Rapid Response: Remote teams as an intentional choice, w/Wences Casares of Xapo

Global Recruiting

Recruiting talent globally presents unique challenges, especially when traditional geographic constraints are removed. Wences Casares explains that most recruiting tools are designed to search within specific locations, making it difficult to conduct a global search. As a result, Xapo has had to innovate by tweaking existing tools to identify potential candidates based on profiles rather than locations. This approach has led to a more diverse pool of applicants, but also requires more effort in sifting through candidates before interviews 1.

   

Bias Mitigation

Remote hiring processes can unintentionally introduce biases, which Wences Casares has experienced firsthand. He notes that traditional interviews often lead to unconscious biases, such as judging candidates based on their language proficiency or speaking style. To mitigate this, Xapo has experimented with chat-only interviews, which focus on written communication skills, a crucial aspect of remote work 1.

It has surprised me of my own unconscious biases. Right. I think that by doing that, we've hired some people that maybe if I had seen them or heard them, we would have nothing reasons.

--- Wences Casares

This method has allowed them to hire talented individuals who might have been overlooked in a traditional interview setting.

   

Interview Innovations

Innovations in the interview process are essential for effective remote hiring. Wences Casares shares that Xapo has adopted Zoom for interviews, which works well for initial screenings. However, they have also explored chat-only interviews for certain positions, which align better with the communication style required for remote work. This approach not only reduces biases but also emphasizes the importance of written communication in a remote setting 1.

Most communications for most positions happen on chat and on email. So judging how people communicate there makes a lot of sense for some of these positions.

--- Wences Casares

Such innovations have proven beneficial in identifying candidates who excel in remote communication.