How to recruit during a Pandemic
In 25 years of recruiting, this is my first attempt at this subject.
The good news is recruiting can be a one on one interaction so it meets social distancing guidelines. Phone and video interviews are easily attainable, and more and more individuals are working from home and will have the freedom to speak more freely.
However, usually before an offer is extended, people meet in person, shake hands, meet their colleagues, etc.…but that final step is going to look different this year and we as leaders of companies—as well as individuals wishing for a change—will have to change how we interact to make a final decision.
In a matter of weeks, we have had to address a number of issues spiraling out of this “new normal” and I wanted to share what we have learned so far.
- Expect a slower interview process. News and guidelines are changing daily as are corporate protocols. Processes will include multiple phone calls and video interviews so be sure you’ve got a handle on the technology. As an example, my staff and I are using WhatsApp so we can video & message with each other easily.
- Social Distancing—at least today—does not mean you can not meet in person. One on one interaction six feet apart or more in an open-air environment—like a park—may be a good alternative for local meets that require actual facetime. Obviously, cross country travel will be limited so adopting a more local and/or regional approach to recruitment will be easier these coming months.
- Flexibility is key. Interviews are changing constantly right now. Onsite interviews moved to phone interviews, phone interviews moved due to crisis management, etc.…Employees who are moving their families from one city or state to another, may have extra challenges and as employers, we’ll need to be flexible on start dates, create virtual onboarding plans and more e-learning capabilities. At this point, we are all navigating in unknown territory and being flexible, positive and practicing agility thinking is important.
- Mitigating Stress. We all need to remember that empathy, thankfulness and courtesy are more important than ever. As we try and attract, recruit and retain new talent, this may be the most important reminder: Be thoughtful in your actions with others.
I’ve learned a few things over my lifetime– working through multiple recessions, terrorism, hurricanes and floods. We are an innovative nation with many different industries and capabilities. Hopefully, as a nation and as a partner in a global economy, we will be bringing manufacturing of strategic items back to the US. I have no doubt that the need for new goods and services will emerge from this crisis as well. Although there are already many industries being negatively impacted from this Pandemic, there will be individuals and companies that rise in the moment and flourish in the long run. We all need to focus on doing our part, however small, for that future.
We are always happy to help you through every step of the process, from determining what your career goals are to helping you reach them. Feel free to contact us!
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here.