Remote teams are common around the world.
It is no exaggeration to say that remote workers are increasingly defining the present rather than merely representing the future of the American workforce. Currently, an estimated 43% of US employees have had experience with remote working at some point in their careers, and this figure is expected to grow in the near future.
The recruitment and maintenance of remote staff can be a difficult task for managers. Not only should they possess the necessary skills, possess the ability to be adaptable and be competent communicators, they should also be able to manage their time efficiently and be able to prioritise tasks. With such a wide range of criteria to consider and a large number of candidates to choose from, finding the right candidate can be a daunting prospect.
When recruiting staff, whether remotely or from a pool of applicants, it can be easy to make mistakes. To avoid any potential issues, here is a guide on the common pitfalls to avoid when hiring new staff.
Where are you, my flexible communicator?
The success of any team relies heavily on its ability to communicate effectively and efficiently. Consequently, it is essential that organisations recruit personnel who possess the necessary communication skills and demonstrate a degree of versatility when it comes to conveying messages.
An engineer with limited communication skills is not ideal for hire. While electronic communication is the most common form of communication for remote teams, it is beneficial to have a freelancer who is able to communicate using a variety of methods, such as video conferencing. This will allow for more effective communication and collaboration between team members.
It is of utmost importance for businesses to hire employees who possess strong communication skills in the language in which they conduct their operations. Unfortunately, many companies tend to prioritise other qualities, such as technical expertise, over communication skills during the recruitment process. This can have serious, long-term repercussions for the organisation.
It is essential to take into account the capability to adhere to precise instructions as well as the aptitude to prioritise effectively when hiring remote workers. Moreover, it is important to find individuals who will fit in well with the existing company culture.
Effective communication is essential for increased productivity in the long-term and managers should take a holistic approach to selecting candidates. By selecting individuals who possess strong communication skills, organisations can drastically reduce the amount of workplace issues that arise.Prioritising hard skills is correct
Let’s say you’re hiring a remote engineer and you have two options:- Because of his talent, but also his lack of self-direction and interpersonal skills, Tommy is regrettable.
- Although Timothy does not possess the same level of aptitude as Tommy, he is more organised, attentive, and passionate.
Who would you choose?
Working remotely, Timmy might be a better option.
It is generally accepted that working on self-direction and motivation is easier when one is in the same physical space; however, it can prove to be more challenging when the work is being done remotely. Consequently, it is important to ask behavioural questions, in addition to skill-based questions, when evaluating potential candidates, in order to gain an accurate insight into their personality and their knowledge of the relevant field.
Having strong communication skills is just as important as having talent in a remote work environment. An employee who is able to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues is likely to be more valuable than one who has a great deal of talent but lacks the ability to effectively communicate. Good communication is essential for successful remote work, and having a team of employees who can effectively communicate will make it easier to handle any challenges that may arise.
Ignoring time zones when hiring remote workers
In the modern era, what does having AMs and PMs backwards over their heads mean?
Nowadays, with the increased ease of global communication, it is possible to collaborate with individuals across the globe. However, it is generally preferable to work with individuals in a similar time zone, as this allows for more synchronous interactions and a more efficient workflow.
If you choose to hire remote workers, it is important to ensure that they are aware of your company’s hours of operation. Furthermore, you should be mindful of their individual schedules and be willing to be flexible, as needed. This will ensure that the remote workers will be able to adequately follow the hours set by the business and that their individual needs will be taken into account.Choosing remote teams based on overpopulated skill pools
If you are looking to hire remote engineers, it is advisable to search for workers in less saturated markets. Instead of looking for engineers in India, consider searching for remote engineers in Eastern Europe, as this will provide you with a more varied range of candidates and reduce the competition for available talent.
Due to the presence of powerful competitors such as Google and IBM in more competitive and well-established markets, it is important to ensure that any attempt to take them on is carefully considered and executed. Facing a corporate giant like Google requires a strategy that avoids any unnecessary conflict or confrontation.
Hiring remote workers can be a complicated process; however, when the right steps are taken, it can be made easier and less time-consuming. To streamline the selection process, it is important to know what to avoid when evaluating potential remote talent. Doing so will allow you to quickly narrow down the list of candidates, making the process less tedious.
At Works, you can access the services of the best 1% of professional remote developers that bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge. If you’re interested in learning more about how you can take advantage of these services, please visit the Hire page on the Works website.
