How do you cope with the challenges and opportunities of remote and online personnel selection?

2 Choose the right platforms

There are many online platforms and tools that can help you reach and attract potential candidates, such as job boards, social media, podcasts, blogs, webinars, and online events. Depending on your target audience, you can use different channels and methods to showcase your employer brand, share your values and vision, and highlight the benefits of working for your organization. You can also use platforms that offer specialized features and functions for remote hiring, such as video interviews, online assessments, and virtual tours.

3 Communicate effectively

Communication is key to building trust and rapport with candidates in a remote and online setting. You need to communicate clearly and frequently throughout the hiring process, using multiple modes and methods, such as email, phone, text, video, and chat. You need to provide timely and relevant information, such as the job description, the selection steps, the timeline, the expectations, and the feedback. You also need to show empathy and understanding, as candidates may face challenges and uncertainties in their personal and professional lives.

4 Adapt your methods

Remote and online personnel selection may require you to adjust your traditional methods and techniques to suit the new context and conditions. For example, you may need to use different types of interviews, such as asynchronous video interviews, live video interviews, or panel interviews, to evaluate candidates' skills and fit. You may also need to use different types of assessments, such as online tests, simulations, case studies, or portfolios, to measure candidates' abilities and potential. You may also need to modify your scoring and decision-making criteria, taking into account the validity and reliability of the online data.

5 Engage your candidates

Remote and online personnel selection can be impersonal and challenging for candidates, who may feel isolated, anxious, or frustrated by the lack of human interaction and feedback. You need to engage your candidates and make them feel valued and respected throughout the hiring process. You can do this by creating a positive and memorable candidate experience, such as sending personalized messages, offering support and guidance, acknowledging achievements, and celebrating successes. You can also use gamification, storytelling, or interactive elements to make the process more fun and enjoyable.