We’re only a month into 2020, and if it isn’t already apparent enough, the world of recruitment has changed drastically in the past decade, and even in the past year. We now have chatbots and AI. The emerging generations are all about innovation, and as new technology makes its way, recruiters have no choice but to remain up to speed.
In this guide, we’ll explain just how the dynamics are changing and what you can do to stay ahead.
THE FUTURE OF RECRUITMENT & STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE
Like all industries, recruitment is evolving, and it’s only practical for recruiters to stay ahead of the latest trends. The last few years may have been about millennials, but now we are gradually welcoming a new crowd – the Gen Z. This is bringing about new challenges as hiring managers are still discovering the many ways to attract this new breed.
We also can’t emphasize enough on the importance of going mobile and staying ahead of social media trends. With the plethora of tools available, recruiters must now take advantage of machine learning and analytics tools to dig deeper and learn more about their potential candidates. Unlike before, recruitment now too requires a marketing strategy to reap success.
LETTING GO OF THE OLD WAYS
Old fashioned, one-sided job boards just won’t cut it anymore. Today, it’s all about engagement and adapting to change to stay ahead of the curve.
In the past, recruiters had no option but to limit their search to certain towns and cities. This need not be the case anymore. With the advancements in technology, you’re free to scout far and wide in search of the ‘ideal candidate.’
While this translates to going through more resumes, you now have access to the best right at your fingertips.
However, with platforms such as Glassdoor, candidates are more self-aware now than ever, increasing transparency, whether recruiters like it or not. Aside from salary packages and other monetary benefits, people now also give fair preference to office culture before saying yes to a job.
CANDIDATES TURNING INTO CUSTOMERS
Candidates are now on the lookout for personalized communications. Creating an easy to navigate job application process with ways to address all complaints promptly is one such example of creating more personalized communications.
Moreover, with the inclusion of online platforms, mobile technology, and chatbots, you have no reason to stay dormant. The recruiting process is accelerating at an incredible rate; this pushes recruiters to stay ahead of their game. Speed is of utmost importance here as candidates no longer wait for several months to hear back from the hiring managers.
Furthermore, candidates are now free to post their reviews and rate their experiences (whether positive or negative). This further adds pressure, pushing recruiters to do their best.
MAKE ROOM FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY
While networking events still manage to create a buzz, candidates now have access to social media sites such as LinkedIn and other recruitment tools and applications. While this widely increases opportunities, both hiring managers and candidates may feel overwhelmed by the number of options they have available.
Above all, with video interviewing, candidates no longer have to fly to another city, cutting down costs for airfare and hotels. This also creates a better user experience and advancements in technology eliminate the chances of fuzzy audio and video quality.
Also, with the introduction of interview scheduling software, recruiters can focus more energy on the actual recruitment process instead of just juggling around dates. Doing so cuts down the leg work and allows both parties to select an optimal interview time that would benefit everybody. On the downside, hiring managers have no option but to be tech-savvy in order to keep up with the latest trends.
COMPETITION ON THE RISE
Well, you guessed it, competition definitely is on the rise. According to a survey by Indeed, small businesses are already finding it difficult to hire potential employees with enhanced problem-solving capabilities and leadership skills. Recruiters are likely to face other challenges as well as the competition increases.
The survey brings to light how small businesses are now competing with much larger corporations as recruiters try to make their way through the clutter.
It’s also worth mentioning that small businesses often don’t possess the resources and tools to overcome these challenges. Some hiring managers may also be juggling multiple roles which also slows down the recruiting process, making it difficult for them to attract the right candidates.
THE IMPORTANCE OF RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
With the increased competition, it is now more critical than ever for recruiters to focus on relationship building. This requires putting in a constant effort by initiating campaigns and maintaining continuous contact with reps. Aside from traditional methods, recruiters can use relationship management software to really get to know their candidates.
Other methods include setting up a meet and greet, conferences, and career development programs. You’re more likely to succeed in attracting top talent by providing value. Host career development events and programs to engage with the best candidates out there. The whole process might seem similar to gaining sales, but relationship building is integral when it comes to finding the best fit.
BENEFITS OF HIRING A RECRUITMENT FIRM TO STAY AHEAD OF THE TECH CURVE
Recruiting agencies have access to the latest tools and technologies to stay ahead of the curve, making it much easier to filter out qualified candidates. Furthermore, recruitment firms are always on top of their game, especially when it comes to hiring for a specialized role. It’s quite likely that your internal recruiters may not possess the experience of recruiting candidates for executive positions. If this were to be their first time, they may have to put in a lot of energy into learning and keeping up with trends.
