By: Andrew C. Jackson
The pandemic changed many of the ways organizations do business, including how they recruit and hire. Some changes may be permanent, including new benefits for employees.
Organizations and their made drastic operational changes to adapt to social distancing requirements and slow the spread of COVID-19. At the time, most of us viewed the changes as temporary – and some of them were.
However, it quickly became apparent that some of the shifts made out of necessity were actually better for business in the long term. For example, as the use of technologies that allow us to meet and collaborate virtually accelerated, some businesses began to question the need for office space.
IT Recruiting Goes Virtual
IT recruiters have been using social media, video conferencing and electronic messaging to build relationships with candidates for years – but in 2020, significant technology investments were made to enable a completely virtual recruiting cycle.
- According to recruiting software company Jobvite, 84 percent of recruiters are adapting their hiring processes to facilitate remote exchanges
- Initial phone screenings remain the same, but face-to-face interviews have moved online
- Recruiters are maximizing their use of social media to connect with potential hires
- Videoconferencing is now being used for final interviews, job offers and onboarding in lieu of in-person meetings
- The use of chat-bots and AI-driven messaging has increased
Expect these trends to continue, since virtual recruiting and hiring processes increase efficiency and save companies money. Existing solutions will continue to evolve and new, advanced platforms will soon become available.
Acing a Video Interview
Organizations are increasing their use of video interview platforms to reduce hiring timelines. Whether pre-recorded or live, recruiters and hiring managers say video interviews allow them to assess expressions, engagement and body language as well as a face-to-face interview.
The key to acing a video interview is to prepare for it as carefully as you would for an in-person meeting. You may not have to drive to an office and find a place to park – but there are other important details to take care of.
You may need to downloaded an app for the interview. You will also want to test the URL in the meeting invitation and make sure the sound and video on your device are working. Do these preparations a day in advance in case there is a problem. Make sure to choose a professional virtual background or straighten the room where your device is located so there are no distractions on-screen.
With regard to dress, we suggest you put on an entire interview outfit, rather than just dressing from the waist-up, to avoid mishaps and boost your confidence. For more information about preparing for video interviews, see our Video Interview Tips and Tips For a Successful Interview here.
Some Final Good News
The post-pandemic world may be different, but there are some positive outcomes for employees. For example, if a work-from-home job has been on your wish list, more employers are offering remote work opportunities than ever before.
Moreover, as we worked through the 2020 crisis together, a new appreciation for employees’ personal lives has emerged. Employers have become more flexible around needs to supervise children at home and care for elderly parents. Many companies are extending paid sick and family leave policies to hourly employees, and corporate wellness programs are being enhanced in consideration of remote workers whose homes and offices are one and the same.
Good luck to you and as always, let us know if we can help you find your next position.
