6 Tips for Effectively Hiring Remote Engineering Teams [Updated!]

With only 16% of companies worldwide working fully remotely, hiring remote engineering teams requires smarter strategies than ever before. It's about building a distributed squad that works together, even though they're far apart.

Tip #1: Communication Kings & Queens

Forget crystal balls and prioritize crystal-clear communication. When words are your office walls, engineers who express complex tech concepts like they're explaining memes to grandma are gold. 

Written skills matter too, so look for folks who can craft emails that sing (not snore). Bonus points for remote tool wizardry!

Tip #2: Think Global, Code Local (or Wherever They Code Best)

It’s a known fact that 77% of tech talent prefer remote work to moving for a job. Toss the globe, because remote work lets you tap talent from Timbuktu to Tokyo! Embrace the diversity this brings – not just in backgrounds, but in perspectives and skills.

Imagine the code magic that happens when a Brazilian whiz kid teams up with a Finnish coding Viking!

Tip #3: Self-Motivators, Assemble!

Remote work's all about taking the reins. So, ditch the micromanagement and seek self-starters who crush deadlines like Thanos crushes grapes. 

Look for a track record of independent work and a fire in their belly (figuratively, of course – laptop explosions are bad for morale). When it comes to hiring remote engineering teams, self-motivators are your MVPs. Look for engineers who don't wait for direction, they bring the energy, initiative, and follow-through from day one.

Tip #4: Test for Skills

Don't let fancy resumes fool you. Throw down the gauntlet with tough technical assessments. 

Coding tests, cognitive aptitude tests, even project-based challenges – whatever helps cream rise to the surface. When you make sure they're tailored to the role, you’ll find engineers who can actually walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

Tip #5: Remote Work Warriors Get Bonus Points

According to Owl Labs, 62% of remote workers believe they are more productive than in an office setting. Experience is the best teacher, and when it comes to remote work, that's doubly true.

Look for candidates who've already mastered the art of virtual collaboration, managing their time like time-traveling ninjas. They'll hit the ground running and show the newbies the ropes (digitally, of course).

Tip #6: Tech Up Your Recruiting Game

Embrace the future, baby! AI-powered screening tools can sift through applications like a Roomba on coffee grounds, which makes recruiting remote engineers ultra-fast.

Virtual interview platforms make face-to-face (well, screen-to-screen) chats a breeze. And let's not forget digital assessment tools – they're like cheat codes for evaluating skills without the paper cuts.

Modern tools have taken the guesswork out of hiring remote engineering teams. With the right tech stack, you can source, assess, and onboard top engineers from anywhere in the world - fast.

Build a Culture of Connection

It's not just about skills. Invest in building a vibrant remote culture where everyone feels valued and connected. 

Virtual team-building activities, casual online hangouts, and even just recognizing awesome work publicly – these little things go a long way in keeping your remote squad happy and productive.

With these tips in your arsenal, you'll be building dream engineering teams that crush deadlines, write cleaner code than Marie Kondo's apartment, and make your company the envy of the tech world. 

Hiring remote engineering teams is no longer just possible - it’s a key superpower. Use these tips to build a global squad that codes, collaborates, and conquers from every corner of the map.