Even as the lockdown and the effects of COVID-19 are now fading, there are still a few industries that are facing the brunt of Coronavirus.

In fact, according to a study published by GetApp, 56% of recruiters fear that they will never be able to fill their current job openings. Hence, companies must modify their recruitment approach to match the changing requirements of today's job searchers in order to overcome hiring issues.

A lot of recruiters cite excuses like employment benefits and labor shortage, however, these aren’t really the root causes of the problem. On the contrary, the pandemic has left a permanent effect on potential candidates and has changed their priorities and preferences in what they look for in a job. So if you want to forgo recruitment challenges in the post-COVID-19 world, it’s crucial that you reevaluate your recruitment strategy.

We’ve analyzed the results of the study published by GetApp and identified five crucial techniques recruiters can employ to find and employ the best talent.

Flexibility Is No Longer a Luxury

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have experienced firsthand the benefits of working from home, and they will never look back. Because of this, employers who believe that their employees will willingly return to the workplace at some time are in for an unpleasant shock.

According to a survey published by GetApp in June, 53% of employees working in small businesses are considering looking for a new job if their current workplace doesn’t give them work from home options.

Surely there are some industries wherein employees can't work from home, but giving workers some control over where they may work has become a necessity for many businesses.  

Increased Focus on ATS in the Near Future

The GetApp survey reported that despite providing multiple advantages, only 27% of recruiters are actively using an ATS system. However, 25% of the respondents are planning to buy one and 24% are considering investing in an ATS system.

If recruiters want to secure the cream of the crop, it’s important that they provide a great interview experience as this is the first impression candidates have of the company. For example, companies can’t use automated tools for job applications anymore as they are often redundant and can result in a frustrating experience for job applicants. Instead, by using advanced and effective ATS systems, recruiters can streamline the process and enhance the candidate experience.

The Need to Overhaul Job Requirements

Recruiters, especially in renowned companies, are used to setting the bar high. After all, they have a string of eager and qualified applicants to choose from. But, with the current challenges, recruiters can’t afford to be stringent. According to the GetApp study, 16% of companies have either entirely removed or at least lowered job applications requirements.

Of course, specific skills are mandatory with certain jobs, but, recruiters need to assess if their job description has any requirements that are creating needless hurdles.

For example, a lot of recruiters are forgoing college degrees in exchange for more specific and streamlined skills that can elevate their job performance.

Underserved Labor Markets Can Be a Gold Mine

When you delve deeper, the problem of a shortage of qualified job applicants is more complicated than it seems. No matter how tight the job market becomes, there will always be those looking for work who haven't been noticed yet. Workers with disabilities, for example, are a category that often goes unnoticed. According to the GetApp survey, only 21% of recruiters focus their efforts or attempt to hire employees with disabilities in 2021, which goes to show that companies aren’t doing nearly enough to tap into these labor markets.

Additionally, recruiters may want to rethink their approach to hiring people with criminal backgrounds. Workers with criminal records are less likely to abandon their professions, according to research published in 2018, despite the negative stereotypes they face. If you're automatically discarding applicants because they've had a criminal record, you're potentially losing out on excellent workers.

Addressing Pain Points of Workers Has Become a Necessity

It is essential for recruiters to assess the advantages and perks they provide as a business in order to guarantee that they not only fulfill the expectations of job applicants but also distinguish themselves from competitors.

In order to persuade individuals to join the organization, benefits should not only be exciting, but they should also give true relief from their existing pain areas. For example, according to the GetApp survey, 20% of employees in the lower-wage bracket need to stay home due to various responsibilities like childcare.

Some benefits that could address the immediate pain points of potential candidates include:

Benefits for Parents

As per the GetApp study, recruiters who offer childcare benefits find recruiting 13% easier compared to those who don’t. Childcare subsidies, daycare enrolment, or a more flexible work schedule for parents may have a long-term impact on job seeker attractiveness and employee satisfaction for firms. Basically, offering child care benefits has become a necessity for companies who are looking to hire working parents.

Address Commute Issues

While the future of the workplace is hybrid, there are multiple industries that need still need workers onsite, even if it's only for two days per week. With the cost of gas skyrocketing, something as simple as a commuter stipend that workers can spend on public transportation or ride-sharing services can make or break an offer decision.

Alternate Benefits Become Mainstream: Pet Care Enters the Fray

Companies now routinely offer pet insurance to their workers. Beyond the clear benefit that provides them with financial security in the case of an emergency visit to the vet, they gain employment branding benefits as a "caring employer". Because who doesn't love companies that love pets, right?

Alternate-- Even though the pet care industry has grown tenfold over the past decade, a recent study reported that only 47% of employers are currently offering pet insurance, while 69% are planning to offer this benefit by 2022 or later.

In Closing

Even if the job market is now in a state of flux, there are reasons to be optimistic. It's not too late to improve your company's recruitment strategy and attract more qualified candidates. Do everything you can today to take advantage of present labor shortages and reap long-term rewards by understanding and planning for the future.

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