Now is the Time to Develop Your Recruiting Strategy During High Unemployment

In March, our work world was hit by a tornado called COVID-19. In the blink of an eye, we went from the challenge of recruiting during a 3% unemployment rate to furloughing employees, establishing work-from-home policies, embracing more technology for virtual meetings and other activities, and leading our teams with calm during a crisis.

As we talk with clients and other hiring managers, it’s clear you have your hands full adjusting and adhering to the new company and government policies and scrambling to create work environments that will minimize or prevent the spread of the virus.

As some states begin to loosen Stay Home policies and your company begins to bring employees back into the office, the last thing you might be thinking about is needing a strategy for recruiting during high unemployment. After all, won’t there be plenty of candidates to choose from?

True, but not necessarily a good thing. Let’s look at a few of business consultant Bridget Miller’s thoughts in a recent HR Daily Advisor article about recruiting during high unemployment:

  • Individual vacancies may have a higher number of applicants than usual, which may mean it will take more time to qualify applicants.
  • There may be more unqualified applicants than usual, as more people are looking for quick work to replace lost jobs. This may also mean that recruiting costs are unexpectedly higher than anticipated due to the extra work involved.
  • As time progresses, more and more applicants may have extended periods of unemployment. This does not necessarily mean they’re not great candidates for the job.
  • Skills gaps may persist, even with higher unemployment levels. This can be a frustration for employers that wish more applicants automatically meant more skills to choose from—but it may not.

Rethinking Your Recruiting Strategy

What is different this time is that COVID-19 isn’t going away which means this is unchartered territory. There are more obstacles to overcome beyond just recruiting to fill positions.

Our team has decades of recruiting experience under our belts and we have seen these cycles before. Each time we guide our clients in developing dynamic strategies and processes to bring on new talent quickly. We are positioned to overcome this latest obstacle. Let us help you implement a clever recruiting plan that sails across this new recruiting environment.

If you would like to connect and discuss further, please get in touch with our recruiters. We are happy to share our successes and strategies and welcome the chance to work with you.

Where Are All the Candidates? 4 Ways to Attract Passive Accounting Job Seekers

Because passive candidates are well-compensated and passionate about what they do, they have no desire to look for a job. Since they are always adding to their skill set, experience level, and accomplishments, passive candidates have employers and recruiters actively pursuing them. To stand out among all the others, you need to show passive candidates what you have to offer that others do not and how working for you will benefit them. Here are four ways to attract passive candidates.

1. Focus on Company Branding

Cultivate a brand that markets your company as a choice employer. For instance, focus on what makes employees choose your business over all others. Point out your flexible schedule, extensive employee benefits, stock options and competitive compensation. Mention remote work options, bonuses, professional development, and opportunities for advancement. Ask current and former employees to write company reviews on websites such as Glassdoor. Work toward being placed on top lists and other independent review articles that show your business in a positive light.

2. Engage on Social Media

Use social media to engage with followers. For instance, search for and qualify passive candidates on LinkedIn. Use their profile information to determine whether they possess the skills, experience, and qualifications you are looking for. You may even come across links to candidates’ websites or online portfolios. You also can participate in LinkedIn Groups in your industry to engage with potential candidates and introduce them to opportunities. Additionally, you can use LinkedIn Recruiter to target your search and reach out to passive candidates. Along with LinkedIn, you can create and share content, including job openings and company information, on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Your followers can share content with their networks, promote your information, and encourage others to work for you. You may respond to comments and interact with potential candidates to build relationships and encourage interest in employment.

3. Ask for Employee Referrals

Encourage your employees to provide referrals. Because people typically associate with like-minded individuals, your best workers should be able to recommend other top performers. Also, since people enjoy working with others they know, referrals are more likely to accept an interview. They have greater access to insider information about company culture, job responsibilities, and other pertinent details that may help them during the interview. You may even create an employee referral program that rewards both parties when a successful hire has been employed for a specific length of time.

 4. Search Your Database

Use your database to search for past candidates who may be interested in a job change. If they interviewed with you before, they should know about the company, department and culture. Candidates also may have gained skills and experience that can benefit your business. Those who were treated well and impressed with your company will be more open to working with you.

Find Passive Candidates Through Casey Accounting & Finance Resources

Find passive candidates through a leading Chicago staffing firm. Reach out to our top recruiters today!

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