Questions Candidates Should Ask Remote Companies: Len Markidan, COO at Podia

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In the dynamic landscape of remote work, asking the right questions during a job interview is more important than ever. Len Markidan, COO at Podia, with his long exposure to the world of remote work offers a perspective on what candidates exploring remote-companies should be aware of.

Remote work isn’t just about logging in from anywhere and getting tasks done. The nuances go much deeper. Markidan points out, “Candidates are getting a lot more sophisticated about these different kinds of remote approaches.” But what are these approaches? And how do you, as a candidate, navigate them? Let’s delve deeper.

The first thing to understand is that remote work has many shades. Just as there are different work cultures in physical offices, there are several ways in which remote work can be executed. As Markidan says, “You can kind of know if you want to work for a company that’s hybrid. Or, you can kind of know if you want to work for a company that’s remote and primarily asynchronous, or remote, but synchronous, or remote and on video all the time, or remote and sticking to Slack.” Each offers a different experience and requires a unique set of expectations.

Here’s what to ask based on Markidan’s insights:

  1. Where is the nexus of decision-making in the company? It’s crucial to understand where and how crucial decisions are made in remote settings. As Markidan points out, decision-making nexuses vary: “Does it happen on Slack? Does it happen on video calls? How do you actually, practically work from day to day?”
  2. How does the company manage time zones? With teams spread out globally, understanding time zone dynamics can offer insights into the company’s workflow. Referring to this new-age challenge, Markidan mentions, “We’re learning time zone calculations, the way that we used to learn multiplication tables.”
  3. What are the primary communication channels? The tools a company uses can greatly affect your work experience. Whether they rely on “Slack” or are “on video all the time” can give you a fair idea of what your workdays might look like.
  4. What kind of remote approach does the company adopt? Markidan speaks of different types of remote work practices. By inquiring, you can gauge whether you’d be a good fit for a “hybrid” model or if you’re more inclined toward an “asynchronous” or “synchronous” work setup.
  5. How does the company foster team bonding and culture? While Markidan points out that “Most of us have never met our teammates in person,” understanding how a company compensates for this lack of physical interaction can give you insights into its culture.

The key idea as it stands out is to remember that the remote work landscape is still evolving. Companies are continuously adapting, and so are candidates. Len Markidan’s insights offer a starting point to candidates, exploring remote work for the first time, to make informed decisions. While the allure of remote work is undeniable, understanding its intricacies will help you find a position that’s not just a job, but a perfect fit.

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