Remote workers can be invaluable assets for your team. However, finding talent to work remotely poses a unique challenge. Use the following tips to put together a team that you can rely on with confidence.
Start Your Search in the Right Place
You may be tempted to post your job ad on generic sites like Craigslist, but that isn’t the most effective way to reach the talent you want to recruit for your team. Try specialized websites that appeal to freelancers and other workers who want to work remotely, such as Upwork.
These sites may charge a fee to post your ad, but they attract the best talent because they screen postings and offer legitimate opportunities.
Attract the Best Talent
Image via Flickr by ThoroughlyReviewed
All job candidates who are worth their salt will investigate potential employers. Make sure there aren’t any red flags that will keep people away.
This process starts long before you begin your search for remote workers. You don’t want negative reviews on sites like Glassdoor to bring you down. While there will inevitably be one or two disgruntled employees who fall away from your company, you can create an overall good impression of your business by treating your employees well. They’ll spread the word about your stellar management structure, your innovative processes, and the other perks that come with working for your business.
Another thing you can do is write a blog post that answers big questions for candidates. Be sure this post is clear about:
- How much you’re willing to pay.
- The time commitment you require.
- The parameters of the job.
You may also want to include a brief description of your company and its mission and values.
Thoroughly Screen Your Candidates
Job candidates might look great on paper, but you should still thoroughly screen them before you commit to anything.
Create a test project that candidates can complete to show off their technical skills. Don’t make it too in-depth, but be sure it requires the level of expertise that you’re looking for. If you don’t want to create a test project and opt to just do an interview, ask questions that will force the candidates to dig into their knowledge and really show off their stuff.
You also need to protect yourself by looking into a candidate’s background. The background check should cover things like credit, arrest warrants, and other information that could be relevant to your decision about whom to hire.
Get Things off on the Right Foot
After you decide to hire someone, you want to get your relationship started the right way. Set clear expectations and goals for your new worker, and provide detailed information about your company’s policies. Being clear from the beginning will prevent miscommunication later on and set up the foundation for a working relationship that satisfies both parties.
Finding and hiring remote workers can boost your business and expand your talent pool. By knowing where to look for job candidates and thoroughly screening them, you’ll set yourself up for success.
