How To Find The Perfect Company As A Remote Developer In 2023?

While there are a ton of remote developer opportunities today, not all companies are the same. Some companies are remote-friendly companies while others are remote-first companies.

Remote-friendly companies are those that were traditional companies with office work since their inception and have now started to offer remote jobs as well. Remote-first companies are those that have always been remote companies. They might have an office but the company is primarily built with remote working in mind and is structured around asynchronous communication.

With that in mind, you might think that you should always join remote-first companies as a remote developer. But that’s not the best idea, either. After all, companies like Meta, Google, Netflix, and Amazon didn’t offer remote jobs for a long time. It’s only now that they offer remote developer jobs.

So, how do you decide what makes a company a good fit for your career?

Is it just money or is there more to it? Do factors like work culture, work-life balance, and growth opportunities matter?

These are the questions we’ll be answering in today’s blog. So, let’s get started.

Company culture and values

When looking for the perfect company as a remote developer, it's important to consider the company's culture and values. The right culture can make all the difference in your job satisfaction, as it can impact everything from your day-to-day work to your long-term career goals.

So, what should you be looking for in a company's culture and values?

Well, it starts with researching the company's mission statement and core values. Now, a lot of people look at these as trivial marketing nonsense. While companies do tend to use flowery language and every cringe-worthy pun you can think of, the fact is that a company’s mission statement and core values give you great insight into what the company is looking to achieve and how it intends to do that.

These should be clearly defined and easily accessible on their website. Do they align with your own values and beliefs? If not, it may not be the right fit for you.

But it's not just about what the company says its values are – you also need to look at how those values are put into practice. Take a look at their social media presence and employee reviews on websites like Glassdoor to get a sense of what it's really like to work there.

Are employees happy and fulfilled, or do they seem to be overworked and burned out?

In addition to company values, you should also consider the company's overall culture. Does it prioritize collaboration and teamwork, or is it more individualistic? Is there a sense of camaraderie and support among colleagues, or is it more cut-throat and competitive?

These are important factors to consider, as they can impact your day-to-day work and overall job satisfaction.

One way to get a sense of a company's culture is to look at their office (or lack thereof). Remote companies may not have a physical office, but they may still have a virtual space where employees can connect and collaborate.

Is this space welcoming and inclusive? Are there opportunities for employees to socialize and build relationships with their colleagues, even if they're not physically in the same location?

There are several ways to find out. The best way is to simply talk to someone who already works there. You’ll get a fantastic insight into how the company works on a day-to-day basis.

However, if you don’t know someone who already works there, spend a ton of time researching the company, its values, the work culture — find out everything you can about a company.

Ultimately, finding the right company culture and values is a highly personal decision. What works for you may not work for someone else. But by doing your research and being intentional about what you're looking for, you can find a company that aligns with your values and supports your career goals.

And that's worth its weight in gold – or maybe even Bitcoin.

Work-life balance

As a remote developer, work-life balance is crucial to your overall well-being and job satisfaction. The beauty of remote work is the flexibility it affords – you can work from anywhere and set your own hours.

But with that freedom comes the potential for overworking and burning out. That's why it's important to find a company that values work-life balance and supports its employees in achieving it.

When evaluating a company's approach to work-life balance, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost is the company's expectations around working hours. Do they expect you to be available 24/7, or do they respect your personal time and allow for flexibility in your schedule? This can be a make-or-break factor in your decision to work for a particular company.

Communication and collaboration

As a remote developer, effective communication and collaboration are essential for success. Without the ability to work closely with your team and clearly communicate your ideas, remote work can quickly become isolating and frustrating. That's why finding a company with strong communication and collaboration processes is crucial.

So what should you look for in a company's approach to communication and collaboration?

First and foremost, it's important to consider the tools and technology they use. Are they using modern communication tools like Slack and Zoom, or are they stuck in the dark ages with email and phone calls?

Having the right tools can make all the difference in your ability to communicate effectively with your team.

But it's not just about the tools – it's also about the company's culture around communication and collaboration. Do they prioritize regular check-ins and team meetings, or is everyone left to work independently without much interaction?

Are there opportunities for socializing and team-building, even if they're virtual? These factors can impact not only your ability to collaborate effectively with your team but also your overall job satisfaction.

Another key consideration is the company's approach to feedback and criticism. Are employees encouraged to speak up and share their ideas, or is there a culture of defensiveness and criticism? And when feedback is given, is it done in a constructive and supportive way, or is it harsh and unhelpful?

At the end of the day, effective communication and collaboration are essential for success in a remote work environment. By finding a company that prioritizes these values and supports its employees in achieving them, you can set yourself up for success as a remote developer. And who knows – with the right team and communication tools, you might just find yourself collaborating on the next big thing in tech. So embrace the power of effective communication and collaboration, and watch your remote career soar to new heights.

Technology and tools

As a remote developer, having the right technology and tools can make all the difference in your ability to do your job effectively. Without access to the right software and hardware, remote work can quickly become frustrating and unproductive. That's why finding a company with a strong tech infrastructure is crucial.

