How to Overcome the Biggest Challenges of Remote Hiring

The world of work has gone remote, and in the race for talent employers are realizing that the best employee may not live in the same state as their business. In 2022, employees are scattered across the country and even across the globe.

Photo by Artem Podrez

This is unlikely to change any time soon. A recent study by Gallup revealed that nearly 60% of employees prefer a hybrid work model, and a third prefer exclusively remote work. The survey also found that almost 55% of companies that have the ability to offer hybrid and/or remote capabilities will do so beyond 2022.

But while offering remote work is a great recruitment strategy, traditional hiring strategies simply don’t work well for remote hiring.

Consider the following points to perfect the art of remote hiring in your company.

Highlight your remote culture

As so many workers want the opportunity to work remotely, offering remote work gives you a competitive edge. Make sure you emphasize it in your hiring efforts! To stand out from the crowd, include details on how the remote model works in your company, why you offer it, and the value you place on it. Advertise on the usual job boards, but consider trying a remote work-specific job site in addition.

Adapt your interview technique

Assuming you already have the tech in place, you need to adapt your interviewing style for video interviews. To set the scene, you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of natural light to ensure a clear image. Minimize any visible clutter, and, it should go without saying, but set up in a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. The middle of your open office is not it. Speak clearly and don’t interrupt, and consider a backup plan in case the tech fails you.

Soft skills like time management, self-discipline, and proactiveness are essential for a successful remote worker, so you’ll want to ask interview questions that tease out these important qualities. Choose questions along the lines of:

  • Why are you attracted to a remote working career?

  • How do you organize your work day?

  • What methods do you use to connect with colleagues?

  • What tools or strategies do you use to stay focused?

  • Describe what a healthy work environment looks like?

Be aware of the legal risks

Hiring across state lines carries risk; some states place limits on how you evaluate job candidates and how – or even if – you can ask about certain subjects. For example, New York state employers are prohibited from asking about or taking adverse action based on a candidate’s charges or arrests that didn’t result in a conviction. State-to-state differences include rules relating to:

If you’re hiring out of state, it’s essential that you familiarize yourself with the legislation covering your candidates’ home states.

Update your policies and handbook

If your workforce is even partially remote, you’ll need to update your policies and handbook to reflect this. For every state your remote employees work from, it’s advisable to create separate state-specific policies. As laws and guidelines vary from state to state, make sure you cover:

  • payroll

  • contracts

  • work conditions

  • Other legalities, such as parental leave and jury duty

Prioritize onboarding remote workers

This is a step you can’t afford to skip. You’ll need to communicate clearly and frequently with your new hire; make them feel welcome, set objectives early on, and check in regularly to make sure they are on track and happy. Consider assigning a mentor to help bring them onboard and embed your company culture and working practices quickly. Read our essential guide to virtual onboarding here.


HiringJacquelyn Gernaeyremote hiringComment