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KEY POINTS:

• The COVID-19 pandemic is creating challenges for businesses, particularly with recruitment as employers are scrambling to get ahead of changes
• Although the search for talent may be put on hold for now, when the economy shows signs of recovery, recruitment can slowly pick up again — though it may not look the same
• The online hiring process will become a bigger part of recruitment and will continue to do so for quite a long time
• Referral programs are something to consider when thinking about how to hire post-pandemic with minimal risks
• Through "scouts" or external recruiters, the recruitment process can be truly streamlined

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The pandemic has shaken the workforce ecosystem to its core. The threats of layoffs and business closure loom, and those who are fortunate enough to continue operations still experience COVID-19's impact through restrictions that force most to stay home and continue business from there.

Employers are scrambling to get ahead of the changes: the pivot to digital, dramatic shifts of customer habits, and new kinds of demands. The anxiety is shared by employees, too. It's an unfortunate time to get laid off — for most companies, hiring has gone down the priority ladder.

With this massive situation happening, it is extremely hard to even imagine the resumption of the hiring process but, as everything will eventually do, it will resume. The question of when seems to still be a tricky one as of now, but it undoubtedly will in time.  

The search for talent may be put on hold for now but as economies show signs of recovery, recruitment can slowly pick up again — though it may not look the same.

It’s unlike that our anti-pandemic restrictions, on the personal level, will leave us too quickly. These changes will be part of “the new normal,” where protection and distancing are the priority in every interaction moving forward.

 

This is what recruitment can look like:

 

Going Digital

"Adapting is part of growth, and we'll soon see how business find their footing online."

 

Over the months in lockdown, we turned to digital and have embraced it. We found ways to move as much of our work, and even our personal lives, online. Video conferencing became a staple of work, and office interaction moved to email and chat platforms.

Businesses are focused on making the most out of digital, and rightly so. Moving internal operations like task management, employee engagement and evaluations, and even talent acquisition online in such a short window isn't ideal for anyone. But adapting is part of growth, and we'll soon see how business find their footing online.

From here we'll see online hiring become an even bigger part of work. It will most likely take over the earlier phases of the hiring process and will continue to do so for quite a long time.

 

Referrals as the future of hiring 

"As the usual process is replaced by a more digital approach, referral programs may see more adoption as well."

 

The pandemic has caused a new strain and hesitation when it comes to personal interaction. This has also impacted the conventional hiring process which usually includes face-to-face meetings.

As the usual process is replaced by a more digital approach, referral programs may see more adoption as well.

Referral programs generally stay as an internal program within the company where employees who are familiar enough with the values and desired attitudes that will be needed to succeed and grow can actually recommend and refer someone they know from their network for a position. 

Not only is the company culture more likely to be preserved, but quality hires are much more likely to fill in the spot because they are already pre-screened by the employee who referred them. 

However, referral programs have grown to exist beyond the company alone. Online referrals provide a more efficient pool of potential talent as individuals who can refer someone have a better idea of who they’re referring is a culture (and responsibility) fit. There are also people who do this professionally (let's call them scouts), who come from different backgrounds and industries that can help a company fill roles and responsibilities with quality hires.

An amazing platform that offers this diverse pool of scouts is Recruitday. It offers both opportunities to get scouting help or even become a scout yourself. 

Referral programs are definitely something to consider when thinking about how to hire post-pandemic with minimal risks. Not only do they give employers access to an untapped pool of talent, but it also increases the chance of finding the right person for a job.

 

Scouting can start today

"The risks of hiring are starting to soften up. And through scouts, the recruitment process can be truly streamlined."

 

Most businesses would inarguably turn away from hiring during our current situation. But those who have found their footing could be inclined to begin talent acquisition once more: the layoffs mean there are more candidates looking for a job and your next key person could be searching for you right now. It's a win-win for the employer and the organization.

The risks of hiring are starting to soften up. And through scouts, the recruitment process can be truly streamlined. While it can take a while before everyone goes back to the office, making connections with potential candidates can start today. Make the most out of digital: integrate digital solutions into your talent acquisition strategy through video conferences, hiring platforms, referral programs, and talent scouts.

The way we do business has surely changed, but the goal stays the same for recruitment: it’s finding the right people that can share your goals and grow with the company.

 

Need help with recruitment?

Visit our recruitment solutions page here to see how we can help you build your dream team. 

 

 

MAY 28, 2020

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