Many EU employers are currently looking to hire from abroad, and for good reason.
According to the Employment and Social Developments in Europe (ESDE) report 2023, there’s a lack of workers in various EU industries. It is a persistent issue, especially in fields like construction, healthcare, science, ICT, and STEM.
However, if you’ve never hired foreign employees before, the process doesn’t seem like an easy feat.
How can you reach foreign workers? What’s the best way to assess their skills? Is a visa or work permit required?
In this article, we provide a summary of the key steps in recruiting foreign talent. We’ll cover everything from legal requirements to the arrival of foreign workers in Europe.
How to Hire from Abroad: Navigating the 7 Steps
For any business looking to hire from abroad, we recommend the following steps:
1. Create a clear candidate profile
Begin by confirming the profile of the ideal candidate. Make sure you outline key tasks, qualifications, and experience. This will help you create an accurate job description and whittle out unsuitable candidates.
2. Check if you need to conduct a labor market test
Some EU countries require employers to check the availability of local workers before hiring from outside the EU. Typically, this involves publishing the job ad on governmental websites and public employment agencies for a specific period.
3. Consider the legal framework
Before advertising the vacancy abroad, you must inform yourself about the employment regulations in your country. Do you need to apply for a worker permit to hire from abroad? Do they need a visa? Make sure you check out our legal resources to get a glimpse into the international employment laws in your country.
4. Advertise your job vacancy abroad
Ensure you tailor your job ad to the target audience and present it in English. The easiest way to advertise your job vacancy internationally is to use a recruiting platform such as VideoWorkers. This way, you can connect directly with talented professionals who are ready to move abroad for work.
5. Evaluate candidate abilities
When candidates are located abroad, it may seem difficult to assess their true skills. Yet, with VideoWorkers, assessing candidate skills is easier than ever. Each candidate profile on the platform includes a short demo video showcasing their skills. This provides valuable insights into their genuine abilities.
6. Hire and onboard successful candidates
The next step involves issuing an offer letter, collecting necessary documents, and initiating the legal process of relocation. When you hire from abroad, make sure you clearly outline the expenses covered by the employer. Such expenses may include accommodation, visa procedures, meal tickets, etc.
7. Help your foreign employee in their everyday life
After onboarding your new hire, make sure you help them integrate into society. In many instances, obtaining an ID card and setting up a bank account is mandatory. Offering this assistance is crucial for their seamless integration.
Access More Resources
Read up on these guides to ensure the best international hiring experience ever: