How We Hire At Canonical

Summary

In this insightful discussion, Hannah Newborn, Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Canonical, and CEO Mark Shuttleworth delve into the company's unique remote hiring process. They emphasize the balance of remote work and in-person collaboration, the importance of cultural diversity, and the meticulous selection process that includes written interviews and psychometric testing. The conversation highlights Canonical's commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional global talent while maintaining a strong company culture.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Canonical has been operating remotely for 18 years, fostering a global talent pool.
• 🤝 The company combines remote work with twice-yearly in-person team gatherings to enhance collaboration and camaraderie.
• 📈 Canonical is in a growth mode, aiming to scale its talent acquisition while maintaining a high standard of quality in hiring.
• 🌟 The hiring process at Canonical is designed to be fair and consistent, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates.
• 🏡 Successful remote work at Canonical is attributed to intrinsic motivation, organizational skills, and the ability to demonstrate expertise.
• 📝 A unique written interview process allows candidates to showcase their skills and motivations beyond a traditional resume.
• 🔍 The hiring process includes psychometric testing to objectively assess candidates' strengths and weaknesses.
• 🤔 Candidates are given the opportunity to interview the company, ensuring it's a good fit for both parties.
• 👥 Hiring leads at Canonical are experienced individuals from various departments, responsible for the entire recruitment process.
• 🔄 The company's hiring model encourages a fluid exchange of talent between roles, finding the best fit for both the candidate and Canonical.

Q & A

What is the role of Hannah in Canonical?

Hannah is the Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Canonical.

How long has Canonical been operating with a remote work model?

Canonical has been working remotely for 18 years.

What does Canonical do to foster team collaboration and bonding in a remote environment?

Canonical brings teams together twice a year in different locations to work both within and across teams, promoting camaraderie and collaboration.

What is Canonical's approach to scaling its talent pool while maintaining a remote work culture?

Canonical is in growth mode and is focused on attracting and selecting talent globally, ensuring a good fit for both the company and the individual.

What does Mark Shuttleworth believe is the key to Canonical's success with remote work?

The key to Canonical's success is the combination of remote work with periodic in-person team gatherings to facilitate bonding and planning.

What does Canonical look for in potential hires to ensure they fit well within the organization?

Canonical looks for individuals who are intrinsically motivated, organized, and able to demonstrate their skills and leadership abilities.

How does Canonical's hiring process differ from traditional hiring processes?

Canonical's process includes a written interview, psychometric testing, and panel interviews, with a focus on understanding the candidate's motivations and skills beyond their resume.

What is the purpose of Canonical's written interview in the hiring process?

The written interview is designed to assess a candidate's intrinsic motivation, skills, leadership experience, and long-term career aspirations.

How does Canonical ensure a fair and consistent hiring process for candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds?

Canonical uses a structured process that anonymizes the written interview to minimize cultural bias and focuses on the candidate's demonstrated competence and fit for the role.

What is the role of a Hiring Lead at Canonical?

A Hiring Lead at Canonical is responsible for the entire recruitment process, from identifying needs to making the final hiring decision, ensuring the best fit for the team.

How does Canonical's hiring process support the growth and maintenance of its culture and quality standards?

The process is designed to be rigorous and methodical, allowing for a deep understanding of candidates and ensuring they align with Canonical's culture and quality standards.