When running a small business, it’s not always possible to find local talent. Perhaps you can’t afford the going rate, or you’re in an area where talent lacks the right skillset. Whatever the reason, chances are you’ll need to hire a remote employee or freelancer. So let’s look at a few tips to help you with the hiring process so you can get the help you really need.
Finding & Enticing Candidates
The first step to hiring remote staff is to find them online. Betterteam is a free resource where you can post your job to more than 100 job boards from a single ad. They’ll even help you write the ad!
If you’re always looking to hire remote workers, consider splurging for LinkedIn Recruiter. With plans that start at $239.99 a month, it’s not for everyone, but since most professionals are on LinkedIn, it could be worth targeting very specific skillsets to get the right fit for you.
Another great resource to consider is Homerun. This site lets you set up a dedicated, customizable landing page, essentially, for the job you’re hiring for so you can be sure the job posting perfectly reflects your business and brand.
Questions Tailored to Remote Workers
Hiring remote workers requires different questions so you can better assess experience, self-motivation and work style. Here are a few examples to add to your list.
What tools do you use to manage and complete work remotely?
Look for answers that show candidates have experience and tools you know will help them succeed.
Tell me about a time you were on a tight deadline and how you managed it?
This behavioral question has a specific answer; the situation, the challenge, the action and the result. Anyone who doesn’t follow that format hasn’t prepared which may be a red flag.
Are you comfortable using time-tracking software?
Whether you use time-tracking software or not, you’ll want to be sure candidates aren’t afraid of having their time verified.
Get Some Face Time
While you may start the interview process by phone, be sure you speak with your remote candidate face-to-face before making a job offer. Skype or Google Hangouts are great resources and will allow your team to join the in-person interview. If you or your team is short on time, Spark Hire lets candidates record answers to your posted interview questions on their own time, an especially useful tool if your candidate is 12 time zones away!
Test Skills
If you need to test a candidate’s skill level, there are several remote tools that can help. Looking for a coder? Remote Interview can set up a test where you can watch a candidate code in real time. Trying to find a new blog writer? Give them a topic in the phone interview and a deadline by the end of the day. Find a way to ensure you’re getting the quality candidates you need.
These few tips for hiring remote workers should help you find the right candidate for your small business.
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