With the rise of remote work and the need for companies to expand their talent pool, virtual recruiting has become essential. However, finding and recruiting candidates virtually requires a different set of strategies and techniques than traditional methods.
In this article, we will discuss five strategies for recruiting virtually, including sourcing candidates online, conducting online interviews, and more, to help you navigate the virtual recruitment process with ease.
How to take virtual recruitment to the next level
Leverage social media and online job boards
Social media platforms and online job boards are a goldmine when it comes to finding top talent. Not only do they offer a vast pool of candidates that you can source from regardless of location, but they also allow you to engage with potential hires in real time.
First and foremost, it’s essential to create a strong online presence to establish a strong employer brand. In addition to posting a job listing on social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, or Twitter, get creative! Use eye-catching graphics and videos to showcase your employer brand and share testimonials from happy employees. Engage with candidates who show interest by commenting, liking, or sharing your content. By turning the spotlight on your company culture, values, and mission, you’ll likely attract candidates that align with your company’s goals and objectives.
Online job boards such as Indeed, Monster, and Glassdoor are great platforms to post job openings and source qualified candidates. But with thousands of job listings, how do you make yours stand out? Start by writing compelling job descriptions that accurately describe the role and its requirements. You can also take advantage of AI-powered matching algorithms and use targeted search terms and filters to find candidates who match the job requirements and engage with them by sending personalized messages and sharing job postings.
Communicate expectations
Regardless of whether you’re working in-person or remotely, communication is vital. As an employer, it's crucial to communicate your expectations clearly to potential candidates to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
One way to communicate expectations is by writing a detailed job description that outlines an ideal candidate’s responsibilities and requirements. Be specific about the skills and experience needed for the role, as well as any tools or software the candidate will need to be proficient in. This will help candidates assess whether they’re a right fit for the role and apply accordingly. This way, you can weed out any individuals who aren’t qualified for the job role from the get-go.
While it's essential to be clear and direct, don't be afraid to have a little fun with your communication! Inject some humor and personality into your messaging. For example, you could say, "We're looking for someone who can handle virtual meetings without getting Zoom fatigue—can you handle it?" or "We're seeking a virtual rockstar who can keep up with our fast-paced work environment—up for the challenge?" By communicating expectations in a fun and engaging way, you'll attract candidates who are not only qualified but also excited about the opportunity to work with you.
Video conferencing is your friend
Are you tired of endless rounds of phone interviews and playing phone tag with potential hires? It’s high time that you integrate online video interviews into your recruitment process. Not only does it save time and increase efficiency, but it also allows you to get a better sense of the candidate's personality and communication style.
Firstly, make sure to choose the right online interview platform for your needs. There’s a plethora of options to choose from: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet are all popular video conferencing platforms, but they have different features and pricing plans. Consider factors like the number of participants, screen-sharing capabilities, and security features when making your choice.
After you’ve chosen your platform, it’s time to familiarize yourself with the set-up to avoid any technical mishaps mid-interview. Play around with important features and get to know how to use them. This includes how to screen share, how to screen record, what button to click to mute the microphone, and so on.
Ensure the lighting is good, the background is uncluttered, and your attire is appropriate. Consider sending the candidate a virtual background that showcases your employer brand or provides a bit of visual interest. And don't forget to greet the candidate warmly and make them feel comfortable—after all, a video interview can be nerve-wracking!
Use a virtual teleprompter
Whether you’re a hiring manager with years of experience under your belt, or new to the recruitment game, it’s normal to occasionally stumble over your words or forget a question you wanted to ask.
A virtual teleprompter like VODIUMVODIUM’s got a solution for that too can save you from having to memorize interview questions or shuffle through notes and resumes as you coordinate your interviews. Simply upload your notes, interview questions, or script into VODIUM’s software, and watch as your notes appear as an overlay in your video call. Unlike pulling up your interview notes in a separate tab or window, virtual teleprompter software allows you to keep your focus where it needs to be — on the candidate! Your notes sit directly below the camera, allowing you to maintain eye contact and read your questions simultaneously.
Using VODIUM’s transparency feature, you can control the opacity so that it suits your visual needs. Play around and find the sweet spot so that your script is just opaque enough to be visible and translucent enough to see through the candidate.
If you find it frustrating to know when to scroll to the next question, VODIUM’s got a solution for that too. By using the automatic scroll feature, you can set the interview questions to automatically scroll upwards as needed. With little to no human intervention, all you have to do is sit back and give your full attention to the candidate’s answers.
Offer virtual onboarding
Congratulations, you've successfully recruited a new hire virtually! Now it's time to prepare an effective virtual onboarding experience. While onboarding remotely can be challenging, with a little preparation and creativity, you can ensure your new hire feels welcomed and set up for success.
Make sure to communicate with the new hire all the necessary information before their start date so they can prepare well ahead of time. This includes details about their role, the onboarding process, and any equipment or software they may need. Consider sending them a welcome package with company swag or a personalized note to make them feel valued and part of the team from the get-go.
Next, create a structured onboarding plan that covers all the essential information the new hire needs to know. This can include virtual meetings with key stakeholders, training sessions on company policies and procedures, and introductions to their colleagues. Make sure to break up the information into digestible chunks and allow for breaks in between to avoid information overload.
Use technology to your advantage to create a seamless and engaging virtual onboarding experience. Consider using interactive tools like gamification, virtual reality, or video tutorials to make the process more engaging and memorable. And don't forget to check in regularly with the new hire to answer any questions they may have and provide feedback on their progress.
Harness the power of VODIUM
As the workplace is heading to a digital space, hiring managers need to bring their A-game to successfully source, recruit, and keep candidates. Although this may seem like a challenging task, the right tool can help hiring managers see a smooth transition from face-to-face to virtual recruitment.
To learn more about how you can level up your virtual recruitment game, or to start your free trial of VODIUM’s teleprompter, check out VODIUM today!
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