Employers: Here’s what candidates are looking for in the post-COVID-19 job market
The wide-ranging effects of COVID-19 will be felt for a long time to come. However, as the New Zealand economy reopens, companies are starting to look for the right talent for their business. The question many businesses are asking is, how do I attract the best talent post-COVID-19?
Employers might see a high response rate to an ad and take that as a sign that they are attracting good candidates. In reality, a high response rate does not mean you are attracting the best talent, nor does it mean that candidate will be interested in your organisation – it just means there are a lot of people out there looking for employment. So, what are good candidates after in the post COVID-19 market, and how can you find (and secure) them?
1. Candidates want to see defined needs
All hiring begins by defining your need and writing a job description. How you do this is its own topic (it is also something we can help you with!). Top talent responds well to a clearly-defined need. In the post COVID-19 era, candidates are asking for specifics about the job – why would a top candidate leave a stable job for one which feels hastily put together?
2. Candidates expect quick responses and a fast hiring process
Great candidates, particularly in the tech space, are in high demand. If you see a candidate you like, someone else has probably seen them too. While good candidates will take their time and make informed decisions, they will also respond well to action. Delays and uncertainty paint a picture of a disorganised company. Know what you are looking for and move quickly once you see it.
3. Candidates want a safe and flexible work environment
Often the first questions we are getting from candidates in the current market are, “Do they offer flexibility?” and “Can I work from home?” Employees have just seen that most companies can offer the ability to work from home. The technology is there, so they know what is possible. Do you offer that flexibility?
People have also seen a lot of empathy, understanding, and flexibility from employers as they juggle kids at home, a job, and the fears caused by COVID-19. Not only did this build loyalty towards existing employers, but it showed candidates values they will look for in their next job.
4. Candidates want stability
Are you a stable company, and is that clear to potential candidates? How is your business different from what it was before COVID-19? Candidates are interested in understanding what the future holds for the company they are joining.
5. Candidates are after training and promotion
The upper tier of candidates is ambitious– these are people who want to continue to learn and to grow their career. Can they do it in your organisation? Do you offer training and progression?
6. Candidates are going to ask the money question
This is a question that candidates of all levels will ask at some point. Offering more money in most cases is going to be the most tangible way to show you value the services offered by a candidate. In the current market, a lot of candidates have said they are looking for stability. Will they take a pay-cut to move to a more stable company? Perhaps. Would they move for the same money? Maybe. When the time comes to sign a contract, this decision is much harder. It is something that is worth addressing early in the talent search process.
Many organisations struggle with the money question – however, money can also be offset by offering a stable organisation with the opportunity to learn and take on new or greater responsibility, or offering flexibility and the ability to avoid a commute at times. If you can show a candidate you know what you need, and will move quickly to get it, you can display value in the post-COVID-19 employment market.
Are you looking for help attracting best in breed data and analytics talent? We can give you even more insight into the questions candidates are asking of employers in the post-COVID-19 employment market . AugmentX will source talent and manage your recruitment process from start to finish; seamlessly integrating people into your teams. We will deliver efficiency to your business by reducing the time you spend recruiting. Here are the services we will deliver to you.