ESS Candidate Newsletter – AUGUST 2020
Columbus, OH – AUGUST 2020
In this month’s, ask the recruiter, we discuss the changes to the hiring process you can expect from Covid-19.
Introduction – Aaron Wandtke
Positions Filled in the Last 30 Days
Ask the Recruiter – “How has the hiring process changed with Covid-19?”
Introduction:
We feel fortunate to work in the health care industry as we have had a front row seat to watching rapid changes that other industries have not yet experienced. For example, the health care industry has done an amazing job in overhauling their interviewing, hiring and onboarding processes. Over the last 5 months, ESS has experienced employers embracing our “new normal” by quickly making changes in a short period and adapting hiring practices to accommodate updated safety protocols.
At ESS, we had two observations in the last 30 days we wanted to share. First, in the second quarter of 2020, we had MORE job offers than the second quarter of 2019. Second, in the month of July, we had more new searches than each of the prior three months did. By no means do we think we are back to normal or will be back to normal any time soon. Our observation is each company has critical openings they need to fill and cannot wait to fill these roles. Because of this, there are many great opportunities available in the health care industry.
The other side of these openings are the new challenges in getting applicants to raise their hand to apply for openings. With all the uncertainty surrounding the economy and schools, qualified candidates can be more hesitant to make job changes. If you are ready to make a job change now, there are plenty of opportunities available.
Ask the Recruiter – “HOW HAS THE HIRING PROCESS CHANGED WITH COVID-19?”
If you have not interviewed for a job in the last 6 months, there have been some substantial changes to the hiring process. The changes are all positive changes for the both the applicant and the employer. Some of the changes you may experience include the following:
- Zoom or Skype interview – Video interviews are the new normal and they are here to stay. They are convenient, easier to schedule and take less time. A couple things we coach individuals on to help them prepare are being mindful of the background the employer will see, lighting, what to wear, and general technical issues such as internet speed or camera position.
- One on one interviews – Most video interviews are one on one so the interview is much more intimate than sitting across from a desk from an employer. Because of this, eye contact, listening skills, and practicing an interview are much more important than a traditional interview.
- No office visit – Many companies no longer require meeting applicants face-to-face in order to make an offer. As a result, applicants have to do their own homework on things such as drive time, researching culture on line and realizing they may be working from home to start and eventually have to work in the office they may never have visited.
These changes may be uncomfortable at first. The good news is everyone is experiencing the same feelings and change at the same time. This is new for both employers and applicants alike. Kids, pets and other noises in the background are okay and expected. The other nice benefit is dress codes have completely changed since no one wears a suit working from home.
If there is anything I can do to assistance you in the interview process, please let me know.
I can be reached at 614-885-8490 or by e-mail at aw@ess123.com.
