The yearning to “return to normal” will not look the same everywhere. This fact is accurate with recruiting and procurement proceedings. The height of the pandemic was a season when people had to adapt and be flexible. Organizations are assessing what worked and what didn’t. When pandemic era practices became more efficient, organizations should be open-minded enough to change how they implement processes. Here are some hiring trends that we expect will be more long term:
Video conferencing is the norm...
In-person interviewing will change at least with an initial screening process and second-round interviews. Remote interviewing saves time and money with traveling for candidates as well as employees. If you have ever been to an online conference, you can watch sessions back-to-back instead of running around a convention hall. For employers, accessing more information by re-playing the interview helps to consider positive and negative moments. Doing so highlights the personality over the resume.
But, be mindful of how to use it
Avoid leaning too heavily on video, a tool that could be misused. Automation may be convenient for you, but being inauthentic comes at a human cost. Video is ideal for recording dialogue, but don’t make a candidate record their answers for you. It makes candidates anxious, and many don’t want to hear the voice which increases insecurity. You need candidates to remain confident during their job search as well. This is wooden and inauthentic and tells the candidate they won’t be treated like a human if it starts this way. More meaningful connections with candidates are something we will maintain.
Focus on Candidate Needs
Employers have their goals and vision, but organizations must cater to the talent especially now more than ever. Companies need people and must meet them where they are. It is a candidate market right now and not ideal for employers. Keep this in mind with building your teams and implementing company culture. Consider the flexibility of a work/life balance, competitive wages, unique benefits, special social events, and other ways to show that you care.
Embracing Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is a topic that is not going away. More than a trendy concept, DEI provides confidence to all employees to show up each day without hesitation of being themselves. These policies promote increased commitment, productivity, and collaboration that indirectly helps increase revenue and improve retention. Being accessible to all employees despite age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or marital status is vital.
Hiring Per Project
Project-based work is an accelerating trend. Demand can ebb and flow, and it will likely be the norm moving forward. Hiring on a temporary or project basis is an increasing trend. This depends on the boom or bust needs of various industries. Healthcare is more stable than most industries, but pandemic-related emergencies have increased demand as well.
Since WSi has recruited talent starting in 1988, WSi has had the experience to place top talent at recognizable institutions. We consider these upcoming trends with our thorough hiring process. If you are looking for your next position reach out for your staffing needs.