When an international company brings on a remote contractor, especially from LATAM, it is not only assessing technical skills. Based on our experience at TeamUp, the first 30 days act more as a snapshot of how that person works, communicates, and integrates into the team.
What’s interesting is that many of these expectations are not limited to the onboarding phase. They tend to remain relevant throughout the entire working relationship.
Technical skills are the foundation, not the differentiator
Let’s start with the obvious.
Clients expect contractors to have the technical level they were hired for: understanding the stack, making progress on real tasks, and not requiring constant explanations.
However, this is only the starting point. In most cases, clients already assume the person can code, configure, design, or test. Technical skills open the door, but they rarely determine long-term success.
Clear communication: far more than speaking English
One of the most valued and often underestimated factors is communication.
It’s not just about speaking fluent English. It’s about being able to explain what you’re doing and why, flag issues when something is blocked, ask questions at the right time, and align expectations. In remote environments, communication is not an add-on to the job, it is part of the job.
Visibility builds trust. Silence creates uncertainty.
Work visibility creates peace of mind
Many clients operate with distributed teams across multiple time zones. When they can’t physically see someone working, visibility into progress becomes critical.
This doesn’t mean constant reporting. It means keeping the team informed about task status, sharing progress and next steps, and proactively flagging potential delays when they arise. When clients understand what is being done and where things are heading, they feel confident that the project is under control.
Raising your hand early is a strength, not a weakness
A common mistake, especially during the first few weeks, is assuming that asking for help signals weakness. In reality, the opposite is true.
Clients highly value people who identify issues early, clearly communicate blockers, or propose alternatives when something isn’t working as expected. Staying stuck in silence often causes more frustration than the problem itself.
Proactivity: seeking context, not waiting for instructions
Another clear expectation is proactivity. Clients don’t want someone who waits indefinitely for instructions, but rather someone who reviews the context, understands the objective, and suggests improvements or next steps when appropriate.
This doesn’t mean acting independently without alignment. It means showing genuine interest in moving things forward. A proactive contractor quickly stops being seen as “a resource” and starts being treated as a true part of the team.
Autonomy and problem-solving ability
Closely related to all of the above is autonomy, one of the most valued attributes in remote teams.
Clients expect people who can make reasonable decisions, handle day-to-day issues, and know when to move forward independently versus when to escalate. Autonomy reduces friction, speeds up processes, and builds long-term trust.
In summary
If I had to summarize what international clients expect, not only in the first 30 days, but in general, it would be this:
- Strong technical foundation
- Functional English and clear communication
- Ongoing visibility into work
- The ability to ask for help at the right time
- Proactivity
- Autonomy and a solution-oriented mindset
At TeamUp, we consistently see that the most successful profiles are not always the most technically brilliant, but those who know how to work effectively in remote and multicultural environments.
And that is a skill that can be developed.
