HOW TO RECRUIT AND HIRE THROUGH CORONAVIRUS

Even though the market has changed on a dime, a lot of organizations are still hiring. However, we can’t rely on the same approaches we used even two months ago. Recruiters and businesses must be mindful of the current situation and adapt accordingly.

If you’re recruiting or hiring, we have some tips and considerations to help you out.

REMEMBER THAT THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO CONNECT WITH TALENT

Whether we’re on the recruiting or hiring side, we must acknowledge that we’re in a very unusual labor market. On the one hand, we have record numbers of unemployed individuals eager to find work. On the other hand, qualified professionals that are gainfully employed may be wary of switching jobs.

While many candidates will hesitate to consider new opportunities, we have to remember that this is a great time to connect. With so many professionals working from home, they now have more flexibility than ever to answer messages and phone calls.

For many recruiting teams, this is an excellent opportunity to build or strengthen a talent pipeline. Now is a great time to connect with candidates, build a bit of a relationship, and position yourself for recruiting success down the road. This is not to say that you can’t actively recruit, just that pipelining is another way to make the best of the situation if candidates aren’t biting.

OFFER PERSONAL ATTENTION, CLARITY AND CERTAINTY WHEN POSSIBLE

It goes without saying that this is a time of historic uncertainty. People are uneasy about what comes next with the pandemic, the lockdowns, the economy, and so forth. Our teams should always be mindful of providing an excellent candidate experience, but it’s especially important right now.

In order to offer candidates a positive experience, we need to keep the current environment in mind. Amid all this uncertainty and fear, we have an opportunity to build goodwill and trust. Whenever possible, we should take care to give candidates personal attention. It’s probably best to pause any automated messaging and add personal notes where possible.

Additionally, clarity and certainty go a long way. It’s important to be forthright with candidates about where we stand and what comes next in the process. If things are in limbo, we can send them regular updates so they know we haven’t forgot.

By showing candidates we care, we can strengthen our employer brand and our talent pipeline.

BE PREPARED FOR REMOTE ONBOARDING

Onboarding is a crucial step in positioning an employee for success and boosting retention. However, onboarding can be hard enough during ordinary circumstances – let alone if your company is on lockdown.

Make sure to set aside some time to convert your onboarding program for remote work. Most candidates will forgive you if you make concessions, but we should still strive to provide a great experience.

It’s important to take steps to make new hires feel connected to the team and company. Invite them to virtual happy hours or coffee breaks. Assign a “buddy” for new hires to check in and chat with them. Whatever you do, don’t just let them get lost in the hustle and bustle of the workday.

RECRUITING AND HIRING HAVEN’T STOPPED

As much as it feels like the sky is falling, the truth is that many companies are still bringing on new hires. Furthermore, the teams that are succeeding at recruiting and hiring are rapidly adapting to the situation. This pandemic sucks but there are still opportunities available and it is a chance to add greater value.

If you’re looking for more advice on hiring and recruiting through the coronavirus, give us a call today. We’re happy to offer consultations with no strings attached for any of your talent questions or challenges.

Click below to access our Crisis Survival Kit. The kit is a resource that we created to help you adapt to change, craft a plan, and achieve long term success during this uncertain time.  

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