Guide to Effectively Recruit Global Remote Contractors
As a recruiter, managing the hiring process for global remote contractors can present its own set of unique challenges; not to mention it can feel overwhelming. However, with the right strategies and partners in place, it can also be a highly effective way to find and hire the best talent for your organization.
Why should I recruit global remote contractors?
There are many benefits of seeking out global remote contractors. Recruiters can benefit from recruiting across borders because they are able to access a larger, diverse talent pool. Often, global recruiting presents more opportunities to find the ideal fit for a role.
Another pro of recruiting and hiring global remote contractors is that it allows an international recruitment agency to expand into profitable markets, such as the US. With higher margins and a less saturated recruitment market in the US, there is a lot of potential for international recruitment companies to capitalize on profits in the states.
4 reasons to recruit in the US market
Recruiting global remote contractors can increase company resilience; especially in challenging economic times. Recruitment companies that take on recruiting global remote contractors can gain a competitive edge on their competitors.
Tips for recruiting global remote contractors
Clearly communicate remote work policy
Before hiring a global remote contractor, it’s important to have open and clear communication with them about the terms of hire and remote work policy being offered.
Discussing the expectations for a global remote role in depth with potential candidates will eliminate initial confusion and increase employee retention in the long run. Some ways to do this are to identify the best channels for communication going forwards (e.g., email or zoom), outline employer expectations and discuss any necessary equipment or software they will need to work remotely in this new role.
Consider candidate’s time zone
When recruiting global remote contractors, it’s essential to consider the time zone they will be working in. Time zones can be a serious issue if employers prefer all team members to be working at the same time. Some employers may only want to hire candidates in certain countries or time zones, so it’s important for recruiters to be aware of these employer preferences and communicate them to potential candidates.
Some countries have time zones that range significantly, such as the US shown below.
With an 8-hour time difference between London and California, it can be challenging to have teammates collaborate. A key to recruiting global remote contractors is to ensure that they are reasonably able and willing to work during hours that are most convenient for the employer and team.
Access time zone maps and a world clock
Provide resources and support
Once the global remote contractor is hired, the best way to promote employee satisfaction and success in the new role is to provide them with the right resources and support to get started. A seamless onboarding process makes any new hire feel secure, valued and ready to start contributing to the team.
Work with an employer of record (EOR)
An employer of record (EOR) is a third-party company that acts as the legal employer for a worker. EOR services can provide significant benefits for recruitment agencies by streamlining the process of onboarding global remote contractors, reducing costs, and providing legal and compliance support throughout the entire hiring process.
When handling global remote hiring, it can be difficult to keep up with local employment laws. Local laws get to be especially complex when hiring in the US, due to constantly changing legislation depending on what city and state the new hire is in. A capable EOR will ensure legal compliance for your entire global remote work team, while making sure all contractors get paid on time and accurately.
Disclaimer: This post is provided for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice, the final word on this topic or a political opinion.