During this time of uncertainty Recruiters more than ever will be facing new challenges. With so many workers working fully remote for the first time it’s become a great time to cold call applicants over the phone. With this positive side there’s also a downside: applicants are opening to talking but they are holding off on taking interviews for the time being.
My phone screens have shot up in recent weeks. I’m hitting 6-8 phones per day now and that’s spontaneously up from previous months. In some ways applicants are eager to talk to someone because most are in “locked down” mode.
It really hit home with me this past week: many of the applicants I have been talking with have been social distancing in every area of their lives. People genuinely miss having conversations with people. Normally, my phone screens last around 15-20 minutes depending on the role but with so much going on my screen times have shot up to 30 minutes plus. I also noticed most applicants are asking about my daily situation and if I’m “safe” during this time. It’s a unique and unprecedented time to be sourcing applicants in North America. People want to be heard and as Recruiters we need to listen and be empathetic towards others.
Recruiters are great listeners and during this time I feel like I’ve become a counselor for some. I’ve heard many stories of upheaval, chaos, uncertainty, and fear.
I cold called an applicant from the Bay Area. The applicant was open to taking a call; he mentioned that they were available the whole day. When I got the phone they quickly addressed the fact that they were quarantined at a hospital waiting for test results. We briefly discussed the role and job duties. Of course, the applicant was interested in talking about an interview now but wanted to network for future openings. From his tone of voice, I gathered that he was anxious and heard him often repeating himself.. Within minutes of joining the phone call I could tell that this individual was in crisis.
My wife is a therapist at an outpatient clinic in Minneapolis. During this week she has seen and spoken with many anxious people. The working class in particular has taken a major hit and life as they know has been upturned completely.
We’ve spoken about ways that I can address and help others. In my role as a Recruiter I feel that we do have an important part to play in all the recent news. Recruiters have a superpower that we can deploy: Having empathy, staying positive, and being open to talking to others over the phone. Being a listening ear can inspire others to be more supportive and cause a rippling effect of kindness.
Here’s some tips when reaching out to applicants:
- Be open, direct, honest, and transparent.
- Have an empathetic tone. Maybe it’s not a good time to talk presently? Address their concerns and set up a future time to talk.
- More than ever – listen and stay positive.
- Be kind during this time. If people need to reschedule an onsite, let them know that you understand.
- Address all concerns and have a script prepared
- Work with your PR/HM to deal with follow up on any issues
- Encourage safety via remote and virtual interviews.
- Give people more time to prepare.
Tips for addressing applicants concerns:
Q: I’m not looking to make a change at the moment.
A: I hear what you are saying. It’s good to mention that we’ve gone remote and you can take the interviews from your home office.
Q: There’s so much uncertainty now. I just don’t have the extra time.
A: I understand that this is a tough time. When would you like me to follow up with you?
Q: I might be interested.
A: Great, let’s set up an informational call to talk over teams and projects.
Q: I’m only interested in remote roles!
A: Our company is currently remote. Let’s discuss all WFH arrangements over the phone.
Tips for Recruiters dealing with stress and uncertainty:
- Practice mindfulness
- Stay in the same sourcing routines
- Go for a walk and enjoy the outdoors
- Turn your laptop off and don’t check emails after 6 pm
- Talk with your manager and address your concerns
- Stay close to friends – call and talk with others
- Avoid social media and the news for the time being
With so much going on in the world. Recruiters have an important role to play in all this. We can become good listeners and be empathetic during this time. We have a superpower and we can give anxious job seekers – we can come through this pandemic by supporting each other during this time.
Recommended Reading:
12 Books Recruiters Should Read in 2020
10 Useful Extension Tools to Boost Recruiting Productivity
Personal Development Tips to Become a Better Recruiter
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