The rise of remote work has opened the global talent pool, and with that comes a wider range of employers, both legitimate and questionable.
Are you targeting a well-known remote-first company or a smaller startup, taking time to research the employer before submitting your application is essential. It helps you avoid potential scams, confirm that the company’s values and goals align with yours, and boosts your likelihood of landing the job.
Remote workers must not only evaluate compensation and job titles, they must understand a company’s remote infrastructure, communication culture, leadership trustworthiness, and legal structure.
This in-depth guide will walk you through the process of researching any company before applying to a remote job.
Why Remote Job Research Is Different
When applying for in-office jobs, you can read body language, observe team dynamics, and meet managers face-to-face. Remote jobs remove those cues. You are relying entirely on digital impressions.
Here’s why that matters:
- Scams are more common in remote listings than traditional ones
- Work culture is invisible, unless intentionally communicated
- Global teams can create timezone, legal, and payment issues
- Fake job postings may mimic real companies or brand identities
You must become your own recruiter, compliance officer, and investigator before sending your resume.
Verify the Legitimacy of the Company
Before anything else, make sure the company is real, registered, and not impersonating another brand.
Check
- Official Website: Does it match the job posting’s domain?
- Company Registration: Use business registries like: OpenCorporates, SEC EDGAR (for U.S. public filings) or UK Companies House
- Email Domain: Professional jobs should come from @company.com, not Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook.
Red Flags
- Website has poor grammar, broken links, or no company leadership listed
- No physical address or registered company number
- The LinkedIn page has fewer than 10 employees and no recent activity
Deep Dive Into the Company Website
Legitimate companies invest time and effort into maintaining a credible, informative, and professional website.
What to Look For
| Page | What It Should Reveal |
| About Us | History, mission, leadership, company age |
| Careers | Remote work policies, benefits, culture |
| Blog/Insights | Regular content suggests active operations |
| Contact Info | Registered address, phone, and hiring email |
Use tools like BuiltWith to see what technologies power the website. A modern company often uses platforms like WordPress, Webflow, or HubSpot, not free drag-and-drop builders with ads.
Analyze the Company’s Remote Culture
In a remote job, culture isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It determines how you work, communicate, get feedback, and grow.
Key Questions
- Is the company remote-first, remote-friendly, or just remote for now?
- Do they have documented remote policies (time zones, async meetings, equipment)?
- Do they invest in mental health, digital communication, and career development?
Where to Find This Info
- Employee testimonials (on the Careers page)
- Remote work policy blog posts
- Glassdoor reviews filtered for “remote” mentions
Use Employee Review Sites Strategically
Platforms like Glassdoor, Comparably, and Levels.fyi give employee-sourced insights into what it’s like to work at a company.
Sites to Use
- Glassdoor
- Indeed Company Reviews
- Blind – for anonymous tech/company talk
- Fairygodboss – women-focused insights
What to Watch
- Consistent complaints (e.g. “Micromanagement,” “Late payments”)
- Gaps in salaries or lack of promotion paths
- Language like “fake remote,” “ghosts applicants,” or “freelance in disguise”
Search “Company Name + reviews + Reddit” for unedited, real-world feedback from ex-employees and freelancers.
Investigate the Leadership Team and Values
The tone at the top affects everything. Use LinkedIn and the company’s “Team” or “About” pages to assess leadership.
Things to Check
- Are C-level executives and hiring managers real and active on LinkedIn?
- Do they engage in conversations about remote work or industry trends?
- What causes, values, or ideas do they share?
Tools to Use
- RocketReach – find leadership emails
- Hunter.io – verify email domains
- LinkedIn Sales Navigator – for deeper company mapping
Check Social Proof and Online Reputation
A legitimate company usually has press coverage, partnerships, testimonials, or client logos.
Where to Look
- News coverage: Search “Company Name site:forbes.com” or site:techcrunch.com
- YouTube: Look for product demos, interviews, or webinars
- Twitter/X: Are they active in responding to job seekers?
- Trustpilot / G2: Especially important if they offer digital products or SaaS tools
Look at Job Descriptions for Clarity and Red Flags
A great job post reflects a great work environment. A vague or misleading post? Likely the same in real life.
Green Flags
- Clear location or timezone expectations
- Defined deliverables, tools used, team structure
- Explanation of benefits, pay, and remote policies
Red Flags
- “Fast-paced” with no work-life balance mention
- No salary transparency
- Asking for free test work without contracts
- Vague job title but long task list (i.e., “Virtual Assistant” = 5 jobs in one)
What to Do If You Find Red Flags
If you notice any of the following, pause your application. Trust your instincts. If something feels “off,” it probably is. Use sites like ScamAdviser or BBB.org to double-check.
