Hiring International Remote Staff: 5 Things US Companies Should Check

Hiring remote staff from outside the US can give you strong people at a lower cost. It works best when you check a few things before making an offer.

1. English and communication

For any role that talks to customers or coordinates work, test communication directly. Hold a video interview, ask the candidate to walk you through past work, and request a short written sample, such as a customer update email.

2. Availability in your time zone

Confirm exactly which hours they can work in your time zone, and whether that schedule is realistic for them long term. Overnight schedules that look fine at first are a common cause of turnover.

3. Equipment and internet

Ask what computer they use, how fast and reliable their internet is, and what their backup plan is for a power or connection outage.

4. How you'll pay them

Many US companies hire international remote workers as independent contractors and pay through an international payment service. Foreign contractors usually provide IRS Form W-8BEN instead of a W-9. Rules vary, so check with your accountant before setting up payment.

5. System access and security

Decide which systems each person needs, give everyone their own login rather than shared passwords, and remove access promptly when someone leaves.

Let us handle the screening

Labor Doctor screens every candidate on English level, experience, availability and work setup before we introduce them. Candidates never pay a fee, and companies pay only when they hire. Tell us about your role.