For decades, submitting a CV has been the accepted process to land a new job. However, in 2022 things are starting to change and smart employers are adapting their recruitment processes to suit the ‘new normal’.
Here are some key pointers for your HR Team:
People are hesitant to apply and have more questions than they used to
In the past 12 months, job mobility is at record lows because people just aren’t changing jobs at the rate they did pre-COVID. Behaviourists explain that there’s an element of ‘better the Devil you know’ when it comes to sticking with their current boss, combined with heightened community anxiety. Uncertainty about lockdowns, work from home preferences and home-schooling demands are also zapping job seeker motivation; meaning that people who previously might have ‘thrown their hat in the ring’ for a change are less likely to right now.
Remove barriers to application
What happens if we go into another lockdown? Is my job secure? What is your work from home options? What’s the salary? Hours? Are you flexible for a 4-day week? We are experiencing HUGE enquiries on these sorts of topics before candidates decide to make a formal application. Smart employers address these concerns upfront.
Desktops are declining: you need a mobile-friendly application process
Desktop ownership has been declining as mobiles become smarter and more accessible. Less than 50% of internet access is now done via a desktop. If a candidate finds your advert online via their mobile, but can’t apply, that’s going to affect your application numbers.
Revolutionise your recruitment process with new technology
Rethink whether you need that PDF resume. There are, now, a myriad of ways candidates can present their suitability for your role. For example:
For most employers today, promoting vacancies via multiple media options is critical. This means the tools you use to collect applications – in whatever form – must adapt as well as you do. An inbox full of videos and media alerts can quickly get out of hand!
For most employers, today, getting applications or expressions of interest is key. Therefore, consider whether a paper CV is a dealbreaker for you. Can you get to a preliminary shortlist stage from a LinkedIn profile, a video CV or an initial phone discussion?
The current market is driving new ways to recruit so our recommendation is to keep evolving and innovating.