2020 saw some unprecedented times and the challenges we have faced are finally coming to a halt, but the aftermath is truly underway. Recruiting is completely different to how it was a few years ago. In a post-pandemic world, there has been a huge disruption in recruitment. We have recognised 5 hiring trends that all recruiters should follow.
1. Increase in remote working
There is a surge of virtually hiring candidates to work remotely and employers are finally being more lenient with what they expect from their prospective employees. After gaining an insight into the world of remote work during lockdown, many companies are offering more flexibility with working from home. According to a survey put forth in February of this year by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), 45% of people felt that working from home was better for their health and wellbeing. Employers who are open to adapting to this new flexible approach are more likely to fill their open vacancies in a quick timeframe.
2. Hybrid recruiting
On the topic of remote work, interviews and onboarding processes have remained virtual to minimise time and costs. By using platforms like Zoom, interviewers can efficiently record calls with candidates (with their permission, of course) and share this with other hiring managers to reduce the time spent interviewing and screening potential employees. As the vaccine continues to be rolled out, it is imperative that both existing employees and prospects are kept safe. This involves finetuning the technology that companies use to ensure that interviews run smoothly and effectively. However, as video interviews and online assessments leave little room to understand body language or connect in a meaningful way, training is likely to remain in-person as it can be difficult to integrate new starters into a team over the internet.
3. Diversity and inclusion
The movement for racial justice has seen employers striving to take meaningful action in ensuring racial equality in the workplace. This can be done by introducing ‘blind’ applications which omit details such as gender, age, and disability, ensuring diverse interview panels, and implementing a strong workplace policy to prevent discrimination.
4. Soft skills
As the talent pool is in decline, focusing on soft skills is paramount to employers. Maintaining existing client relationships and acquiring new business is pivotal – and this is something which training can achieve. There is also a surge in internal recruitment as employers become more open to developing their existing employees by offering training for other roles within the company. Skills such as problem solving, great communication, time management, and adaptability are particularly sought after right now, especially with the effects of the pandemic demonstrating that many people have become unfamiliar with face-to-face socialising and working within a team.
5. Employer branding
In order to be more relatable and appealing to prospective employees, companies are making it a point to practice empathy. This sees employers asking more questions and engaging with candidates to take feedback on board and provide candidates with what they want.
While the goal of attracting and securing the best talent still remains the same, it is important as a recruiter to keep up with such trends.