The Hiring Process 2.0 – Updates and Innovations

The hiring process is in an entirely different place even from 5 years ago.

With an influx in open positions and a generational shift taking place, Human Resources (HR) professionals need to adjust their practices to attract talent.

As a Human Resources Director, I see first-hand how these changes reshaped the recruiting landscape.

These are some trends to take note of:

There is a need for talent

According to a LinkedIn report, 83% of HR and talent leaders say that talent is their number one priority at their company and hiring volume was expected to increase by 58% in 2017.

The increasing hiring volume and search for talent leads to an overall change being seen across the hiring landscape. Instead of candidates trying to market themselves, companies place emphasis on sharing the story of their business and its culture.

Telling the story of your brand is more important than ever before. Whether it be through social media, creating authentic videos or experimenting with revolutionary recruiting methods like virtual reality.

As the search for talent becomes more competitive, you need to share the story of your company and how it relates to talent.

Make pre-boarding and on-boarding processes simpler

With the shift to digital, applicants look for a streamlined and automated application. Over half of job seekers quit filling out an online application because of length or complexity.

Throughout the preboarding and onboarding processes, people want quick, easy digital methods to fill out required paperwork.

Using automated software for the onboarding process allows new employees to sift through important paperwork even before they start their new role. This software is now a critical piece to the job hiring process.

New generation of applicants means new priorities in benefits

By 2025, almost 75% of the work force will be made up of millennials. Along generational shift in the workplace comes a new desire in benefits with a focus on flexibility.

Options like flexible hours and working remotely, if appropriate, are discussed more frequently now than in the past.

Forty-three percent of employed Americans say they spent at least some time working remotely and that flexible scheduling is a major factor in a job applicant’s decision.

A focus on value positioning

In addition to changing benefits, there is a new emphasis value positioning -  professional development and skill building.

With the importance placed on growth opportunities, new hires typically want positions which challenge them and offer growth. Though peer mentor ships and continuing education, employers build on this focus.

Even after starting a position, continued development needs to be offered to recent hires and employees. Otherwise, they will look for other resources to continue to develop on their own. Nearly 95 percent of high young achievers regularly update their resumes and gain information from prospective employers.

The hiring process is changing – are you?

The methods for hiring professionals are dramatically changing in recent years, so now more than ever it is important to update your hiring and onboarding process.

New technology offers HR professionals the opportunity to interact with both prospects and employees in ways that were never before possible.