The goal to hire the right employees doesn’t come without its difficulties. Although 2020 is now in the rearview mirror, businesses have continued to navigate the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic. Just one of those elements includes a significant shift among employees, particularly when it comes to flexibility and a work-life balance. Those new priorities are leaving a lasting impact on the job market, with job-seekers looking to land roles in companies that have evolved.
Thanks to COVID-19, the world is becoming more digital, too, from artificial intelligence being introduced into applicant tracking systems (ATS) to virtual interviews changing how locating potential candidates and hiring them is done.
Strategies to hire the right employees
While it can be hard to keep up with it all, when it comes to hiring in 2021, this is what your company should be doing now.
Build a Strong Brand
With the talent market becoming more competitive, having a strong brand can make a significant difference when it comes to attracting the top candidates. Job-seekers have access to a wealth of information about companies and their open positions, and most take the time to research and identify organizations that are the most appealing.
A strong brand starts from within and includes employees who feel they have the opportunity for career growth and good pay and benefits. Building a strong brand also requires developing a content strategy to engage target candidates across multiple channels.
Companies that have a strong brand can potentially reduce hiring costs by roughly 43 percent, according to LinkedIn. Those with a negative brand will pay the cost in the long run, making a compelling case for the importance of building the strongest brand possible.
Recruiting That’s Data-Driven
In 2021, one of the biggest hiring trends is data-driven recruiting. By incorporating data into a search for the best candidates, the entire hiring process will be more efficient, and hiring decisions will be more objective too. Some of the metrics to consider tracking include time-to-hire, candidate qualifications, and experience level, the cost-per-hire and source of hire.
Focusing on Inclusion and Diversity
Speaking of more objective hiring decisions, inclusion and diversity have gotten renewed focus in the workplace as one of the top hiring trends. Using the functionality of AI in an applicant tracking system software will help ensure hires are more objective, but it’s also important for any organization to be welcoming to all. A more diverse team is also beneficial as it brings in a wider range of ideas and backgrounds while communicating that you care about the social issues important to potential candidates.
Virtual Interviews
Virtual interviews became necessary when the pandemic hit, but most employers have found that they’re more efficient, with both time and cost savings. It also means a much larger pool of candidates and an opportunity to make the best impression on the star candidates with the process more streamlined and hassle-free.
Remote Work
Before the pandemic, many employers hesitated to allow their employees to work remotely, but in 2020, they were forced to change that. Now candidates are expecting remote work options as long as they do the job and keep in touch with the team. Allowing them to work anywhere in the world is a major shift that’s a win-win for all. In fact, it’s likely to become a must for companies who hope to attract top talent and retain their best employees.
