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With the recent COVID-19, businesses around the world are affected one way or another. The changes in everyone’s lifestyle, government policies, and working arrangements had led to temporary instability and uncertainties around the world. When the world is in such a turmoil, should employers continue their hiring and expansion plans? On the flip side, should job seekers continue their job hunt as well?

First things first,

Not all businesses are putting a halt to their hiring plans. Some businesses are still hiring as there are still opportunities for certain industries to grow.
Not all talents are holding back on making a move to a new role. The whole situation is testing an organization’s resilience and preparedness for such a crisis. This is the moment where a talent might uncover gaps within the organization.
With proper BCP and enough resources invested into technology, a business can still operate as per normal or even follow through their hiring plans.

Recruitment during COVID-19

Sourcing Stage

Before the outbreak, chances are that both job seekers and employers are already online either sourcing for jobs or headhunting talents. There aren’t many changes to this stage since the recruitment process has been gradually digitizing over the years.

Interview Stage

Employers have been arranging for interviews with candidates either through phone calls or emails, so this process is still the same. However, face-to-face interviews might not be possible anymore due to movement restriction orders or either party not willing to take the risk to meet up. Businesses who already incorporated video interviews into the recruitment process will have an upper hand in this situation. If not, this is the best time to invest in video conferencing software to get business moving with minimal disruptions. Similarly, candidates should also learn how to do a video interview.

Offer and First Day of Work Stage

Rather than requiring the candidate to go down to sign the contract, employers can consider opting for e-signatures instead. Onboarding programs might have to be readjusted if there are Work-from-home arrangements in place. Therefore, investing in technology that makes remote working effective is more important than ever.

Even though recruitment can operate as per normal, but there are some things to understand

Even if employers decide to stop hiring, it is still good to digitize recruitment and working processes to increase effectiveness.
Sourcing and hiring of talents overseas might not be possible due to travel restrictions as well as unwillingness of people to travel
By continuing to connect with people online and be involved in conversations, it can allow you to have a head start in your job hunt or talent acquisition when the whole Covid-19 situation improves
Let’s stay vigilant, practice good hygiene and social distancing.

Kingfisher Recruitment Group is a global provider of total recruitment solutions. We help clients design people strategies, attract and develop talents worldwide across the Healthcare & Life Sciences, Professional Services, Technology, Retail & Consumer, Manufacturing, Automotive, Property & Construction, and Engineering industries.