Remote work has become more accessible than ever. Job boards are full of listings. Facebook groups have hundreds of daily posts. Referrals are just a message away.
But for many Filipino professionals, especially those navigating freelancing or BPO exits, one question remains constant:
Is this job legit?
Not all remote jobs are created equal. Some lead to great experiences, long-term stability, and professional growth. Others leave you chasing unpaid hours, doing triple the work with zero structure, or working odd hours with no clear endpoint.
If you’ve ever asked yourself “Should I even apply for this?” This post is for you.
A Legit Remote Role Has Structure, Not Just Tasks
You’re not applying to be an all-around. You’re applying to do what you’re good at.
A proper remote job should have:
- A clearly defined job title and department
- Stated tools or software you’ll use (e.g. Xero, HubSpot, Canva)
- A description of who you’ll report to, what your main deliverables are, and how performance is measured
Be wary of posts that say things like:
- “Looking for someone who’s okay with anything”
- “Must be fast, flexible, and always online”
- “We’ll define your role once you start”
This usually means they haven’t figured out the job and you’ll end up doing three people’s tasks without clarity or support.
Time Zones Tell You A Lot, Especially with Australian Clients
One of the biggest upsides of working with Australian companies? Your workday is mostly aligned with Philippine time.
A proper Aussie-aligned remote role should:
- Be between 6AM and 4PM PH time
- Clarify if you’re observing AU holidays or PH holidays
- State if you’re expected to overlap with team meetings in other time zones
If a so-called “Australian client” is asking you to work at 2AM Philippine time, it’s likely not what it seems. Always clarify before saying yes.
Payment Terms Must Be Clear Before You Start
Before you say yes to a remote job, especially if you’re switching from traditional employment, ask about how and when you’ll get paid.
A legit setup should mention:
- Rate (hourly/monthly, PHP/AUD)
- Payment frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly)
- Payment method (bank transfer, Payoneer, Wise)
- Who covers transaction or conversion fees
- Whether you’re paid during training or probation
Red flag phrases to look out for:
- “We’ll pay once the client approves.”
- “This trial task is unpaid, but it’ll lead to paid work.”
- “We don’t have payroll set up yet, but we’ll figure it out.”
You shouldn’t have to guess when your money’s coming.
Contracts Aren’t Optional, They’re Protection
Even if you’re working remotely, you deserve the same level of clarity and protection as office-based employees.
A solid contract should include:
- Scope of work
- Work hours and schedule
- Pay rate and payment terms
- Start date and end date (or if it’s ongoing)
- Termination clauses (for both parties)
- Confidentiality / NDAs (if applicable)
If you’re only getting hired through DMs or email threads with no formal agreement, you’re taking a risk. Without written terms, there’s no accountability.
The Interview Process Tells You A Lot About the Work Culture
You can tell a lot about a company, even before you join, based on how they hire.
Green flags to look for:
- They’re clear about timelines and expectations
- They respect your time during interviews
- They provide materials or prep documents
- They answer your questions honestly
If they’re rushed, vague, or sound disorganised from the start, it may reflect how they run their actual operations.
Too Good To Be True? It Probably Is
If the post offers unusually high pay for minimal work, or promises bonuses for referrals before you even apply, slow down. This is especially true for posts with:
- No company name or website
- No official email address
- No mention of interviews, only a “quick task”
- Job titles that feel off, like “Executive Remote Boss Assistant” with no clarity
A legit company wants to know you and they’ll be happy to let you know who they are, too.
Final Tip: Always Pause Before You Apply
Take 5 minutes to do this before hitting “Send”:
- Google the company name + “scam” or “reviews”
- Check if they have a real website and team
- Look for client or employee reviews on LinkedIn
- Scan for grammatical errors or rushed copy in the post
That short pause can save you weeks of unpaid work or wasted energy.
Summary: Legit Remote Job Checklist
- Before applying, ask:
- Is the job clearly defined and well-scoped?
- Are work hours and tools stated?
- Are payment terms upfront and written?
- Will there be a formal contract?
- Did the client communicate clearly from the start?
If all signs point to yes, that’s when it’s worth applying.