Written by With the growing need for skilled, accessible talent and the increasing frustration of daily commutes, it’s no surprise that more companies are turning to remote hiring.
Hiring remotely has become a popular approach for businesses looking to expand their teams. It not only eliminates the hassle of commuting but also allows for more flexible work hours, making it a win-win for both employers and employees.
However, before jumping into the remote hiring process, it’s important to consider a few essential factors. Here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind when bringing remote workers on board.
Do’s of Remote Hiring
1. Know Where to Find the Right Candidates
This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. If you’re serious about building a strong remote team, knowing where to look for talent is crucial. Platforms like LinkedIn are a great starting point, as they’re designed specifically for professionals.
That said, don’t take everything at face value. It’s wise to verify the authenticity of applicants’ profiles. Unfortunately, some individuals may misrepresent themselves to land a job, so a bit of background checking can help HR solutions avoid costly mistakes.
2. Offer Competitive Benefits
While in-house employees typically receive benefits like healthcare and retirement plans, remote workers often don’t. This means they’re left to cover those expenses on their own.
If you want to attract top-tier talent—and keep them—it’s a good idea to offer meaningful benefits along with fair compensation. Perks like wellness programs, equipment stipends, or even flexible time off can set your company apart from the competition and reduce employee turnover.
3. Be Clear and Transparent in Job Listings
Being vague in your job description might seem like a way to cast a wider net, but it often leads to wasted time and unqualified applicants.
A well-written, transparent job listing should clearly outline the role’s responsibilities, required and preferred skills, and any expectations regarding working hours or communication. Also, be strategic about when and where you post your job openings to maximise visibility and reach the right audience.
Creating clarity from the start helps you attract candidates who are genuinely a good fit and saves everyone time during the hiring process.
4. Put Candidates to the Test
It’s no secret that many resumes include exaggerated or even false information. Around 75% of employers report catching lies on CVS—ranging from inflated responsibilities to inaccurate job titles and degrees. And even when candidates are completely honest, a perfect resume doesn’t always mean they’ll be the right fit for your team.
One of the most effective ways to evaluate a remote candidate is to give them a practical test. Assign a task that reflects the actual work they’d be doing on the job. This gives you a chance to assess not only their skills but also their problem-solving approach and how they handle real-world challenges.
A short, well-designed test can give you the peace of mind that you’re hiring someone who can deliver.
5. Prioritise Company Culture
Remote employees often face the risk of feeling isolated or disconnected from the rest of the team. That’s why fostering a strong, inclusive company culture is especially important when hiring remotely.
From the very beginning, make efforts to help remote workers feel like part of the team. During onboarding, arrange virtual meet-and-greets or team video calls to introduce them to key colleagues. Encourage casual interactions, not just work-related meetings, so remote employees have a chance to build genuine connections.
A strong sense of culture helps bridge the physical distance and ensures your remote team members feel valued and engaged, just like everyone else.
Don’ts of Remote Hiring
1. Don’t Misrepresent the Job
Some candidates may be new to remote work and might not fully understand what’s typically expected in an online role. Unfortunately, this can tempt some employers to stretch the job scope beyond what was originally described.
This kind of misrepresentation isn’t just unethical—it can have legal consequences and damage your company’s reputation. Be honest and upfront about what the job entails, and make sure expectations are communicated from the beginning. Transparency builds trust and sets the foundation for a healthy working relationship.
2. Don’t Cut Corners on Investment
Growing a successful business requires smart investments, and the same goes for building and managing a remote team. If you want your remote employees to perform well, they need the right tools, systems, and support.
Be willing to invest in remote-friendly technology, collaborative software, and equipment that helps your team stay connected and productive. Being stingy in this area can cost you more in the long run through inefficiencies, frustration, and high turnover. Investing in your remote workforce is an investment in your company’s future.
3. Don’t Overlook High-Potential Candidates
Sometimes, the best candidates aren’t the ones with the most impressive resumes. You may come across individuals who lack formal credentials or advanced degrees but have strong practical skills and a great attitude.
Don’t dismiss these applicants too quickly. Instead, give them a chance to prove themselves, whether through a trial project or skills assessment. You might just discover a hidden gem that brings real value to your team and grows alongside your business.
Conclusion
Remote hiring offers businesses a powerful opportunity to tap into a broader talent pool, boost productivity, and create more flexible work environments. However, success in this area depends on doing it right, from being transparent about job roles to investing in the right tools and recognising talent beyond credentials.
By following the right strategies and avoiding common pitfalls, you can build a remote team that’s not only skilled and reliable but also aligned with your company culture and values. In a world where remote work is becoming the norm rather than the exception, taking a thoughtful and intentional approach to remote hiring will set your business up for long-term success.
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