5 Need-to-Know Work Place Trends for Recruiters

The world of work is changing at a terrific pace which means that recruiters need to keep up to date with industry trends or risk being left behind.

Technology and new employment structures are spurring major changes in the workplace, but even more importantly, the way that Millennials view work is rapidly changing the way candidates seek, pursue and carry out their roles. Remember millennials #GenY will soon make up the majority of our workforce.

Here are 5 of the most important trends that have shaken the recruitment world in recent years.

1. Technology. In this brave new world of work, technology is king-and one of the overwhelming recruitment trends is a desire for tech-savvy employees who can move the business through the digital revolution. The best recruiters hunt out the ‘tech natives’ and encourage their other, less digitally inclined candidates to develop their tech skills.
2. The changing face(s) of jobs. Not so long ago, a workplace was a relatively static human environment, often full of the same faces serving out their years until their gold watch. The modern work landscape, on the other hand, is an ever-changing mix of permanents and part-timers, freelancers and temps, consultants and remote workers. It’s extremely dynamic, and requires recruiters to be extremely dynamic in return.

3. Continuous, proactive recruitment. Because there is a skill-shortage and so much movement between jobs, a ‘permanent recruitment’ mindset is developing. When companies don’t have candidates lined up in advance, they risk being short-staffed if someone leaves- driving a need for a constant talent pipeline. This need for fresh, available candidates keeps recruiters busy sourcing new talent- and has led to the rise of Talent Mapping.

4. The rise of the Millennials. As Millennials become the dominant group in the workforce, a new desire for meaningful work and flexible work hours increasingly drive candidate’s decisions on which job roles they wish to pursue and accept. This is creating a strong emphasis on benefits, initiatives and engagement, as well as a company’s corporate responsibility or image. For example, a job with a high salary yet an authoritarian culture, or a job with a major company with a poor public image is not likely to attract the number of high-calibre candidates it would have in the past. There’s a higher rejection rate at play, presenting new challenges for recruiters who need to inspire candidates to take roles in more traditional companies.

5. CV’s matter a little less. A CV is still the most important tool at a candidate’s disposal, yet interviewers are increasingly looking past the dot-points of past experience and focussing more on potential, attitude and cultural fit. This is another opportunity for the most talented recruiters-the ones that know both the client and the candidate well- to place candidates with high potential in exciting roles.

With so many changes taking place, the modern workplace is a recruiter’s playground of opportunities. By staying abreast of the newest HR trends and adapting their practices accordingly, the top recruiters will excel.

Until next time

Cheryl