6 Tips for Hiring Virtually

The majority of the global workforce has been working remotely over the past year. With that transition, many teams have had to hire new people without ever meeting them in person. The entire hiring process has been done remotely via phone calls and video conferencing.

There is no longer a need to look for candidates within a specific territory. Instead, you can expand your search and hire qualified talent anywhere around the globe. Additionally, many workers are opting for remote work even after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Hiring the right candidate without meeting them in person can be difficult, so we’ve gathered a list of our top tips to make sure you hire the best person for the role.

Understand the Technology Hiring Market: While the unemployment rate rose dramatically during the height of COVID-19, things are rebounding significantly, particularly in the technology sector. The unemployment rate in the industry is less than 3%, which means top technology talent is going to be difficult to find and expensive to retain.

Set Hiring Manager Expectations: It is important to set the right expectation with hiring managers. With a low unemployment rate, finding the right person for the team may take longer than anticipated. HR should explain the market to hiring managers to set their expectation that filling the open role will take time.

Use the Right Tools: When sourcing for candidates, make sure to use the right tools and platforms. You can find candidates through job boards like Indeed and CareerBuilder or use social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Also, don’t forget to reach out to your network and utilize employee referral bonuses.

Consider Screening Tools as Needed: For some roles, you may need to screen skill-sets. There are online programs you can use for personality and technical tests to ensure you are interviewing someone with the right skills.

Create an Exceptional Candidate Experience: Interviewing is a two-way street. Just as you are interviewing candidates, they are interviewing you. You need to create an exceptional candidate experience with good communication and setting timelines in advance.

Remote Onboarding: It doesn’t end once your dream candidate accepts the role! Onboarding your new team member is also going to happen remotely. Make sure to set video calls with the team and leaders to get the new person acquainted with the team as well as setting up all the proper training needed.