Recruitment Industry Trends You Need to Know in 2021
2020 was a transformational year for recruitment. The onset of the pandemic and the rolling out of Brexit triggered significant changes within the sector. In this article, we will look at some of the biggest recruitment industry trends that are likely to dominate in 2021.
Table of Contents
- Smart Recruitment Technologies
- Candidate-Driven Experience
- Focus on Soft Skills
- Responsive Employer Branding During The Age of COVID-19
- Remote Recruiting & Onboarding
Trend 1: Smart Recruitment Technologies
In recent years, innovative technologies have disrupted the recruitment industry. Recruiters have applied start-of-the-art technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), to streamline and automate time-consuming jobs.
Not only does this help to improve the quality of candidate searches but it also greatly accelerates the screening and sourcing process. This frees up the consultant from laborious admin so that they can focus on tasks that require more human skills such as creative problem-solving and relationship building. Another major benefit of AI is that it helps to eliminate unconscious bias to ensure greater diversity among candidates.
Berkley has fully embraced these technologies. We use an advanced AI platform that curates dynamic talent pools to empower our team to identify and deliver the most suitable candidates. Our clients benefit from a partnership process that delivers a consistent pipeline of curated talent with more speed and accuracy.
Trend 2: Candidate-Driven Experience
While many markets have experienced a downturn over the past year, we are still seeing some areas (e.g. tech) where there are more job openings than available candidates. This has resulted in a candidate-driven market in which companies are competing to attract top talent.
When it comes to attracting new employees, reputation matters. An organisation’s recruitment process can be one of the biggest deciding factors for in-demand candidates. According to data from Deloitte, 87% of candidates say a positive recruitment experience can change their mind about a company they once doubted.
To promote positive word-of-mouth, many employers are now investing more time and effort into developing a recruitment experience that puts the candidate first. By cultivating a reputation as a “candidate-friendly employer” organisations can enjoy an edge over their competitors.
Characteristics of a Candidate-Driven Recruitment Process
- A clear and accurate job description
- Easy application process
- Timely updates throughout the process
- Transparent and clear communication style
- Respect for the candidate’s time
- Well-prepared interviewers
- Feedback is provided throughout
Trend 3: Focus on Soft Skills
Study after study forecasts that automation technology will have a transformative effect on the labour market. According to McKinsey, 45% of current paid activities can be automated. As automation technologies continue to grow in sophistication and popularity, many of the roles that require hard skills may eventually become defunct.
One offshoot of this is that employers are now seeking out candidates with strong soft skills. In a time of increasing automation, one way employers are futureproofing their workforce is by attaching more value to inherently human skills that intelligent technology is incapable of recreating (e.g. creativity, interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, critical thinking). McKinsey estimates that between now and 2030, demand for social and emotional skills will grow by 22% across all industries in Europe.
Trend 4: Responsive Employer Branding During The Age of COVID-19
What is Employer Branding?
Employer branding refers to how an organisation presents itself in the labour market. A well-defined employer brand helps the organisation to attract, engage, recruit and retain top talent.
Whether or not they seek to develop it, every organisation has an employer brand. According to research from LinkedIn, 75% of job seekers consider this criterion before applying. As such, it is no surprise that organisations with attractive employer branding receive 50% more qualified applicants. Strong employer branding can boost an organisation’s credibility and give them a competitive edge.
The ongoing pandemic has further highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong employer brand. For many candidates, an organisation’s response to the pandemic provides an invaluable insight into how they treat their employees and whether this aligns with their values. During interviews, candidates may ask how your organisation worked to protect employees during the pandemic. Brian Kropp, the Vice President of Research at Gartner, says that:
“How your organisation answers this question will affect your ability to both attract new talent and retain the top talent you already have because it indicates not only what the employee experience might be like, but also because it provides a window into the organisation’s values.”
As such, when communicating your employee branding it is important to strike the right balance between the head and heart. Transparency, positivity and sensitivity are key. Workplace health, safety and wellbeing measures will also require increased focus in your communications.
Trend 5: Remote Recruiting & Onboarding
One of the biggest recruitment industry trends in 2020 was the digitalisation of the recruitment and onboarding processes. The first months of the pandemic provided organisations with a unique opportunity to conduct a trial run for remote recruiting. In 2021, remote technologies will likely become a permanent feature and candidates may come to view the recruiting process as an indication of how well the organisation has adapted to the new norm.
As they reflect on their failures and successes of 2020, many organisations will now seek to apply these insights in order to refine and future-proof their remote recruiting and onboarding procedures. In addition to making the technological element as seamless as possible, they will also need to place renewed attention on promoting a positive and engaged virtual work environment for new hires.
Key Takeaways: The Top Recruitment Industry Trends in 2021
In 2021, we are likely to see a continuation of the unique recruitment challenges that employers faced in 2020. By getting your hiring process in line with the latest industry trends and advancements you can give your organisation a competitive advantage in the war for talent. To learn more about the top recruitment industry trends in 2021 and beyond, contact Berkley to arrange a free consultation with one of our in-house experts.
