How COVID Will Change the Recruiting Industry

By Brittany Loeffler on November 21, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed quite a bit in our world. One of the things that has changed is the recruiting industry. While many (if not all) businesses and industries have had to make sacrifices, new plans, and adapt to new rules and societal expectations. This includes practicing social distancing, keeping up with hygiene, and an increase in working remotely.

The recruiting industry has had to change with the times and there are some changes that are here to stay. Some of these changes may even be for the best and a benefit of the pandemic. Here is how the industry may have changed forever.

recruiting

via Pixabay

Virtual Recruiting

Going virtual has made things much easier for many people. They no longer have to commute to meetings, wasting time and gasoline to travel. People also aren’t restricted by their location. So, you can expect the new virtual aspect of recruiting to stay once the pandemic ends.

Get used to hosting Zoom meetings, emailing and messaging your recruits, and using online platforms to network build your network. This also goes for the clients you work with.

You may have to adapt to new processes and structure when recruiting virtually, but once you’ve perfected them you may find that you prefer it.

More Remote Positions to Fill

Before the pandemic, you probably had a lot of in-office positions to fill for your clients. After the pandemic, you will have a lot more remote positions available. Now that employers have seen that most jobs can be done remotely and how it can even save them business expenses.

This also means you have a bigger group to recruit from because the position isn’t based in a certain location, the entire country (or world) opens up to you.

Employers Will Offer More Benefits

We have seen just how important healthcare and employee benefits are during the pandemic. Employers will likely choose to provide more benefits to their employees including better healthcare, mental health services, better hygienic practices, and more days for sick leave.

These benefits can help you when recruiting. Your recruits will be more likely to work for an employer that takes care of their employees than one that doesn’t offer good benefits. This means your clients become more attractive to your prospects, helping you fill more positions.

The Hiring Process Will Change

Get ready for a change in the hiring process, especially when hiring for a remote role. Companies will have to rethink their processes for interviewing and onboarding. Usually, a new hire would come into the office and have an orientation of the office and practices. Now, especially when it comes to remote positions, you will have to find a new orientation process that can be done virtually.

Another challenge employers will face is connecting and building relationships with new team members when they may not all be in the office at once. As a recruiter, you may be tasked with introducing and making these connections when your recruit first starts.

Hire More Contractors for Short Term Roles

Let’s face it, the economy is pretty tumultuous right now. Nobody knows when there is going to be another lockdown and other restrictions that may be imposed. Companies and businesses are worried about hiring new employees only to lay them off when things get tough again.

You will probably find yourself recruiting contractors and freelancers for short term roles and projects rather than full-time employees. In some ways, this may make your job easier as freelancers don’t have to commit their lives to the company, which can make their decision to work for your client easier.

You’ll Have to Learn New Skills

As a recruiter, you are always learning new skills to improve your recruiting process and finding great applicants. However, with the pandemic, you’re going to learn even more new skills. The most important skill to have during these times is adaptability. Adapting to new processes, restrictions, and recruitment techniques is essential to keep your business strong.

Open your mind to learning new skills and take the time to practice and perfect them.

Recruiting Beyond COVID

The recruiting industry changes quite often, but it has especially been impacted by change during the COVID pandemic. Adaptability is the name of the game and recruiters should get used to changing their habits and processes. Once the pandemic ends, there are certain changes that will probably be here to stay. This includes virtual recruiting with Zoom meetings and online networking. It can also include an increase in remote positions to fill now that employers see that they can still be productive when their employees work from home. You’ll also find yourself looking for more contractors and freelancers for short term roles. Lastly, you will need to learn new skills to keep up with this forever changing industry.

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