Hiring During COVID-19 Crisis

Working from home has brought on new challenges for all of us.  Balancing family and work duties in a new way, having virtual meetings and making sure I have the resources at my disposal to get my work done have been areas where I have had to adjust.  A new problem that many of you may be having is how to go about hiring during these times.

Be Confident

One thing is certain today, and that is that things are uncertain.  While many people have lost their jobs during the COVID-19 outbreak, they may be on leave for the duration of this period fully expecting to be rehired after things begin to settle down and everyone goes back to work.  What they do not know, is if your organization is experiencing the same turmoil that other organizations are.  It is important that while communicating with these candidates that we have a “business as usual” feel about the process.  If we show that we are frazzled out by all that is going on, it will make the candidate unsure if they should risk their livelihood and relocate for an organization that is struggling to make this transition.  When hiring managers extend an offer for an opportunity, they are asking the candidate to shake things up in their life.  We better know what we are doing.

Be Prepared

While it sounds easy to have a virtual meeting with someone, it can be complicated if you have not held one before.  If you do not know what you are doing, the candidate will know and it will seem as though you are struggling to cope.  Before you have your meeting, schedule and have one with another coworker.  Get familiar with the functions so that you can help the candidate troubleshoot problems they may experience.  You can also watch videos on YouTube to help you out.  Virtual meetings are not complicated, you just do not want to learn how to do one while you are trying to interview a candidate.

Keep the Communication Flowing

After the interview is done, it is important to stay connected with the candidate.  Many candidates may be experiencing more free time on their hands.  Without prompt follow up, they may assume that you are not interested and may pursue other opportunities.  A follow up email or phone call just to touch base with the candidate the following day will help to keep the candidate engaged in the hiring process. Make sure that you have given them a clear timeline as to when to expect to hear about a decision being made.

Don’t Forget to Sell Your Community

As mentioned earlier, when we offer people a position within our organization, we are asking them to potentially make significant changes in their lives.  If they are moving from another community, how are they going to learn about housing?  Who is going to share with them opportunities for their trailing spouse?  How are they going to make this transition efficiently so that they can get to work as soon as possible?  Or most importantly (for me), where is the best place to go out to eat?  This is where we have an advantage in Wapello County.  Ottumwa’s Welcome & Connect Service has been connecting newcomers to the area for the last 4 years.  Having met with over 350 candidates during that time period, I know that there is something for everyone in Ottumwa.  While I have made the transition away from community tours for the time being, I have had good virtual meetings with candidates and helping share Ottumwa’s story as we have become a town that is getting recognized as being on the rise.  Scheduling this time during the interview process is a great way to keep the candidate engaged and show that your organization is properly equipped to carry on during this time of crisis, while not sacrificing on the personal touch to their hiring and onboarding experience.

Stay safe everyone!

Andy