As we move out of lockdowns and Covid restrictions, the working world is opening up once more. The number of people working full time is declining as offices re-open gradually. But what if you are an employer that, for one reason or another, is seeking remote staff? Many businesses have scaled back their offices to save money, and some see this as the future. Here are some tips on how to advertise a remote job as we move past Covid.
Where to Look
The first place to place an ad will often be job search websites like Indeed. While these are useful because of their significant reach, this can often result in a slew of CVs being sent to you, which can impede the hiring process as you struggle to read them all.
If you are looking for remote workers to start quickly, it can often be a good idea to enlist the help of expert agencies. For example, Hiring People offer job advertising services and advice tailored to your needs, such as remote staff. Using services like this can drastically reduce the effort needed to bring new employees onboard and cost less than handling your recruitment drive in-house.
You can also ask existing staff whether they have any recommendations. Very often, your employees will know someone in their network that is looking for a job. Using those who work for you already can be a fast and inexpensive way of finding new staff.
What Skills to Look For
Working from home suits some more than it does others. A certain skill set will lend itself better to remote working that you should keep an eye out for when hiring. A prospective employee should have a good understanding of technology. When you work remotely, you often rely on cloud-based services and conferencing programmes. An employee should be very comfortable using these to be a good fit when working from home.
Additionally, applicants should display good initiative. It is a good idea to look for self-starters when reviewing applications. There is often less pressure to get a task done within specific working hours when working from home. You should, therefore, seek to hire driven people to ensure that they remain productive without supervision.
Other vital skills for remote working include the ability to communicate and collaborate without face-to-face contact. Since so much workplace communication is done using conferencing programmes like Teams or Zoom, it is crucial to find someone who is comfortable talking to others on these platforms and who can maintain close contact with a team despite physical separation.
Finding Staff Comfortable With Remote Work Could Help Your Business Thrive
Keeping an eye out for remote staff is a good idea in the current climate. While we are moving past the past year’s restrictions, no one is certain whether we will end up back in the same position in a few months. Therefore, if you are hiring, it is good to consider the ability to work from home when interviewing candidates. Some businesses have also found it makes more financial sense to maintain a remote workforce (at least partially), so it is recommended to look at your options when hiring.
