Empowering global talent: insights from a remote work evangelist

Can you introduce yourself and your role at Crossover?

I'm Andrew Allen, the VP of Marketing at Crossover. I work for a company that specializes in remote work recruitment within the tech industry. My journey to Crossover was quite unique—I used to work in Broadway in New York City before the pandemic hit, prompting me to move back to New Zealand. When I stumbled upon the opportunity at Crossover, it just felt like the perfect fit, and here I am, still loving what I do three years later.

Can you tell us about Crossover and its unique role in the remote work landscape?

Crossover is a remote work recruiter primarily focused on the tech sector. We were founded with the foresight that remote work was going to become increasingly prevalent due to advancements in technology like internet speed, cloud-operated software, and improved connectivity worldwide. Our mission is to connect companies with the best talent globally, rather than limiting themselves to local talent pools. We tackle challenges such as vetting and verifying applicants to ensure they're the right fit for remote work.

How does Crossover ensure the quality and authenticity of remote workers?

One of our key challenges is trust and identity verification, especially in a remote work setting where traditional cues like handshakes and in-person interactions are absent. We've encountered various fraud attempts, from outsourcing job tasks to moonlighting multiple jobs simultaneously. To address these challenges, we've implemented rigorous vetting processes and partnered with Veriff for identity verification solutions. Veriff's technology helps us ensure that the individuals we hire are genuine and qualified, regardless of their geographical location.

What's the cost of not verifying users?

Our product would fall apart if we couldn't verify that we were actually hiring the best people in the world and not just the people who were the best at gaming the tests. It's mission critical for us; without it, our business model would collapse in days.

How does remote work impact traditional hiring practices, and what opportunities does it present?

Remote work allows companies to tap into a global talent pool and access the best talent regardless of location. This shift towards a global talent economy benefits both companies and individuals. Companies can find top-tier talent at competitive rates, while individuals have access to opportunities they might not have locally. However, remote hiring requires robust systems for identity verification and trust-building, which is where solutions like Veriff come into play.

Can you discuss the future of remote work and the challenges it may present?

As remote work continues to evolve, we anticipate a shift towards a more globalized talent market. The most talented individuals will have access to premium job opportunities worldwide, leading to a widening gap between top performers and others. Challenges such as fraud and identity verification will persist, but with advancements in AI and technology, we're confident in our ability to navigate these challenges and continue providing value to both clients and workers.

Discover Crossover's bi-weekly Out of Office podcast, hosted by Andrew.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.