Hiring candidates for a remote role requires careful consideration. In addition to the normal qualifications, you must also weigh applicants’ ability to perform the job independently while managing remote collaboration tools. These five tips can help you navigate the process with ease.
1. Deciding What Qualities Matter Most for the Role
Do you need someone who knows that the right office background can command attention in remote meetings, or is typing proficiency more important for this particular role? Answering questions like this will help you identify the key qualities for the position you want to fill. Once you have a list of these qualities, use it to screen applicants and decide who will progress to the next round of the hiring process.
2. Asking The Right Questions During The Interview
The interview process is a really crucial tool in hiring remote workers. As with interviews for any position, you want to ask about relevant experience and skills. Take a little extra time to try to get a feel for working style, tools applicants use to stay on track and meet deadlines, and any signs that they are either a great or terrible fit for your company’s culture.
Since there is a very good chance you will be conducting the interview portion of the hiring process virtually, it is also a great opportunity to get a preview of each candidate’s tech savviness. Ask about comfort with programs that you use regularly. It can also help to ask candidates to perform some tasks in them while sharing their screen during the interview process.
3. Requesting a Video Introduction
Most early interviews are conducted over the phone for efficiency. Adding a filmed video introduction to the process can help make it more personal. It is an excellent way to determine a basic level of comfort with technology and remote tools. At the very least, a candidate should be able to use a simple office background to create a professional feel. A video introduction also gives you an idea that applicants are serious about the role since they are taking the time to complete the task.
4. Focusing on Transferable Soft Skills
Soft skills are applicable to all sorts of job roles; however, they are often more important to remote roles than others. For example, a worker who is well-organized and independent is more likely to succeed in a virtual office than one who needs near-constant supervisor check-ins.
5. What To Look For On A Resume
A resume gives you a solid look into a candidate’s hard qualifications. Therefore, it is incredibly useful for weeding out those who don’t meet the minimum requirements. However, there are some aspects of a resume that provide insights into who will and will not be a good fit for a remote role. Some characteristics to look for include:
- A history of working remotely or with distributed teams
- Familiarity with remote tools, such as custom office backgrounds
- A strong background of quantifiable successes in a remote environment
Filling remote position within a company present some challenges. However, proper planning and the use of effective remote tools such as custom backgrounds can help you find the right candidates for each role.
