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Congratulations! After countless hours networking, scouring job sites, researching companies and perfecting your interview game, you just received the most exciting phone call: The company of your dreams has extended you a remote job offer. It doesn’t get more exciting than that!
Now the question remains: Is the job offer fair? Do you take it?
With all the hard work and uncertainty that goes into job hunting, it’s easy to default to accepting the first remote job offer that comes your way--especially if the opportunity is with a well-known company. But right now it’s critical that you take time to consider the offer. After all, just because a company or position seems like the absolute best fit doesn’t mean there might not be subtle red flags telling you to wait and see how your other interviews turn out.
With competition for remote jobs growing near constantly, it can be easier for employers to leave competitive benefits or salary bumps off the table, expecting that you’ll ask for what you need. Has your company given you a fair offer? Consider these five things, and you’ll know for sure.
When you receive your offer, the best thing you can do is write down the salary your prospective employer is proposing and compare it to the salary paid to those in similar roles. Although salary is only one piece of the puzzle, it’s crucial--after all, if you’ll be working for unfair wages, what’s the point of accepting the job?
According toThe Muse, when it comes to evaluating the merit of the salary you’re offered, it’s best to compare the offered salary with salaries offered for similar remote roles.You can do this with a salary calculator. “Choose one that takes into account your position, years of experience, skill set, and location (or desired location) [such asPayScale,LiveCareer, andSalary.com],” The Muse advises. “Also, keep in mind that many professional organizations also publish detailed annual salary guides for specific job verticals, so you can see the going rates for your industry.”
Salary too low? It’s time to put together a proposal and work on an amiable negotiation process. Make sure your prospective employer understands your level of interest in the role as well as the benefits of paying you a more competitive salary. Thesesalary negotiation scripts from Glassdoor can help.
Perks and benefits are critical complements to salary. In some cases, if a role has incredible benefits that can support you personally, these can more than account for a slightly lower-than-expected salary. Does your remote job offer include competitive retirement savings? Does your prospective employer match funds? Those are just some of a handful of benefits to consider. Others may include paid leave, stock opportunities, education reimbursement, flexible spending accounts, and company technology (a laptop or cell phone, for example, given that you’ll be working away from home).
If you believe your company should be supporting you as a remote employee with additional benefits, this may be a wise time to inquire about that.
If you can, find out what the structure of your organization will look like, and what opportunities for growth there are for remote employees in your role. If you are hoping to rise through the ranks of a company, you’ll want to know whether there are structures in place for that kind of development, or whether you’d be pioneering growth on your own.
As you’ve likely considered (or experienced firsthand), your needs as a remote employee will be different from those of a traditional in-house employee. Your benefits, therefore, should meet those needs.
Has your employer prepared the right technology to include you in meetings? Do they have the proper infrastructure in place for you to engage with your colleagues over chat and/or video? Will your manager supervise you in a way that makes you feel supported, but not micromanaged (unless you prefer that style)? If not, speak to the company about your thoughts, and explain how your ideas could benefit not only yourself, but other remote employees and the company as a whole.
It is all too easy for remote employees to work long past the traditional nine-to-five hours. Suddenly, an extra hour here or there can become an entire evening, or a weekend--and if your company keeps piling on work, it’ll be impossible for you to enjoy your down time.
Does your employer prioritize work-life balance? How? Take a close look at the job description they’ve provided, and consider whether the workload seems doable within the scope of hours you’ll be working each day. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics if you need clarity on a particular item. Now is the time to determine whether this job will help you live your life, or take your life over completely.
It’s easy to want to jump on the first job offer that comes your way--but that doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Negotiating an offer doesn’t have to feel as scary as it can, as long as you ensure your employer can hear your gratitude and excitement, recognizes what you’re asking for and sees how it benefits both yourself and the company alike, and feels respected throughout the course of the negotiations. By doing some research and keeping a clear head, you’ll be negotiating for--and accepting--the most amazing remote work offer sooner than you think.
Looking for more advice on working remotely? Check out our newest book, 30 Hacks for Productive Remote Workers, part workbook and part guide that will help you work smarter, not harder. Oh, and did we mention that it was written by remote workers for remote workers? This advice is tried and tested, and we know it will help you maximize your productivity.
Photo by Cytonn Photography
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