As the coronavirus pandemic continues to impact many companies, especially small businesses, figuring out ways to maintain hiring processes are a concern for many. The call for social distancing is requiring many to work remotely, which is introducing an influx in what we might call virtual hiring. Companies such as Glassdoor have shockingly doubled their job postings since news of the coronavirus. This brings forth the question; how can companies ensure they are recruiting top talent when recruitment is no longer in person, but online.
At Flashii, we have worked with start-ups and Fortune 500 companies to perfect the art of virtually recruiting and onboarding candidates. Candidates who are not only highly-skilled, but can perform efficiently and promptly. Here are a few considerations to ensure that your business will recruit qualified and distinguished candidates during this shift in hiring as well.
The Fraud Problem isn’t Getting Any Better
We live in a world of fake resumes, inexperienced candidates, and desperate job seekers; it seems as though it’s becoming harder to find qualified employees. When weeding out fake resumes it’s important to look at formatting; many fake resumes look identical. It is highly recommended to cross check multiple data sources prior to investing time and money in the interview process. If a candidate doesn’t have enough experience it is advised to request 1-2 recommendation letters. Recruiters must diligently assess candidates and social media such as LinkedIn to make assessing candidate credibility simple.
Verifying Skillsets
Verifying a skill set is also critical. This can be done by pushing for as many details as possible when asking candidates where they’ve studied and how long they have been using certain technologies and languages. Details such as past projects, experience, and how they have integrated specific skill sets in past settings. With this information, companies can effectively put candidates’ skills to a test. This often looks like a pre-employment assessment test that may include coding to ensure their knowledge, competence, and effective performance.
Background Checks
Background checks are important when hiring remotely. Employees or contractors must abide by a company’s ethics and culture, which means there is no room for lying about who one is, where they’re from, or what they’ve done. A background check is the most practical way to verify the necessary information regarding future employees. Virtual hiring can make building trust between employer and employee more difficult than would be in person. This heightens the importance of trust, which is typically built on transparent communication.
Keeping it Human
Communication between the employer and potential candidates is especially important when hiring by phone or video. Keeping candidates well informed and updated throughout the process ensures cooperation and is evidence of a company’s professionalism. The hiring process becomes even more like a customer service call and it is important to recognize the needs of each candidate. Status updates on background checks, interviews, and even denials must be communicated clearly and timely.
Despite the new set of challenges that virtually hiring bring to the table, with attention to these few things companies can expect success in teleworking situations during this pandemic. It is all the more important to onboard qualified and dedicated individuals to get the job done. We hope these tips will help guide you through this alternate means of hiring!
