Diversity Recruiting and the Times of COVID-19

As we approach 100 foggy days of shut-downs, quarantines, distancing, masks and travel limitations, one thing is perfectly clear; your hiring routine has been affected.

The recent spotlight on issues involving Diversity and Inclusion may also be prompting action across your hiring processes. You are likely in a position to adjust and enhance your normal hiring procedures to accommodate new health regulations and a more diverse population of candidates.

MEA is here to help. We have undergone multiple transformations over the past several months and we’ve heard from many hiring professionals contending with all the scenarios above.

Here are 5 candid tips for recruiting in the times of COVID-19:

1. The Door is Finally Open but Not for Long – Overnight we’ve gone from the lowest unemployment numbers to the highest unemployment numbers in 60 years. Take advantage now. Remember the positions you weren’t able to fill? Remember the job posts that drew no viable candidates? Now is the time to collect candidates for yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you are hiring, let everyone know.
2. The most successful companies have the highest rates of diversity and inclusion – MEA can assist in your quest to attract and retain employees across the full spectrum of human demographics and experience.
3. Virtual Hiring Need Not Break the Bank – May 2020 reports state that only 16% of HR Pros in the US feel prepared for virtual hiring. Virtual hiring is neither difficult nor expensive. Interview tools like Skype, GoToMeeting and Zoom are free. We have access to many document sharing systems to expedite on-boarding. Today it is the personal interaction and company story that closes the deal for you, not the office tour.
4. Build an engaging virtual onboarding process – Without in-person interaction, how do your new hires get familiar with your organizational culture? How do they build bonds and rapport with their new team? Get creative with telling your company’s story and showing how your new hire fits in with that vision.
5. Addressing Safety and Inclusion – Whether the new employee will work on or off-site, they need to feel welcome, safe and valued. Have documents available detailing your health and safety practices and expectations of personal conduct. Clarity and communication are key. It is an opportunity to show and enhance your brand!

In uncertain times, vision and clarity are paramount, especially in hiring. Understanding your needs today and in the future are key to developing an effective recruiting plan. Understanding the available tools will expedite and sharpen your procedures. Working to attract a diverse candidate population will expose you to better talent!

MEA Talent Acquisition is here to assist you with ALL PARTS of this process! To discuss, please reach out to me:

Patrick McLaughlin
Director of Talent Acquisition
MidAtlantic Employers’ Association
pmclaughlin@meainfo.org
610-994-7633