Hiring the Best Remote Workers

place-of-work-women-3346613_1920Remote work has been around for a while, but it’s only in recent years that the conversation around the phenomenon has grown. With better Internet connectivity across the globe and a changing work culture, remote work has become increasingly popular. It also benefits employers with Owl Labs finding that full-time remote workers are 22% happier in their jobs than people who never work remotely. According to the same survey, remote workers have increased productivity and focus, less stress, and a better work-life balance. Owl Labs also found that employees offered work from home arrangements reported better company loyalty.

The Internet has changed the working landscape in more ways than one. Fast Company reports that remote worker will only continue to get more popular, and companies who want to take advantage of the benefits of more flexibility will need to adjust the way they approach hiring. To make the process of hiring remote workers easier and more effective, here are a few tips HR managers can take into account.

Allow for Flexibility

Remote work is all about flexibility, and that includes the hiring process. While it may be tempting to look for candidates with stellar resumes, what looks good on paper might not always translate to a good remote worker. Aviation JobNet's article on hiring the best people recommends staying flexible when it comes to your prerequisites, and allow space for individuals to adapt to their circumstances. Rather than looking for a graduate from a top school, focus on their problem-solving skills and initiative, which aren’t always going to be written down on paper.

Increase Your Talent Pool

The beauty of remote work is that your employees can technically come from anywhere, as long as they have a strong Internet connection. Don’t be limited to hiring from your state or region. Sure, proximity is good for face-to-face meetings, but that’s what Skype and video calls are for. Sometimes the best workers come from halfway across the globe, so make sure to maximize your reach.

Build a Strong Employer Brand

Attracting top talent is one of the keys to hiring top talent, and one way to do that is by building a strong employer brand. A strong employer brand will help your company stand out from the rest, and will entice applicants to accept your offer over your competitors’. Forbes asked five HR executives from the Forbes Human Resources Council about how to build a strong brand. They recommended building a strong company culture and publicizing that culture, especially the factors that make your company unique.

Observe

Remote working means that you won’t have a chance to observe your potential hire on the daily, so the interview process may be your only time to make observations about who they are as a worker. Look for traits that help your hire stand out. Are they self-possessed and confident? Do they think quickly on their feet? Inc. has a list of 19 interview questions that may help you figure out whether the candidate is the right fit for your company set-up.