When evaluating a company's tech stack and tools, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it's important to look at the software and tools they use to manage projects and collaborate with team members.

Are they using modern project management tools like Trello or Asana, or are they still using spreadsheets and email chains? And do they have a clear process for communicating updates and changes to the team?

Another key consideration is the hardware and software they provide to employees. Do they offer high-quality laptops and other equipment, or do they expect employees to use their own personal devices? And do they provide access to the latest development tools and software, or are they stuck in the dark ages with outdated technology?

But it's not just about the tools – it's also about the company's overall approach to technology. Do they prioritize staying up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements, or are they resistant to change and innovation? Are employees encouraged to experiment with new tools and approaches, or is there a culture of sticking to what's tried and true?

At the end of the day, finding a company with a strong tech infrastructure is essential for success as a remote developer. By having access to the right software, hardware, and development tools, you can work more efficiently and effectively, and produce better results for your team. So don't settle for a company with outdated technology – find the company of your dreams, and watch your remote development skills soar to new heights.

Compensation and benefits

Let's face it – compensation and benefits are key considerations when looking for the perfect company as a remote developer. While the freedom and flexibility of remote work are certainly attractive, it's important to make sure you're being fairly compensated for your skills and expertise.

When evaluating a company's compensation and benefits package, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost is salary – is the company offering a competitive salary that reflects the market value of your skills and experience? And do they offer regular salary reviews and opportunities for salary increases?

But it's not just about the salary – benefits are also an important consideration. Does the company offer health insurance and other benefits, like a retirement plan or paid time off? And are those benefits comprehensive and competitive with what other companies are offering?

At the end of the day, compensation and benefits are an essential part of any job, and remote work is no exception. By finding a company that offers fair compensation and comprehensive benefits, you can set yourself up for success and achieve your career goals as a remote developer.

And who knows – with the right company and compensation package, you might just be able to afford that dream vacation to Bali you've been dreaming of. So don't settle for less – find the company of your dreams, and watch your career and bank account grow.

Opportunities for growth and development

As an experienced remote developer, opportunities for growth and development are essential for staying on top of your game and advancing your career. But not all companies offer the same level of support for their employees' professional growth – that's why it's important to find a company that values learning and development.

When evaluating a company's approach to growth and development, there are a few key factors to consider. First and foremost, it's important to look at the opportunities they offer for training and skill-building. Do they offer regular workshops or training sessions, or are employees left to learn on their own? And do they encourage employees to pursue certifications or further education to advance their skills?

Another key consideration is the company's approach to mentorship and career advancement. Do they offer mentorship programs or opportunities to work closely with senior team members, or is everyone left to fend for themselves? And are there clear opportunities for career advancement within the company, or is there a culture of stagnation?

But it's not just about what the company offers – it's also about your own personal goals and interests. Are you interested in learning a new programming language or working on a particular type of project? It's important to communicate these interests and goals to your employer, so they can help you find the right opportunities to grow and develop your skills.

At the end of the day, finding a company that values learning and development is essential for long-term career success as a remote developer. By staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and constantly expanding your skillset, you can position yourself as a valuable asset to any team. So don't settle for a company that doesn't support your growth – find the company of your dreams, and watch your skills and career prospects soar to new heights.

Vacation policy

Another consideration is the company's vacation policy. Do they offer a generous amount of time off, or are they stingy with vacation days?

And more importantly, do they encourage their employees to actually use their vacation time, or is it seen as a mark of dedication to the company to never take a break?

But work-life balance isn't just about time off – it's also about the day-to-day work experience.

Does the company have a culture of overworking and burnout, or do they prioritize realistic workloads and manageable deadlines? Are employees encouraged to take breaks and prioritize their mental health, or is the expectation always to be working and producing?

Remember, remote work is all about flexibility – so don't be afraid to set your own boundaries and prioritize your personal time.

Know where to look for amazing remote jobs

While there are a lot of job boards, some are way too general to find the best remote jobs. Try looking into job boards that are in your niche. If you’re looking for remote jobs, make sure you’re looking at job boards that specialize in remote jobs.

Simple Job Listings, for example, is a job board where we only show remote jobs. We concentrate on jobs that aren’t advertised. These are remote jobs that aren’t plastered on every job board. This means the competition isn’t ridiculously high. Another advantage is that the best jobs are usually filled by word of mouth. They aren’t advertised as much. These are the jobs that we list on Simple Job Listings. So, if you’re looking for a remote developer job, make sure you check out Simple Job Listings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the perfect company as an experienced remote developer is a process that requires careful consideration of several key factors. From evaluating a company's culture and values to assessing its approach to compensation and benefits, there are many factors to consider when making this important decision.

It's important to be intentional about what you're looking for in a company and to ask the right questions during the interview process to ensure that you find the right fit. By prioritizing factors such as work-life balance, communication and collaboration, technology and tools, and opportunities for growth and development, you can set yourself up for success as a remote developer and achieve your career goals.

So take the time to find the company of your dreams – after all, as a remote developer, the world is your oyster!