working from the main office. Ensure the employer understands your level of concern for the company, its mission, and its goals. If you’re familiar with the company, using their products or services, let them know during the interview. Having experience with the company and their offerings could give you a leg up.

So how will the employer figure out if a candidate has these characteristics? They will likely ask these kinds of questions:

“What hours will be able to work?”

“Do you have remote work experience?”

“Are you seeking a full-time career or just a supplemental job as a remote worker?”

“What is your home office situation like?”

“Are you able to stick to a schedule?”

“What tools have you used before to complete remote projects?”

“Are you willing to use time tracking software?”

“What do you do to remain focused and on time when working remotely?”

“How do you troubleshoot problems on your own?”

“Will you perform a test task?”

Do you think everyone should have the option of working remotely? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

To learn more about acing an interview, read these articles:

• Make Phone Interviews a Breeze
• 10 Ways to Calm Your Nerves before an Interview
• 10 Conversation Starters You Should Use in Your Next Interview

Photo: flickr.com