The Biggest Recruitment Changes In The Past Year
It now feels a very long time ago, when we all felt vulnerable, unsure and anxious and thrust into a moment in time that no one had experienced before.
Some of the team share the biggest changes they have noted within the world of recruitment.
Jaime Rana, senior consultant, highlights the sense of a journey everyone has been on, “I would say that the biggest shift is how clients recognised they can offer jobs remotely. In 2021, companies are not as fearful to take their recruitment process online. Virtual interviews will not be a moment in time, but here to stay. It has taken a huge change of approach for organisations, but one where they can see the efficiencies and opportunity. All of us have become better at using video (presenting, speaking, even the microphone button!) and how we deliver online. We are all in a stronger place.”
Organisational behaviour has also shifted. Companies such as Spotify announced during February that they are to embrace a ‘work from anywhere’ model for employees to choose where they want to work.
Whilst our lives have become adjusted to working remotely, the sense of detachment and importance to be with clients is also recognised, Rob Bruce, technical manager says, “We have all seen how tech has helped us find routine and support productivity, but the proximity to clients and standing with them on the shop floor is something I have greatly missed. The conversations will be magnified when people can meet up again. This is what the whole recruitment industry has been built on, the ability to build relationships and understand people, marketplaces and just having that open chat.”
Jobsite, Monster has recently published their Future Of Work report for 2021. Most UK recruiters have a sense of optimism for the year ahead, with 65% intending to hire in 2021 (from a population of over 3,100 people). 35% will be hiring to replace job vacancies and 30% will be expanding to fill new job requirements.
Vicki Reeks, industrial manager, recognises an entire shift in mindset that has happened. Vicki says, “We were all oblivious to what was about to happen in spring last year. Shock and fear were a part of everyone’s lives. As the months have progressed, I think we have all found balance. There are still risks for many businesses, but specifically for recruitment, there has been a shift in areas such as quick and efficient hiring processes and employee onboarding that is part of a well thought our structure.”
As we all look back on a year of Zoom/Microsoft Teams calls, working from the kitchen or sofa, homeschooling, less time in the car, a balance has found its place. Hannah Sills, head of permanent and specialist recruitment says, “Looking back now, we all hoped that 2021 would be different to 2020. Businesses have a belief they can carry on. It is the people, the interactions and the day to day that makes a business distinct.”
The world of recruitment has changed forever because of the pandemic. However, the adaptations and challenges that the industry has faced, mean there is optimism. The relationships built are still as important. Employers want to recruit the right people who will fit within their business and candidates recognise the importance of the right company to support their aspirations. Change and advancement will mean as the clouds move, there is opportunity and growth.