How to attract the best candidates for your remote working roles

With many businesses leveraging the convenience and cost-effectiveness of managing a remote workforce, there are now many opportunities to source a wide range of great talent. However, while offering a remote role can help attract candidates, this doesn’t mean they’ll be the right fit.

When you’re working with a larger talent pool, it’s important to identify  stand-out individuals that will bring the most value to the company. The good news is there are several  steps your business can take to simplify this process.

The Features that Most Job Candidates Look for in a Potential Employer

Even though most employers follow  a specific recruitment playbook when looking for new job candidates, modern job seekers are looking for more unique offerings from their potential employers. These include:

Good Pay and Benefits

Most businesses know that the first thing job seekers look for is a strong starting salary. However, it’s also important to structure a competitive benefits package that stands out from other employers as well.

It’s important to weigh your budgets carefully to find out how to strike this balance without under- or over-committing necessary hiring resources.

Flexible Working Arrangements

For many job seekers, being able to control their own working schedule can be a great company perk. With many businesses now offering hybrid or fully remote working environments, flexibility has become more of an expectation rather than a bonus.

As candidates explore  their options, many prioritize  companies that offer this type of flexibility. It shows that the company values employees’ ability  to work optimal hours based on their needs, and that the employer is more trusting of its employees overall. 

A Healthy Work-Life Balance

Today's working professionals, especially younger generations, are increasingly aware of the importance of balancing their professional and personal lives to promote their mental well-being. For many, being able to handle job responsibilities and still have the time to care for their personal life is key to  setting healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout. 

When you have company policies that reflect this understanding and provide your teams with the space they need, you become a much more attractive option for someone looking for their next career change.

Ways to Attract More Qualified Remote Talent

If you’re looking to attract the right group of remote working candidates, below are a few helpful strategies you can use:

Take Time Developing Effective Job Descriptions

The first step is to create a job description that speaks to the type of candidates you’re trying to attract. This begins by using precise language and being as detailed as possible on the expectations of the role.

You should also use this time to prove why your business is worth applying to. Describe how you help your remote working teams feel connected to the business day-to-day and the additional support your business provides.

Sharpen Your Interview Skills

Interviewing someone remotely requires a bit more planning than a face-to-face chat. Your first step when preparing your interviews is to get all your technology in order. Make sure you're comfortable with the video conferencing platform you’re using and that everyone involved has what they need to create a seamless interview exchange.

It's also important to think carefully about each question. Create them in a way that helps you understand a candidate's skills, especially the ones that make someone successful in a remote role.

Create a Thorough Onboarding Process

After you've hired someone new, make sure they feel welcomed and set up for success. This means doing more than just sending a welcome kit and letting them figure things out on their own.

A great onboarding plan gives your new team members the training, tools, and support they need to thrive, especially in a remote setting. Since they can't walk over to someone's desk, schedule virtual introductions with the people they'll be working with. It's also a great idea to pair your new hire with a seasoned team member. This gives them a go-to person who can show them the ropes, answer questions, and act as a friendly guide while they settle in.

Start Attracting Better Talent to Your Business

Hiring a remote workforce can benefit  your business, but it’s important to choorse  from an optimal candidate pool. By following the strategies discussed, you’ll attract a better range of talent to your business while offering the right combination of incentives to increase the number of applications you receive.

Author Name: 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.

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