Finding the perfect job candidates for your business used to be limited by geography. But this isn’t the case anymore. With remote work quickly becoming the norm, businesses can now find employees from all parts of the world willing to work for their organization.
But this is where things also get a bit tricky. When you search for remote employees, you’re not just competing with companies close to you. You’re now up against businesses from across the globe. And once you do find those amazing remote candidates, chances are they’re already fielding a lot of different offers.
While this is a challenge, there are many different ways to help your company stand out and attract more qualified remote-working candidates.
What Do Today’s Job Candidates Look For In a Potential Employer?
You might think you already know what it takes to attract higher-caliber employees to your business. But sometimes, it’s helpful to throw away the playback. Of course, everyone is looking for a competitive salary. However, modern job seekers are often looking for more than just a steady paycheck.
Below are some of the other important things on their list:
Increased Flexibility
More and more companies are letting their teams work remotely, either full-time or with a hybrid setup. And as you may have guessed, this is a huge deal for job hunters.
Being able to manage your own time and choose where you work is becoming a high priority for many people. Companies that offer that kind of freedom are often the ones getting the most applications and the most engaged employees.
Balanced Personal and Work Lives
Working professionals today, especially younger generations, are keenly aware of the importance of maintaining their mental health. A critical part of this is finding the right balance between working and attending to personal matters.
To keep the right balance, they need to find employers who also value this concept. Businesses that put their employees’ mental health first – however that looks – are likely to get more interest from applicants.
Non-Toxic Company Cultures
No one wants to work in a toxic environment. Even in remote settings, the wrong company culture can give the wrong message and quickly lead to attrition. Feeling connected to the company you work for is important, and how your brand is perceived makes all the difference when it comes to receiving more job applications.
So, what makes a good remote culture? It’s about clear communication, showing appreciation with rewards or incentives throughout the year, and celebrating great work – all the things that make someone feel valued.
Steps To Optimize Your Remote Working Hiring Practices
Finding great remote candidates is only half the battle. You also need to make sure the entire hiring process – from application to offer acceptance and training – provides a great experience.
Below are some practical steps you can take to improve your remote hiring processes.
Draft Compelling Job Descriptions
Want to bring in more job applicants without putting too much into paid advertising? Start by looking at how you draft your job descriptions.
Of course, you want to be clear about what you’re looking for. This typically means listing different skills, experiences, or areas of specialization. But you don’t want to forget to sell why an employee should apply to your business over others. This means highlighting certain perks you might offer, especially when it comes to flexible work arrangements.
Show them how you set up your remote team for success. List any opportunities you provide when it comes to regular engagement or any career development initiatives you have in place. You should also be upfront about any requirements employees might have when it comes to various tools or home office setups they’ll require or be provided with. This transparency makes people more inclined to apply.
Know How to Conduct Impactful Remote Interviews
Remote interviews are a different beast than in-person ones, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get just as much out of them. You just need the right approach.
Video conferencing tools are your best friend when it comes to hiring remote workers. Leverage them to help create a professional and engaging experience for both the candidate and your hiring team.
However, you also want to make good use of questioning during these interviews. Use questions that cover skills, remote work experience, and whether the candidate is a good fit for your company culture. But don’t forget about time zone differences. Keep in mind where your employees live, and make sure to schedule interviews at reasonable times.
Improve Your Onboarding Strategies
Be careful not to drop the ball after you’ve hired your remote employees. Having the right onboarding strategies is critical for setting them up for success. However, this requires much more than just a welcome email and hoping for the best.
Well-thought-out training schedules and other onboarding activities give your new hires everything they need to be successful in a remote working environment – information, resources, staff support – the works.
Even though they’re remote, it’s important to still schedule virtual meet and greets. You could also pair new employees with a trained employee who can be their go-to person for any questions that might come up along the way. This makes them feel more welcomed and supported as they learn the ropes.
Create a Strong Business Culture
Remote working may initially interest a lot of people. But when it comes down to it, it can be tough not to have interaction with colleagues regularly. Even for individuals who thrive when managing their tasks, a lack of regular interaction can impact your team morale, making many people feel like they’re working on an island.
One way to deal with this issue is to build a strong business culture. Helping your employees feel like an essential part of the organization is critical to achieving this. Prioritize regular check-ins, whether individually or on a team video call. You can also schedule online social events throughout the year to help everyone stay connected and continuously support one another. These are a great opportunity to reward employees for their efforts throughout the year and help to create an even stronger culture.
Start Bringing On More Qualified Remote Working Employees
If you want to improve your remote hiring, it all starts with the right recruitment approaches. By following the strategies discussed, you’ll generate more excitement in your job postings and increase your chances of finding employees that bring your business value and stick around for the long run.
Author: Cindy Mielke
Author bio: Cindy is passionate about the incentive industry. In addition to her role as Vice President of Strategic Partners here at Tango, she is a Certified Professional of Incentive Management who proudly serves on two industry boards. When she’s not working, Cindy enjoys spending time with her family—including three cats, two dogs, and a horse—and sharing her love of nature as a Nebraska Master Naturalist.