Most people don’t automatically consider hiring someone from outside the country. This is because it’s easier to focus on people who are located nearby. This makes it easier to set up interviews; the person you’re trying to reach is only going to be one phone call away. You don’t have to take time differences into consideration. And it’s so much easier to judge a person when they’re sitting right in front of you as opposed to when you can only see their face on a computer.
Still, it’s a good idea to keep in mind that sometimes, it’s better to go outside your comfort zone. Take that extra step to ensure that you get the best candidate possible. This can be done by considering talent from various countries.
It may be difficult to attract and retain highly skilled professionals such as doctors, scientists and engineers from different countries but eventually, you may find that it’s worth it. The global mobility of talent, sometimes referred to as brain drain/gain, is actually a positive phenomenon which opens up your choices. So here are a few things you need to keep in mind when you’re hiring a professional from a different country:
Competitive Packages
The idea behind hiring talent from other countries is not just to find someone on the cheap! In fact, this is the last reason why you should be thinking about recruiting globally.
The main thing, when hiring someone who will be relocating to come to you, is to offer them a competitive package. Believe it or not, professionals from different countries are capable of doing the research needed to find out whether they’re getting a good deal.
If, for any reason, you’re offering less than what a company similar to yours in a different country is offering, you need to explain why. It’s possible that you have a valid reason, such as the fact that there’s a really low cost of living in your city or country.
Easing the Transition
Another great way to help out professionals you’re hiring from different countries is by easing their transition. People remember it when companies do little things to help them out, such as sending a car and driver to the airport, arranging temporary housing, helping them to find permanent housing, arranging for a tour of the city etc.
It also helps to assign someone in your company to make your new hire comfortable. That person can be responsible for answering the new hire’s questions, at a professional and personal level. For example, anyone moving to a new city or country may want to know good spots to eat, socialize and meet new people. The person you’ve assigned can help them with these little but invaluable things.
Creating a Diverse Company Culture
Another great way to encourage global talent to join you and be happy in your workplace is by creating a diverse company culture. Think of it this way: there’s a reason why immigrants to the U.S. prefer to live in big cities such as New York. They want to be surrounded by people who, like themselves, are different from the norm. They like to look around them and see people of different nationalities and ethnic groups. It makes them feel like they’re not alone.
When you live or work in a place that’s dominated by one race, class or gender and you’re the only one who’s out of place, you feel like you don’t belong. And that’s the one thing that no one wants to feel. Everyone wants to be accepted. So make sure that your new hires from around the world feel that way.
