The Hidden Language of Remote Job Descriptions

Job descriptions for remote work might initially seem straightforward. You see phrases such as “remote,” “flexible,” or “work from home” and presume that you can apply for jobs from anywhere in the world. Unfortunately, this might cause you to waste a lot of time. The term “remote” does not always mean the same thing for all companies. One organization might allow remote employees to work from home but still be strict about the location of such employees (i.e., requiring them to live in a specific country, state, or time zone).

Another business can hire remote contractors worldwide but still be strict about the availability of such employees during the core hours.

• The phrase “remote” may still include limits about geography.
• The term “work from anywhere” may impose rules on taxes or independent contractor status.
• “Flexible hours” does not always mean completely unregulated meetings.
• “Remote-friendly” does not mean the same as “remote-first.”

Remote Work Is Not Always Equivalent to Working From Anywhere

One of the common mistakes that people looking for remote jobs make is to consider all remote job opportunities as possible worldwide. A business may advertise one remote job and yet ask for candidates from a specific area of the country or even region.

For example, as it may be stated in job descriptions, the position is “Remote – United States.” While this employee may never get to the office, the employer expects the employee to live in the U.S. Another job description may name the location, such as “Remote – Europe,” thus providing different location requirements.

So before applying for a job, check not only for the word “remote” but also the location section, eligibility requirements, and any other information related to where the remote worker must live.

• “Remote – US” means that the position is unrestricted from the US.
• “Remote – UK” suggests a restriction based on the country.
• “Remote – EMEA” indicates a position is available only in a specific region.
• “Global remote” indicates that anyone can work from anywhere, although you will still need to check the detailed information.

Employee vs. Contractor

Another very important concept in remote job descriptions is related to the difference between an employee and the contractor position. Although they may look similar in the job classified ads, they do not mean the same thing. Typically, an employee is an individual who is employed by the company itself, while a contractor performs job duties using a separate agreement. The companies usually resort to offering contracts when operating in countries where the local employment system is not yet in place.

This is important because the expectations in relation to taxes, benefits, payments, and working time may differ. It is wrong to assume that the remote contractor job has the same conditions as that of a full-time employee. Signs indicating important differences in job structure. Terms such as “independent contractor,” “contract position,” “freelance,” “1099,” or “employee” should be looked for.

Be Aware of Lost Employment Opportunities

Remote job ads may have details about location in several places. Sometimes these details appear in the job title, while at other times they may be located at the end of the ad or in the section about necessary qualifications and requirements.

So checking the first lines of the ad is not enough. The job might look good at first glance but only for a moment: then you read that the application is only open to candidates residing in some area.

It is easy for novice applicants to overlook this because when they see remote jobs, they assume there are no place restrictions on the applicants.

Common Location Types

Different phrases denote different location restrictions. Becoming familiar with them is one of the ways to be more effective in your job search.

• Remote work is allowed with limitations in “Remote in the US.”
• “Remote within Canada” allows workers only in Canada.
• “Must be located in [region]” specifies the location.
• “Open to applicants worldwide” allows hiring without geographical restrictions; however, there may be other limitations.

However, it’s not a problem as long as one knows about it prior to applying.

• Be on the lookout for phrases such as “should align with US working hours.”
• See if a precise time zone is mentioned in the notice.
• Check if the employer indicates expected working hours.
• Do not confuse location flexibility with schedule flexibility.

Core Work Hours vs. Flex Hours

Although “flex hours” seems appealing, it has different meanings depending on the employer.

While some teams allow their workers to do their job however they like as long as they meet deadlines, some teams offer flexibility within a specified number of core hours. Generally, the accurate meaning can be determined from the details.

What to Look For?

Job ads comprise small phrases that inform how much flexibility is offered to employees.

• “Flex schedule” indicates that some influence over work hours is permitted.
• “Core working hours” is the time required to be on duty at a specific time.
• “As needed” shows that meetings may differ.
• “Regular office hours” means the traditional schedule.

Async Communication Changes How You Work

Asynchronous communication, usually referred to as “async,” is another term commonly found in remote job descriptions.

An async working environment does not necessitate everyone responding instantly. Team members communicate through messages, files, updates, or project notes, which other employees would read when they get the chance to do so. This facilitates remote work, as it allows employees from various countries to work at different times.

However, it still puts a greater pressure on written communication and personal organization skills. For those who are used to asking questions right away when something is ambiguous, the async workspace will require changing their ways of working.

• Written updates have a greater significance.
• Documentation can take the place of some meetings.
• You will need to carry out certain tasks by yourself.
• It is likely that response time will be different than in a traditional company.

Travel Requirements Can Still Exist

Remote does not mean that you will never need to travel. Certain firms may work remotely but still call their employees to participate in annual meetings, team events, planning, or training occasionally. For this reason, a job description may mention either “traveling if needed” or “team meetings at least four times a year.” This does not mean that this job is not suitable for you—it is just taking all things into account. If you see that you are unable to travel internationally or to a company event, then this condition during hiring will be vital for you.

How to Decode a Remote Job Description Before Applying

Start by determining the location, category (worker vs. independent contractor), schedule, and travel needs of the position. Then, hunt for any information about the way of communication used in cooperation. This is essential, as it will give you more insight into the working environment than the term “remote” does.

• A straightforward checklist may consist of the following queries:
• Must you reside in a specific geographic area to qualify for the job?
• Will you be employed as an employee or an independent contractor?
• What is the time zone of the company for which you wish to work?
• Are there fixed working hours?
• Is the job entirely synchronous, asynchronous, or semi-synchronous?
• Will you be required to travel to work?
• Is the company a remote-first business or just a remote-friendly one?
• What does “any place” mean, precisely?

Read Between the Lines Before You Apply

Job postings for remote jobs have a language of their own, and knowing that language prevents you from submitting applications to the positions that won’t be suitable for you. The key point is very simple: never evaluate a remote job only by the word ‘remote’. Company location, job type, time zone, core working hours, style of communication, traveling opportunities, and company culture influence the nature of the position.

One common mistake people make is applying to the position in the first place and then looking at these characteristics later. A better option is spending a few additional minutes deciphering the job posting and then adjusting your resume.

Next time you come across a compelling job offer, stop before clicking on the ‘Apply’ button and read the details of the posting to extract the key remote job terminology that will help you understand whether the job is really a match for you considering your location, working time, and career paths.