Is it important for teams that will work remotely to have prior experience with this in the hiring?

nah, but seniority matters I believe.

When people have experience working remotely, they are familiar with the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. They understand how to manage their time, stay motivated, and communicate effectively without being physically present in an office. This experience can make remote team members more adaptable and better prepared for remote work, which can lead to smoother and more productive collaborations. In essence, prior remote work experience can be a valuable asset because it indicates that the individual has the skills and discipline needed to succeed in a remote work environment. However, it's not the only factor to consider, and other skills and qualifications should also be taken into account during the hiring process.

I honestly don't think a prior remote work experience should be among the main factors to consider when hiring someone. True, depending on the position and tasks, I'd try to evaluate the candidate's work environment when having an interview and if needed, ask to prove the internet speed. Otherwise, I wouldn't judge harshly and would never eliminate someone's CV solely based on the "absence" of remote work experience. I see your points but then, again, how can we prove that a prior remote experience strengthened someone's self-motivation and time management skills?

Self-motivation and discipline: Remote work requires individuals to be self-motivated, manage their time effectively, and stay focused without direct supervision. Those with prior remote work experience are generally more familiar with the self-discipline needed to work independently. Communication and collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration are crucial in remote work settings. Prior experience with remote work can indicate an ability to communicate effectively through digital channels, use collaboration tools, and overcome potential barriers to remote communication. Remote work tools and technology: Remote work often relies heavily on various digital tools and technology for communication, project management, and collaboration. Candidates with prior remote work experience may already be familiar with these tools, reducing the learning curve and potential disruptions. Adaptability and autonomy: Remote work requires individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances, take initiative, and work autonomously. Prior experience in a remote work setting can demonstrate an ability to adapt to different work environments and handle the autonomy that comes with remote work.

I agree with you. Experienced communication goes better

For US companies outsourcing IT work to countries like India, LATAM, or Europe, it's crucial to consider remote work experience when hiring IT staff augmentation companies. Prior experience in remote work can significantly impact the success of these collaborations. Importance of Prior Remote Work Experience: Efficiency: Teams experienced in remote work are more likely to adapt quickly to virtual environments, ensuring efficient project execution. Communication: Familiarity with remote tools and practices leads to better communication, reducing the risk of misunderstandings or delays. Productivity: Remote-experienced teams tend to maintain higher productivity levels, keeping projects on track. Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding cultural nuances is key when outsourcing to different regions, minimizing conflicts and misunderstandings. Time Zones: Remote work veterans can navigate time zone differences effectively, ensuring continuous collaboration. In summary, prior remote work experience is vital for IT staff augmentation companies, especially when US firms outsource to diverse regions, as it enhances productivity, communication, and cultural adaptability. More:https://www.borderlessmind.com/

Sometimes, even remote experience with education, courses, or workshop participation can help you determine if the candidate ENJOYS remote interaction. While development-related roles, such as those in software factories, have traditionally been remote, fully remote jobs for other positions have become more prevalent since the pandemic. Consequently, not everyone has had the chance to gain experience with them. We need to find alternatives to assess if they will be able to adapt!

I concur with your perspective. Effective communication is more successful when seasoned with experience.