After more than a year of businesses being closed or operating at limited capacity, and many people sheltering in, the world is slowly finding a new normal, post-COVID. As such, there is a tidal wave of job opportunities. With existing businesses reopening and new businesses launching, the demand for recruiters to hire for multiple positions is the highest it’s been in two decades. And while, these new job openings and opportunities are welcomed by Sourcers, there’s no denying the current labor shortage we’re experiencing. With fewer candidates looking and applying for jobs, Sourcers need to proactively find and recruit talent.
Why Businesses Struggle to Find Workers
While a large majority of new hires has taken place in the hospitality sector, the majority of industries are struggling to find people willing to work. In fact, the overall number of employees is 3.5 million less now than pre-COVID February 2020.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate decreased from 6.1% to 5.8% between April 2021 and May 2021. Additionally, senior economist Daniel Zhao of Glassdoor reported an increase in wages as businesses attempt to attract more talent.
Economists speculate that the federal unemployment benefits have caused many people to forego seeking employment. With such benefits often providing a larger sum than one’s actual paycheck, this shouldn’t be a surprise. In an effort to change this, as of June 12, some states ended the enhanced federal aid, which was originally slated to continue through September 6, 2021.
Another source of candidate shortages is the fact that since the pandemic crises, people are now reevaluating their personal worth, which is making individuals be more selective in the jobs they seek and accept.
How Sourcers Are Offering a Solution
The current influx of job openings presents opportunities as well as challenges for recruiters. Employers are turning to the recruiting experts as they strive to not only hire multiple people but also find new top-talent. However, with fewer people seeking employment, it’s more important than ever for recruiters to make use of their professional talents and available sourcing tools.
As businesses continue to restructure operations in a way that is financially sustainable and customer oriented, more focus is also being placed on accommodating employee requests and retaining employees long-term. Forward thinking industries are viewing this as the perfect time to revamp former ways, being more discerning about building a team while also creating a more desirable work environment that nurtures employees and provides growth opportunities.
This new outlook couldn’t come at a better time due to the fact that for those individuals who are seeking new job opportunities, they’re demanding things that will provide a healthier work-life balance. Such demands range from schedule flexibility, working from home, higher wages, enhanced benefits, and an uplifting working environment.
Additionally, because recruiters have a wide-range of tools geared specifically towards sourcing and hiring, right at their fingertips, along with a knack for communicating with applicants, employers recognize that hiring recruiters is an investment rather than an expense.
The Positive Side of Things
Although the pandemic affected everyone, it catapulted recruiters into a plethora of new demands. More than ever, recruiters became well-acclimated to the processes of automations, virtually interviewing and remote onboarding while maintaining a degree of personalization. Now businesses are relying on these skills.
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I just found your stuff this last week I ordered your Top Talent Sourcing Tools for Recruiters. So much info also got your Boolean string basics for recruiters. I took a workshop on booling stings recently and was told they were going to send me the cheat sheet they did not so I found your book. I am looking forward to getting better and this as I have some knowledge but I know it is sorely lacking. Thanks for the great info. I am trying to figure out which tools would be the best for finding email and cell numbers for candidates and clients alike. There is so much info!
I am getting a duplicate comment but i have never been on your site before.
Hi Kimberly!! The book will be a great resource!!
Thanks for reading the blog.
-Jonathan
I completely agree that since the pandemic, employment has been more and more in demand. I appreciate you sharing this important and fascinating information to raise awareness. I’m looking forward to reading more of your work like this.