It’s taken a long time and many resume submissions, but now you’re being offered a home-based job. But before you sign on the dotted line and start working, make sure the job is on the up-and-up and that you’ve received all the information you need to be successful in the position. Here are a few questions you should get answered before starting a home-based job.
1. Where is the contract? Never work without a contract that outlines the job, your work duties, payment method and schedule and other information you and your employer need.
2. Are there any expenses? Legitimate employers never charge to hire you, but that doesn’t mean you won’t incur expenses in doing the job. Will you need to get equipment or software? Some employers want a background check, an expense they may pass on to you. Beware of any company that asks you buy it’s equipment or software. Legitimate companies may require you to have equipment or software, but don’t care where you get it from.
3. How much and how often am I paid? This should be outlined in your contract, but since you’re working for money, it doesn’t hurt to be upfront about how payment works. Find out how often (weekly? monthly?) you’re paid and how (PayPal? direct deposit?) and how is your pay is calculated. For example, are you an hourly wage employee or a set salary contract worker? There are several financial and tax differences between employee and contract work that you should be aware of before starting a job.
4. What are the work expectations? Again, this should be in the contract, but you want to get the information up-front as well. This includes details such as how many hours a week you need work, if there are set times you need to be available and work output expectations.
5. Is there training? Some employers will require onsite training while others have online or virtual training. Other don’t have any training and it’s up to you to figure it out. If there is training, are you paid for the time you’re learning the ropes?
6. Who is the contact person? The person who hires you may not be the person who will supervise you or be the person you contact if you have questions. Get the names and contact information of all the people you should know about to do your job.
