How to Recruit in the Social Distancing Era

As businesses are reopening again in Malaysia, they still need to have a plan. And that plan must be in compliance with the Ministry of Health guidelines. Though the restrictions are getting fewer, we still need to be extra careful.

People are still wondering if it's safe out there. Customers are still sceptical when visiting businesses. For example, many wonder if they should dine in or order through food delivery app. This is similar to employees, they need to know if their employer cares about their wellbeing or not.

That's why companies should review their employee processes, which starts with recruiting. First things first, we should examine the current hiring process and find areas for improvement. Here are a few things a good company should do:

Consider interviewing through video or phone

This is not a surprise, and many apps are offering free services right now, too. But companies should choose the right technology for their needs and make sure data privacy is not a problem with the platform or app.

Additionally, employers should plan ahead because not all candidates have the technological capability to do a video interview and not every interview can be conducted virtually.

Plan the logistics for in-person interviews

Not every company can conduct video interviews, and that's alright. But if your company wishes to conduct interviews in person, there should be a procedure in place to guarantee the health of your employees and job candidates.

For example, provide free masks and hand sanitisers in your office, make sure to record everyone's temperature and prepare a logbook for contact tracing (if applicable). There are also other details to consider, such as interview location and how it will be sanitised between interviews, and how to respond to social greeting now that we no longer shake hands.

Remember, no handshakes.

Let managers know how to prepare

This is a new procedure that will affect everyone and managers need to get used to it too. They might need to know how to use new technology. If they're conducting interviews from home, suggest that they wear their normal office attire to help set the right tone.

Managers should also be prepared to discuss with candidates about any changes to the job description because of the recent pandemic, for example, temporarily allowing working from home and possible shift changes.

Set ground rules for job interviews

Try not to terrify your candidates with all these changes and new procedures, they have already gone through enough. Put them at ease by explaining what will happen. If you're conducting a video interview, inform them that it's alright if you hear dogs barking, kids laugh and so on.

It should also be expected that the recruiter or hiring manager might need to apologise for their own background noises and interruptions, It is a new normal, after all.

Use assessments strategically

Since the hiring process has changed, it is also possible that the company might want to concentrate on skills such as agility and trainability. Those qualities are in demand right now and you can see why.

Employers should also consider using a cognitive ability assessment and put it earlier in the recruiting process. The important thing is to align any assessment with the job and make sure it is valid for recruitment and selection.

Conclude the interview by providing clear information

Let the candidates know how to stay in touch. If the hiring manager and recruiter are working from home, the best way to communicate might be different from when everyone was working in the office.

It is also sensible to let the candidate know that the final decision might take longer given the situation.

Don't let social distancing stop you from giving your candidates a great hiring experience. They might even appreciate your company's efforts in placing a priority on employee safety and security while recruiting. Remember to plan a safe process and then communicating it to everyone involved.

Source: HR Bartender

Hiring Giving You a Headache? You've found the solution! Register at AJobThing.com to access our recruitment services.