How COVID-19 impacts job seekers and hiring managers

As COVID-19 continues to increase its impact it felt by job seekers and hiring managers navigating through uncertain hiring processes.

As organizations begin to layoff workers and the traditional way of hiring and retaining employees shift, companies are developing safe and effective measures to decrease the spread of the virus, land the right candidates, and jobs. Hiring managers and job seekers alike are looking for alternatives to face-to-face interviews, switching from in-office to at home, and their working communication and benefits policies.

Here are some ways job seekers and hiring managers are adapting to the changing job landscape.

Video Interview

In the age of social distancing, virtual interviews have become the norm, as employers switch to video interviewing.  Employers and job seekers are using tools like Zoom or GoToMeeting, to interview potential candidates. Video interviews allow managers to conduct multiple interviews from anywhere, avoiding delays, and increases productivity. 

Video interviews like in-person interviews require the same attention to detail. Remember to have questions ready, check their video/audio before the interview, and always look directly into the camera; remember to stay focus throughout the interview. 

Did you receive an in-person interview/hired during COVID-19?

 If hired, some organizations are using DocuSign and other tools to help new employees receive and sign necessary documents. When meeting,  job seekers and hiring managers should take the necessary steps to ensure both individuals are safe when meeting in person. 

Delayed Responses and Hiring

Like everything else, the pandemic has placed a hold of responses and hiring. Whether you’ve received an email, interview, or hired, the pandemic has impacted the recruitment process for all. 

Some organizations are on a hiring freeze, some are figuring out how to onboard new employees, and others are in limbo. This includes healthcare services, who are on a hiring freeze due to safety precautions. There are other’s who are trying to assess their work and benefit include part-time, virtual, or remote work. Companies should develop steps to ease the stress of hiring during a pandemic.

What happens if I’ve interviewed and/or hired, but receive no response or hire date?

While some companies are delaying their hiring process, others continue to interview but are waiting to bring the actual hire into the office. This means they may not respond to you until they can assist and meet their new hire in person. This goes for the hiring date, a company may have hired you but are waiting to safely onboard the new hire. You can continue to check in with the company or organization during this time. 

Communication between Hiring Managers and Job Seekers 

Communication between job seekers and managers becomes challenging as both try to adapt to this new hiring process. Job seekers may no longer receive status updates and hiring managers, continue to develop new pathways to include nontraditional and remote work style. 

It is understandable that connection would be difficult as policies change and processes evolve, but seekers and managers must make their intentions known during this time. Companies must develop proper communication processes, i.e. sites, email programs that update status to communicate with candidates. It’s best to be transparent when asking and/or answering questions. Hiring managers should keep candidates informed and job seekers should be transparent about their understanding of the hiring process.

Negotiations

Negotiating during COVID-19 can be difficult as most companies are reorganizing and adapting their policies and benefits packaging because of the impact of COVID-19.  However, that does not mean you can’t negotiate or communicate your salary needs during the hiring process. For job seekers, it’s best to research the company or facility you are applying to, including what they typically pay for that position.

Negotiation is not just salary-based, it includes health and development benefits. Seekers do their research but be realistic when negotiating salary or benefit packages.  Hiring managers are also navigating through this new hiring process, so working together allows for the best result; this doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate for your desired salary.

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