Work has changed dramatically since the 2020 pandemic. Various health, travel, and social restrictions forced people to rethink what it means to work and earn a living. With quarantining the new norm, many people resorted to working from home to continue earning household income. Now that safety guidelines are starting to lift, many people find it difficult to return to the office and instead prefer their remote work lifestyle. With more people working from home now, remote businesses must consider the hiring process from this new angle. Increased interest in remote positions gives business leaders more to consider when determining which workers are the best of the growing bunch. This article breaks down this complex process and explains what to look for when hiring a remote team.
Showing Previous Work Experience
Since more people are working from home, you’re bound to run into one or two individuals seeking positions they are unqualified for. To some people, remote work is just work you can do at home. To remote business leaders, remote work still requires the level of quality and experience you would expect from an in-person job. Look for workers who have previous experience in the positions you’re looking to fill. Ask to see their work and be open to how they showcase their previous experience. Some remote workers have their own websites, and others simply have sample work to pass along to you. One is not necessarily better than the other, so make your judgments based solely on the work examples.
Displaying Quick and Efficient Communication
Since your team will be working from home, you’ll need to be able to contact them regularly. As you interact with potential employees, take note of their communication skills. Do they respond on time to your calls, texts, and emails? Do they speak professionally and ask questions to improve their skills? These are the questions to ask yourself to review their ability to interact with you as their employer. Those with the best skills will likely give you the work ethic you’re looking for when it comes time for actual assignments.
Looking Good on Paper
Especially when you’ll be working with people you won’t see every day, you should be sure to include an employment history check with each new hire. Doing so will ensure that people are who they say and will give you peace of mind in knowing what they can bring to the table. You will gain insight into previous employments and their general financial history to help you decide whether or not they are a good fit for your remote work team.
Owning The Basic Equipment
Avoid working with people who lack the tools they need to get their work done. If computer or internet access is a constant challenge, there is more risk when getting work submitted on time. Be mindful of these issues as they crop up and gravitate towards those who do not showcase any consistent technical difficulties. If you need specific software, work with people who are willing to invest in this equipment. If your business uses Word and your potential hire is only able to use Pages, this inflexibility might get in the way of work. Look out for potential issues and be as accommodating as you can without sacrificing your expectations for your business.
The Bottom Line
You take your remote business seriously and don’t see it as a side hustle. Find workers who believe in your company and can show you their ability to deliver. Stay away from workers who lack experience and only want a fast way to make more money.