This is particularly relevant at the moment, as we see economies trending towards an uncertain future.
The hiring landscape is constantly changing. There’s more pressure on employers and staffing agencies to be on top of their game when it comes to sourcing top talent. A huge part of this is understanding the key trends that are shaping the market; and adapting hiring practices accordingly.
1. Change in Working Patterns
Gone are the days of the traditional 9-5; especially right now when more people are working from home than ever before due to social distancing measures. There are a number of reasons why temporary staffing is getting more popular. For the most part, people want more flexibility and working part-time or on a contractual basis gives them the freedom to balance their personal and professional lives effectively.
Alongside this, according to a recent study from TrueBlue and Emsi, the main reason why people take on temp work is to earn extra income; followed by a desire to get their foot in the door with a company.
Professionals are opting to work on a contractual basis out of necessity and choice. Particularly as there’s little job security in the current economy.
2. Data-Driven Recruitment
Another trend that hiring professionals need to keep on top of is data-driven recruitment. With more pressure to hire the right people, both cost and time-effectively, many organisations have turned to data to help them make smarter hiring decisions; and avoid unconscious bias.
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) make this easy to do. The data captured includes: how long it takes for people to complete application forms, how many clicks on the job adverts convert to applications, how long it takes for offers to be expected, how much ROI the company is getting on their recruitment tools and so on.
3. Candidate Experience
Despite the soaring unemployment rate, the candidate experience remains important. After all, people are more likely to accept an offers if they have a positive route to hire; and reputation matters in the current market.
This is especially true as there are more avenues for candidates to air their views online than ever before. Whether it’s social media, or employee review sites; people aren’t afraid to share any negative experiences with other prospective candidates, potentially putting them off applying to jobs, attending interviews, or accepting job offers.
Ultimately, communication is key. See it as a relationship-building exercise. In order to get candidates interested in the role and brand, you need to put the work in.! If this isn’t possible, agencies can assist immensely in acknowledging applications, keeping them up to date throughout the hiring process and keeping hot talent warm. This will speed up the hiring process and improve their experience; it’s a win-win.
4. Machine Learning & Automation
Another trend we have seen recently is using machine learning and automation through resume screening. There are lots of areas of the hiring process that take up time and effort; with screening being one of them. ATS’s are great for this and can help make effective, data-driven hiring decisions.
There are plenty of other areas that can be automated or that can benefit from machine learning. For example, assessment tools can help understand how well someone will fit a company and team, and whether they have the ability to do the job. We will also see an increase in interview scheduling tools that save a lot of back and forth between employers/agencies and candidates.
Now more than ever, processes need to be streamlined and technology is key!
Article adapted from Augusta Henning from Smart Recruiters.