For most positions, finding a qualified candidate is easy. However, there are certain jobs that require special skills or expertise. These roles can be much harder to fill. In fact, finding a qualified candidate for certain positions may take some out-of-the-box thinking. Instead of limiting your search to local candidates, you may want to consider recruiting employees internationally.
More and more hiring managers and recruiters are being forced to look internationally when trying to find candidates for difficult-to-fill positions. If you are interested in expanding your job search to include candidates from around the world, the tips that follow should help:
1. Choose A Candidate Who Is Adaptable
Working in a foreign country can be challenging for anyone, regardless of their skill or experience level. The ideal candidate is someone who is extremely adaptable. They should be able to keep an open mind and should be aware of import cultural differences between their home country and the country where they will be working.
Anyone who lacks flexibility will struggle when trying to adapt to a foreign work setting. When they start a job in a new country, they not only have to work on mastering the job, they also have to work on living in a new and strange environment.
2. Consider The Candidate’s Personal Life
Candidates who have families – especially those with school-age children – may have some reservations about the thought of packing up and moving to a new location. Be sure to talk to them about any concerns that they may have during the interview process.
You may also want to look for someone who has either lived or worked in the country before. That way, they may already have a strong network in place locally that can help keep them from feeling too isolated in their new location.
3. Evaluate The Current Economic Conditions In Their Home Country
People are far more likely to accept international positions if there is limited work in their own country. This is particularly true for jobs in politically-affected industries such as water, transportation, and nuclear energy.
4. Consider Currency Exchange Rates
Companies in the UK are finding it far more difficult to recruit overseas talent, simply because the value of the pound has dropped significantly after Brexit. If you want to recruit a candidate from a country that has a stronger currency than your own, you need to make sure that your offer is high enough to attract their attention. On the other hand, if you can find a candidate from a country with a weaker currency, you may have a far easier time convincing them to work for your company.
You should also think about which currency you should use when paying your employees. A lot of times, businesses opt to pay international employees in US dollars, simply because they are relatively safe and stable compared to other types of currency. As a result, they are less likely to experience significant fluctuations in value.
5. Recruit Candidates From Large-Scale International Projects
Tapping into the talent pool associated with large-scale international projects is a great way to find people who are willing to work internationally. For instance, as Crossrail comes to a close, many businesses will be hoping to recruit some of the employees who worked on the project.
6. Familiarize Yourself With The Laws Surrounding International Employment
Every country has their own set of employment laws. Be sure that you understand exactly what your responsibilities are based on the type of position that you have open. Follow local traditions and adhere to any rules when recruiting talent from other locations.
7. Choose Your Location Wisely
If you are expanding into a new region in another country, be sure to carefully research the area so that you can choose the right location for your business. Wherever you set up shop, it should be a place where people actually want to live and work. Otherwise, it will be much harder for you to attract talented people to work for your company.
You may even want to keep an eye on where your competitors are located. This can give you valuable hints as to which areas are popular with the types of employees you want to hire.
8. Don’t Require Candidates To Travel For An Initial Interview
Before filling a position, most companies interview candidates several times. When you are just starting the interviewing process, don’t require job candidates to pick up and travel to your location. Instead, conduct the initial round of interviews in their home country. It is too much to ask people to travel for an interview that may or may not pan out. As you get further into the process, however, it is acceptable to ask people to come to your location for one or more follow-up interviews.
9. Make Sure They Can Legally Work In Your Country
The people that you hire will usually have to obtain a visa and a work permit before they can begin working for your company. Be sure to research the process of applying for and receiving a visa. Also, find out what your requirements are in terms of sponsoring someone to come to your country and work suggest the pros at Immigration Solutions.
10. Use Clear Communication
Good communication is essential when you are trying to hire someone who lives in another country. Starting a new job is difficult enough on its own. When you also ask someone to pack up everything and moved to another part of the world, it is even more challenging.
Staying in touch and letting candidates know what is happening at any given point in the process can help ease their fears and reduce stress, making the move easier.