Coronavirus- Client Advice

The Coronavirus outbreak has affected people across the globe. Whether it’s the inhibited glance across the tube at the person who has let a cough slip or the knock-on effects the virus has had on the markets, it’s undoubted that COVID-19 has bought another layer of uncertainty to the working environment.

Companies around the world have rolled out mandatory work from home policies which adds yet another hurdle in the hiring process. But with the tax world showing no signs of slowing down & year end fast approaching, how do you keep the recruitment process going?

 Here are our top tips to clients on how to keep the hiring process as consistent, effective & concise as possible during the next month:

1/ The Blessing of Technology

With over 2.7 billion smartphone users across the world and £189 billion worth of revenue in 2019, the average smart phone user opens an app over 11+ times each day. Take advantage of the 2.2 million apps on Apple Store and 2.8 million apps on google play store and set up a Video Conference with your prospective hire. Our top picks are:

-         Blue Jeans

-         Skype

-         GoToMeeting

-         Zoom

2/ Keep the point of contact

Hiring processes tend to stagnate during Economic/Political uncertainty and you risk losing the candidate that you’ve worked so hard to find! It is evermore important during these times to keep the point of contact going- you may want to consider:

-         Arranging a call to relay your companies policy on the pandemic and provide some reassurance that the process will continue.

-         Arranging an informal coffee meeting with your prospective hire (should location/environment permit)

-         Arranging a call with another member of your team to make the your prospective hire feel included and therefore engaged in the process.

-         Regular email contact to keep you prospective hire updated on the progress.

3/ Streamline the process

Increasing pressure on Governments internationally to enforce stronger guidelines on the working community amidst the Coronavirus means that a change in working life is inevitable over the coming weeks. Get ahead of the curve and expedite your processes over the next few weeks- this could be in the form of:

-         Converting a F2F interview into a video conference call.

-         Eradicating an unnecessary step in the hiring process eg. A Third round interview.

-         Put a greater degree of trust in your recruitment consultants and ask to see a smaller amount of extremely vetted candidates therefore enabling you to get through the process faster.

4/ Crank up the Communication

The pandemic is changing on a daily basis which means the knock on effect for you may also be changing. Keep communication consistent with your stakeholders and C-suite on your hiring strategy and what you are doing to keep this going. This will ensure that your headcount isn't affected and will avoid any surprises further down the line!

We hope this provides a different perspective to assist with your hiring process over the next few weeks. For more advice on how to ensure your hiring process is consistent & protected during this pandemic please email [email protected]