JOBYODA - Recruiter

Walang Taguan! 5 Key Questions to Ask Candidates When Hiring for Remote Roles

27 Dec 2024

So, you’re hiring for remote roles? Kudos, besh! In the post-pandemic world, remote jobs in the Philippines have become the holy grail of career opportunities. Honestly, who doesn’t want to wake up, roll out of bed (in pajama pants, of course), and just click “join meeting” instead of dealing with traffic, right? Well, before you hire your next remote superstar, let’s make sure you ask the right questions.

You can’t just hire anyone and expect them to crush it at home—no, no, no, bes. Remote work is a whole different ball game. It’s not just about having a decent Wi-Fi connection and a comfy chair. To find the real gems, you need to dig deeper. So, let’s get into the 5 key questions that’ll help you find the perfect match for your work from home jobs in the Philippines.

1. "How do you stay organized and keep track of tasks when working remotely?"

Alright, we all know that working from home can be a little… chaotic. 🌀 No one’s judging you if you find yourself staring at your screen, wondering what exactly you were supposed to do today (yep, guilty). But seriously, organization is key when you’re working remotely. And guess what? If they don’t have a clear plan to stay on top of things, it’s a red flag.

Look for candidates who have systems in place—whether it’s a calendar app, a to-do list, or even a fancy productivity tool. Because let’s face it, if they can’t organize their own work from home setup, what makes you think they’ll handle your company’s goals with finesse? 🧐

Pro Tip: A good answer should include things like “I use Google Calendar and Trello to track deadlines” or “I make sure to break down large tasks into smaller, manageable chunks every day.”

2. "What’s your Wi-Fi situation like? And do you have a backup plan?"

Hold up, bes. I know what you’re thinking: “This is a dumb question.” No, it’s not. Internet issues are the bane of every remote worker’s existence. And guess what? If they don’t have a stable Wi-Fi connection and a backup plan in place, you’re going to find yourself scrambling every time Zoom calls freeze or Slack messages don’t send. 💻💨

Do they have a reliable internet service provider? Do they have a backup mobile hotspot in case their Wi-Fi goes down? These are things you need to know before hiring someone for a remote role. After all, no one wants to have a 3-hour meeting with a black screen and no audio (thanks, glitchy Wi-Fi).

Pro Tip: If they don’t mention a backup plan, politely ask what they’ll do if their internet conks out. You’re setting them up for success here, bestie.

3. "How do you handle distractions when working from home?"

Ah, distractions. 🍕🍔🍟 We’ve all been there—whether it’s your neighbor blasting karaoke at 3 PM, your mom barging in with snacks (as if you weren’t already full from lunch), or your pet demanding attention while you’re in the middle of a meeting. Remote work sounds dreamy, but it can quickly become a circus if you’re not careful. 🎪

You need someone who can work through those distractions, not just give up and grab the remote for Netflix. Ask your candidates how they handle it when distractions arise and what their environment looks like. Do they have a dedicated office space or are they working from their bed? (If it’s the latter, proceed with caution. 😅)

Pro Tip: Look for answers like: “I make sure to communicate my working hours with my family” or “I set boundaries, use noise-canceling headphones, and take regular breaks to avoid burnout.”

4. "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge while working remotely. How did you handle it?"

Ah, challenges. They’ll pop up whether you’re working remotely or in the office. But guess what? Working from home comes with its own unique set of challenges. From tech hiccups to miscommunications, remote workers have to know how to navigate problems without running to the nearest desk buddy for help.

If your candidate can’t recall a single time they faced a challenge in their past remote role (or worse, if they make it sound like everything is always sunshine and rainbows), you might want to rethink that hire. A good candidate will share a real experience and explain how they resolved it with a solution-oriented mindset.

Pro Tip: Look for answers that show resilience and problem-solving skills. For example: “When my internet went out during a crucial client call, I immediately switched to my mobile hotspot, and I followed up with the client later to ensure they were happy with the outcome.”

5. "How do you maintain communication and collaboration with your team when working remotely?"

If you’re hiring someone for work from home jobs in the Philippines, communication is key, darling. Without it, your remote team will quickly start feeling isolated, like a bunch of unsupervised toddlers. 👶🏼📞

Remote workers need to be comfortable with online communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Google Meet. But more importantly, they need to be proactive. Ask them how they ensure they stay connected with the team and how they handle tasks that require collaboration.

Pro Tip: Look for candidates who have a clear understanding of how to keep communication smooth and are comfortable using a variety of tools to stay in the loop.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Dream Remote Worker (aka, Let’s Get This Remote Show On the Road!)

Hiring for remote roles isn’t just about finding someone who can type 100 words per minute and has a Wi-Fi connection. No, no—what you need is a proactive, adaptable, and well-organized individual who thrives in a flexible, independent environment. So, bes, before you say “yes” to that job offer, make sure they’re answering your questions with confidence, commitment, and the right skills to make your remote team unstoppable.

Now, go ahead and find that work-from-home gem that’ll take your company to new heights. You deserve it, and so do they.