As promised in the recent post Back to Basics, we’ll take a sharp turn from the old-fashioned topic of messaging to see what’s been getting buzz in the world of recruiting.
Last August, HR expert Dr. John Sullivan wrote a very interesting post on 13 Trends in Corporate Recruiting for 2009. It drew quite a few responses from folks offering additional insights (and explaining how their own product/service would solve problem X), then got reposted with more comments on other blogs. So there’s a nice bit of discussion around the list, and most everyone seems to agree with the ideas articulated.
Sullivan offers thoughtful commentary, plus suggested ‘Firms to watch’ in each category, so the post is well worth a read. To provide a preview, I’ll list the topics he discusses under the heading ‘Latest Trends in Corporate Recruiting,’ and then add a short comment …
- Upgrading employment branding
- Reinvigorating referral programs
- Renewing the focus on quality of hire
- Reinforcing the business case for recruiting
- Utilizing social networks
- Utilizing video
- Upgrading succession planning
- Using employee blogs for recruiting
- Using mobile-phone recruiting
- Revitalizing corporate jobs page
- Using a CRM model for hiring
- Hiring innovators
- Recruiting globally
Sullivan also lists 18 trends that will probably not become mainstream in 2009, but do offer some ideas for innovators. They include use of pop-culture tools like Second Life, video games, contests, as well as techno-strategies such as remote interviewing and simulations for candidate assessment. In addition, he mentions internal realignments such as increasing focus on internal redeployment and bringing back key ex-employees.
Finally, there’s a section on what’s not hot. Can you guess? Outsourcing recruiting processes and relying on large job boards—not hot. Also mentioned, internal concerns such as retention and speed of hire.
Of the 13 major trends, number 10 is the most relevant from a Corporate Eye perspective, and here’s what Sullivan has to say about it:
Revitalizing corporate jobs page. Recruiting managers are beginning to understand that pitifully dull and dated websites drive away innovators. Focus areas include providing personalized information to the visitor, Flash video integration, blogs, podcasts, and virtual Q&As. Firms to watch: Microsoft, Google, and Deloitte.
And here’s my comment, which is really a question. There’s a significant difference between the 2009 of ‘now’ and the 2009 of ‘then.’ In fact, it’s hard to believe the world looked so different only last August. Given the precarious condition of the economy today, employers seeking experienced talent may find their prospect pool shrinking, as employees who have jobs become reluctant to give them up and look elsewhere. And with unemployment rising steadily, employers who offer an entry-level path may find themselves overwhelmed. (Just look at the recent rush of applicants for jobs with the Miami Fire Department.)
So . . . which of the touted trends are going to be effective (or even relevant) for your company in the real 2009? And which (if any) trendy website embellishments might be worth an investment? Most important—do you have the information needed to make these decisions?
Food for forward thought.
And thanks to Môsieur J. for the image.
Lucy is Editor at Corporate Eye