The shift to a hybrid and remote workplace has many employers thinking differently when it comes to recruiting. Specifically, they are now open to the prospect of hiring remote employees to fill roles within their organization.
Of course, any potential candidate must have the required skill set for an open position. But beyond that, there are important qualities to look for when considering a remote hire. Here are three that should be on your radar.
- Previous experience working remotely
While almost everyone has the capacity to work remotely, it’s different than working in an office environment. Some people thrive without the day-to-day experiences associated with office life; others miss the interaction and camaraderie. Someone with previous experience working remotely will have the advantage of knowing the ins and outs, which will help them get started more quickly.
Additionally, if someone has prior remote experience, they have a track record you can check on. Be sure to ask their references how productive and successful they were while working remotely.
- An ability to work independently
Obviously, a remote worker will spend much of their workday on their own. For that reason, he or she needs to be self-motivated – there’s not a manager down the hall that can check their progress or give them a push when needed. A remote employee also needs to be well-organized, able to manage their own workflow while collaborating with colleagues as needed. And, they should be flexible, with an ability to adjust as priorities change, particularly as they may not be privy to evolving objectives while working outside the office.
- Outstanding communication skills
It’s impossible for a remote worker to pop into a colleague’s office to ask a question, or to participate in an impromptu meeting. As a result, they must be a good communicator, whether through email or text, on phone or video chats, or through digital tools such as Slack. Being able to clearly discuss important issues, whether with team members or clients, takes on added significance for remote employees. This is where the video interview you conduct becomes important, providing a real-time sense of how the candidate will communicate and whether you can trust them to get the job done remotely.
Hiring remote workers is a great way to bring talented people into your organization that you might not otherwise have access to. But, just as in hiring office employees, companies must ensure their remote workers are the right fit for the organization.
Alaant’s team of experts is passionate about helping companies build the workforce they need to be successful. From office to remote employees to a hybrid environment, we have the knowledge and experience to make it happen. Contact us today and let’s get the conversation started!
