Remote work is more popular than ever, and finding the right people to fill remote roles can be a challenge. As a hiring manager or business owner, you want to make sure you’re bringing in individuals who thrive in a virtual environment. But how do you know which qualities make a good remote worker? What are the right questions to ask during a remote interview? And how can you evaluate candidates for a remote position?
This blog covers everything you need to know about interviewing remote workers: from the qualities to look for to the questions you should ask and how to properly evaluate candidates to ensure they are the right fit for your team.
🔐KEY HIGHLIGHTS:
- Evaluate Remote-Specific Skills: Look for self-discipline, time management, and proficiency with remote tools.
- Assess Communication Abilities: Ensure clear and effective virtual communication.
- Check for Self-Motivation: Confirm candidates can work independently without supervision.
- Inquire About Remote Experience: Understand their history with remote work and adaptability.
- Probe Problem-Solving Skills: Test their ability to handle challenges creatively.
- Test Tech Proficiency: Verify comfort with remote work technology and platforms.
What Makes a Good Remote Worker?
The qualities that make a successful remote worker are slightly different from what you might look for in an office-based employee. Here are the top traits to consider when hiring for remote roles:
1. Self-Motivation
Remote workers need to be able to manage themselves. Without a manager looking over their shoulder, they must be able to stay focused and get work done without constant supervision. People who are naturally driven to complete tasks and meet deadlines are ideal.
2. Strong Communication Skills
Clear communication is the backbone of successful remote work. A good remote worker knows how to convey their thoughts and ideas clearly, whether via email, chat, or video calls. They should also be proactive about updating their team on their progress and asking questions when needed.
3. Problem-Solving Abilities
In a remote setting, employees often need to tackle challenges without immediate support. They should be resourceful and capable of finding solutions on their own or seeking help when necessary.
4. Adaptability
Remote work environments can change quickly, from shifting priorities to new tools and processes. An adaptable worker can easily adjust to these changes without losing productivity.
5. Technical Proficiency
A good remote worker needs to be comfortable using a variety of online tools and platforms. From video conferencing software like Zoom to project management tools like Trello or Asana, they should have a good grasp of technology.
What Skills Are Needed for Remote Work?
Along with the right qualities, a successful remote worker also needs specific skills. Here are some of the best skills for remote work that you should look for in a candidate:
1. Time Management
Remote employees must be able to organize their day efficiently. With no one watching over their shoulder, they should be able to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and avoid distractions. For tips on improving time management and boosting productivity, check out our Time Management Tips to Boost Productivity.
2. Collaboration
Even though they work remotely, employees must still collaborate with their team. Strong virtual collaboration skills, including the ability to work well on shared projects and communicate effectively across different time zones, are crucial.
3. Leadership Skills
Even if the role doesn’t require direct management, leadership skills such as taking initiative and being proactive in decision-making can make a big difference in remote work settings.
4. Digital Literacy
Since all work is done online, a remote worker must be digitally literate. They should know how to use essential tools such as Google Docs, Slack, and project management software, and be comfortable with troubleshooting basic tech issues.
5. Self-Discipline
Working from home requires self-discipline to avoid distractions, stick to a routine, and stay productive. Workers who are disciplined are more likely to meet their goals and deadlines consistently.
How to Interview for a Remote Position
When conducting interviews for remote roles, it’s important to adjust your approach compared to traditional in-person interviews. Here’s how to conduct an effective remote interview:
1. Ask the Right Questions
You need to ask questions that reveal how a candidate will handle the challenges of remote work. Some good questions include:
- “How do you stay focused when working remotely?”
- “Can you share an example of how you managed a project remotely?”
- “What tools do you use to stay organized when working from home?”
These questions will give you insight into how the candidate organizes their time, handles remote communication, and tackles issues that might arise when working away from the office.
2. Assess Communication Skills
Since communication is key in remote work, evaluate how clearly the candidate explains their ideas during the interview. Ask them how they handle communication challenges, such as time zone differences or miscommunication over email.
3. Evaluate Problem-Solving Abilities
You want remote employees who can solve problems on their own. Ask them how they’ve dealt with challenges in the past when working remotely. You can even provide a hypothetical scenario and see how they would handle it. For example:
- “You’re in a different time zone than the rest of the team, and an urgent issue comes up. How would you handle this?”
4. Check Technical Proficiency
Test their technical skills by asking about the software and tools they’ve used for remote work. You can also ask how comfortable they are troubleshooting basic issues without on-site IT support.
How to Evaluate Remote Workers After the Interview
Once you’ve conducted the interviews, it’s time to evaluate the candidates. Here are a few tips for effectively evaluating remote workers:
1. Look for Strong References
Always check references, especially those related to remote work. A former employer’s feedback can provide insight into how the candidate handled remote responsibilities and challenges.
2. Assign a Trial Task
Consider assigning a small project or task that can be completed remotely. This will give you a chance to see how the candidate manages their time, communicates, and delivers results without being micromanaged.
3. Evaluate Cultural Fit
Make sure the candidate fits with your company’s remote work culture. Even though they’re working remotely, they still need to align with the company’s values and work well with the rest of the team.
Conclusion:
Hiring the right remote workers is essential for building a productive and successful team. By focusing on the qualities of a good remote worker, the skills needed for remote work, and asking the right interview questions, you can ensure that you hire employees who will thrive in a remote environment
Learn more about how to stay productive while working from home
