Working from Home is becoming more and more popular. And no wonder! This way of working has huge benefits. Are you considering working from home? Be sure to check out our article about why working remotely might be an excellent choice for you!

But how can candidates be sure that the work from home position is legit? A canceled email address, a fake office location, a vanished website – all potential clues that a promised dream work from home job may actually be more of a nightmare. Now we’d love to say that this no longer happens. But unfortunately, it’s still all too common for companies to try and get an extra buck out of naïve people. Here are a few things that you should pay attention to when applying for a remote position to make sure you’re not being scammed:

Check the job requirements

Always be sure to check the job requirements. Read the criteria carefully. If there are none or the requirements are low, this should raise a red flag immediately. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a job in translation or as a virtual assistant. The requirements should always be communicated upfront on the company page if the work from home position is indeed legit.

Examine their interview process

No legit work from home company would hire a candidate without at least doing basic checks unless they don’t care about their reputation (which is also a big red flag). Before applying, check whether the company explains its hiring process. Depending on the role, a company might ask you to perform a written language test or have a Skype interview.

Ask the recruiter

The recruiter’s role in the interview process is, no doubt, crucial. Pay attention to what a recruiter says about the company, and how they communicate it. They should be knowledgeable about the role, company culture, history, background, and values. Don’t be shy to ask questions during a conversation or correspondence with the company’s representative. If someone can’t answer basic information, it’s fishy!

Check their Social Media

A company that hires remotely and has work from home agents should have an online presence. Social media is where most candidates can learn about company culture, internal events, and more. Before submitting your application, check whether the company you are applying for has active social media accounts. Pay attention to their tone of voice and the frequency of posting. Also, look out for any inconsistent content and click-bait tone-of-voice. To wrap it up, we recommend following your gut feeling, using the tips above as support. Don’t ignore how a company makes you feel, from the initial contact right up to the offer they make you. If something isn’t feeling right, then do your research until you’re satisfied that they are legit. And if you’re still not convinced, then trust your intuition and forget them.