What Remote Hiring Managers Actually Look for in Candidates
May 06, 2025
Today we sit down with Brittany Rastsmith, a hiring and onboarding strategist with a unique perspective—having been on both sides of the remote work hiring table.
She helps businesses build solid onboarding foundations but has also been a job seeker navigating the remote job market. This dual experience allows a well-rounded view of what truly matters when it comes to standing out as a remote candidate.
Let’s unpack what hiring managers are really looking for—from clear communication and tech confidence to the ability to self-manage and contribute to a remote company’s culture. Often-overlooked details that can make or break a candidate’s chances, like how they show up during the interview process, what questions they ask, and how they demonstrate remote-readiness are also shared.
If you’ve ever wondered how to position yourself for a remote role—or how to identify the right person to hire—this interview is packed with practical insights.
Interview Highlights:
- What’s Different About Remote Hiring?
Brittany explains that remote hiring requires more than just job-specific skills. “You're not just being hired to do a task,” she says. “You’re being hired to integrate into a digital ecosystem where communication, trust, and initiative matter a lot more.” - How Job Seekers Can Stand Out
One of Brittany’s top tips: Show, don’t just tell. “You can't just say you're detail oriented. You must demonstrate it—through how you write your application, how you handle scheduling, and even how you show up for the interview.” - The Importance of Self-Awareness
She points out that remote work demands a level of self-awareness many candidates overlook. “I love it when someone says, ‘Here's how I stay organized,’ or ‘I know I do better when I have clear expectations.’ That tells me they've worked remotely before—or at least they know how they operate best.” - Red Flags for Hiring Managers
When Camille asks what turns hiring managers off, Brittany doesn’t hesitate: “Vagueness. If a candidate doesn’t know what they want or can’t articulate why they’re a fit for remote work, it makes it really hard to trust they’ll thrive in a remote setting.” - Advice for Business Owners Hiring Remotely
Brittany encourages small business owners to slow down and build intentional hiring systems. “Don’t wing it,” she says. “Have a clear process, communicate expectations up front, and think beyond the resume. You want someone who can collaborate, not just someone who looks good on paper.” - What Brittany Looks for in an Ideal Remote Teammate
“I look for people who can own their role, but still know how to stay connected,” Brittany says. “Remote doesn’t mean isolated. The best team members communicate early and often—and they’re not afraid to ask questions.”
Key Takeaways:
- Remote hiring is about more than skills—communication, self-management, and culture fit are equally important.
- Candidates who demonstrate qualities like organization and follow-through stand out more than those who just talk about them.
- Self-awareness and the ability to reflect on your own work style are green flags for hiring managers.
- Business owners should develop a thoughtful hiring process instead of rushing to fill a role.
- Remote teams thrive when members balance independence with consistent communication.
- Whether you’re applying or hiring, clarity is key - vagueness is a red flag on both sides.
Listen to the full episode for deeper insights into what it takes to succeed in today’s remote hiring landscape—whether you're looking for your next opportunity or your next great team member.
Brittany Rastsmith is a Remote Systems & Operations Consultant and the founder of Bloom Remote. She helps early-stage founders build remote teams that do the day-to-day work better than they could themselves, freeing them up to focus on the work only they can do. From scalable hiring and onboarding to communication and performance systems, she helps remote startups grow without chaos. Brittany is also a founding member of the Future of Work Alliance, a collective reimagining work to be more sustainable, effective, and human. Learn more at bloomremote.com or connect with her on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/brittanyrastsmith.
Host Camille Attell is a remote work strategist, career coach, and the host of The Remote Work Retirement Show. After leaving a 20-year corporate career, she transitioned to a flexible, location-independent lifestyle and has since helped thousands of professionals do the same. Through her Remote Work School program, Camille empowers mid-career professionals and retirees to find meaningful remote work opportunities, build financial security, and design a work-life on their own terms.
Take her FREE remote work training:
www.camilleattell.com/remote-training
Learn how to leverage your digital products or service:
www.camilleattell.com/remoteworkschool
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