It is estimated that the COVID-19 pandemic has wiped out nearly 195 million jobs worldwide. While the statistic is shocking, it has the potential to enrich the startup ecosystem if emerging companies can adjust and attract candidates from this large pool. It is now possible to attract candidates who were previously unattainable.
Many people are also seeing the current crisis as a time of change and are planning to change their careers for various reasons. Competition is fierce in recruiting talent. With skills being prioritized over experience, employees are able to switch careers and join new industries, notable tech.
There is a huge opportunity now for startups to showcase and show that they can offer a lot to their employees. It may not be able to offer salaries like the big companies but can offer a lot more than paychecks.
If you own a startup or plan to start one, the points will help you not only attract talent but also retain them. By being flexible and encouraging a pleasant environment where the employees can learn and grow, you can definitely attract highly skilled candidates.
Hiring Tips for startups
1. Streamline flow with technology
Proper use of technology will help HR professionals avoid manual work. Technology can be leveraged for seamless recruitment. It allows HR personnel to have fluid and timely communications in times like this where it is not possible to recruit in person. Technology can also create a more personalized experience for the new recruits.
2. Recruit career shifters
Various surveys have shown that workers are increasingly planning to change job sectors and careers. Recruiting career shifters can be hugely beneficial for your startup. They can offer an alternative way of finding solutions and making your business grow. Your startup can benefit from its network, background, and soft skills.
Career shifting is also psychologically enriching because you will be recruiting an employee who is professionally satisfied and more productive. As a startup, shift your recruitment in such a way so that you can spot relevant skills in a career shifter. The most famous and much-quoted example of a career shifter is that of Jeff Bezos who was a computer scientist. There are several others too.
3. Remote hiring
Applications for remote jobs have increased considerably. According to experts, this is a trend that is not going anywhere. With more and more jobs going remote it is necessary to move your recruitment online. Try remote recruitment with virtual events, networking with different platforms to find the right candidate, etc. You can use software for sourcing, tracking, and automating the hiring process and should also be able to screen, recruit, onboard and train new hires remotely.
4. Focus on skills
Traditional hiring was always focused on specialization and years of experience. In times like this where hiring the right talent is the ultimate goal, such specifications may restrict your search horizons. A startup needs a multitasker, a person who can communicate well and can face adversity calmly.
Review your job descriptions, write a list that details the problems to be solved, not merely the duties. Specify the competencies necessary to excel in the job. These can include soft skills like compassion, flexibility, time management among others. You can ask the candidates to submit portfolios instead of resumes. By this, you will be able to see their achievements in action. At the interview stage, pay attention to how they interact with you and whether they are culturally fit.
5. Outsourcing
You can always think of outsourcing as one of the options especially when your volumes are lower. It is a very cost-effective option. Proper research should be done before considering outsourcing so as to make the right choice. Work on multiple bids before deciding. One of the biggest benefits of outsourcing is that it eliminates the struggle with recruitment and reduces costs. Outsource a small portion initially so you can gauge the capabilities of your outsourcing partner.
6. AI-based tools
Allocate some of your budgets for investing in AI-based tools. This is essential for the startup to survive and thrive in the market. You get a lot of benefits by implementing AI in your organization. It can help you get the right candidate in the shortest possible time and also bring down the costs considerably.
AI can streamline your recruitment process by eliminating all unwanted steps and can help you in sourcing, screening, assessing, scheduling interviews, maintaining a database of candidates, engaging with the candidates, and more. There are many recruitment tools available in the market and you choose one which suits you best.
7. Diversity
Boosting diversity can benefit your startup in many ways. It leads to better morale and higher productivity. It is also the right thing to do. Thanks to remote recruitment you can do diversity-conscious recruitment. Location bias can be eliminated and also remote work allows caregivers to accelerate their careers. Jobs can be made more accessible for the physically challenged as well. This inclusivity will help you recruit talent of a very high order.
Make diversity a core value of your startup and actively welcome and respect people from all backgrounds.
8. Unique vision and culture
You need to sell the vision and culture of your startup. Something unique to give you a competitive edge over the others. Applicants looking for leaders and companies which care about their well-being and are purpose-driven. Candidates look for flexibility and would want to learn and grow with the company. Your startup can be goal-oriented rather than time-oriented.
If possible, offer education programs to people who want to improve their skills or learn new ones. This can help your company in the long run as employee attrition will be very low. Try to provide a workplace that will thrive in a remote environment. Advertise your startup as a place where candidates have not only security but also the opportunity for self-realization
About Author:
Sakshi Sharma is working as a mobility strategist at SDI, a Silicon Valley Web and App development firm, which offers development, design, and market strategies for a range of tech solutions for entrepreneurs, startups, and enterprises. She enjoys helping round out your innovative ideas. Follow her on Twitter.
