When the pandemic began, events were either canceled, postponed, or moved online, and recruitment events were no exception. As companies transition to a post-pandemic world, in-person meetings and networking events will slowly return. However, it appears as though virtual recruiting is here to stay.

According to a Lighthouse Research & Advisory report, nearly 70% of employers expect to do more virtual hiring in the future. Virtual recruitment events can help companies attract and evaluate top talent and reach potential candidates anywhere.

Nail Down the Basics

Before organizations host virtual recruitment events, they should have the basics nailed down to ensure it goes smoothly and they can make a great impression.

Know Your Audience

Many employers make the mistake of hosting a general, unoriginal event that fails to resonate with the audience. How an organization tailors an event will depend on the candidates it is trying to attract. Before the event, companies should discuss the key groups they want to attract. Once organizations have determined their audience, the virtual events will become smaller and more targeted. Companies should ensure they can make a compelling case of why candidates should invest their time speaking with them.

Using the Right Tech Solution

Since the pandemic, video communication platforms like Zoom have become the norm for meetings. However, hosting a conference for a handful of individuals is exceedingly less complex than running live events for a wide range of candidates. Companies must find the right tech solution to accommodate such live events. Some talent acquisition leaders agree that using automation tools like chatbots is extremely valuable for efficiency and time management. Staff can spend more time finding, connecting, and interacting with quality candidates.

Brand Advocates

During virtual recruitment events, organizations should consider bringing employees' experiences to the forefront. They can have specific employees talk about their personal experience working for the employer, the pros and cons, the culture, or anything related. Highlighting current employees' stories could create a very authentic and genuine conversation to increase candidates' trust toward the organization. It also provides reliable information on what it's like to work at the company.

Creative Virtual Recruiting Event Ideas

When deciding the types of events to host during virtual recruiting, recruiters or talent acquisition experts should consider what candidates value when it comes to these events. For companies that don't know how to approach virtual hiring events, here are some ideas that can help them attract high-quality talent.

Virtual Office Tours

Since virtual hiring events are here to stay, companies can hold virtual office tours to attract potential candidates. Office tours allow individuals to gain a better understanding of daily life in the office. Employers can highlight shared spaces, recreation rooms, or any areas that candidates would find significant. Companies could also pre-record these virtual office tours to ensure employees have consent to be filmed and no unexpected issues pop up.

Virtual Workshops

Virtual workshops give job seekers the opportunity to learn, show off their skills, and meet hiring employers. Companies can hold virtual resume writing courses, provide networking advice, offer skill-building exercises, give presentations with industry professionals, and more. Workshops can also focus on educating the talent pool on the company's culture. A benefit of the virtual workshop is that it facilitates connections between potential talents and recruiters anywhere and anytime.

Industry-Focused Challenges

Organizations should take advantage of virtual recruiting events by holding industry-focused challenges. Competitions benefit companies as they can bring out the best talent knowledgeable about the profession, making it easier for employers to find and choose candidates they want to interview further. Candidates who are the most eager to prove they are educated on industry trends and qualified for the position may be more likely to participate, in which case employers can weed out individuals who aren't as serious about the company or job.

Project-Based/Gamification Events

Similar to industry-focused challenges, project-based and gamification events can be a fun way to put candidates' skills and knowledge to the test. They can also increase engagement and interaction. The projects could focus on assignments where candidates brainstorm ideas on how the company can differentiate itself from its competitors. This assignment tests candidates' knowledge of the industry and their research and problem-solving skills. On the other hand, gamification can test on-the-job performance, making it easier and faster to assess each candidate on soft skills such as creativity and innovative thinking.

Virtual Meet-and-Greets

Employers should allow potential candidates to "meet" the CEO, executives, and staff through virtual coffee chats or virtual happy hours for a more personal and informal discussion. This event could focus more on socializing rather than formal interview talks.

Conversations might center around CEOs or executives detailing their professional backgrounds and the journey that led them to their current position. Including current employees in the chat will also offer a glimpse into the rewards and challenges of the job and what it takes to succeed. Potential candidates will have the opportunity to ask about the interview process, perks, career growth, and more.

Get Creative to Attract Talent

Since virtual hiring events will remain a large part of the recruiting process, companies need to get creative to attract high-quality candidates. Adding a gaming or competitive element is a great way to test the skills of the talent pool, while the virtual meet and greets or office tours can provide a glimpse into everyday work life and culture.