The New Normals Of Campus Recruiting Post-COVID – WalkWater Talent Advisors

1. Although the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t come to a complete stop, it’s slowly and gradually reducing (at least as compared to 2019-20). Restrictions are being eased (except for certain cities and states), and things are slowly getting back to normal. Festivals are being celebrated, which is slowly bringing in business; and incoming business means a need for staff. This brings good news for graduates who unfortunately only graduated when the pandemic struck us, leaving them unemployed for so long! Many states have reopened their colleges and universities, while others are slowly planning to do so soon. This opens up the pathway to campus recruiting too, after a very lengthy suspension. But again, this won’t have recruitment going completely offline. What the pandemic has taught us that it’s always better to conduct processes over the internet than in-person, just to be safe. So, both online and offline recruitment practices are going to be seen. While campus interviews will be conducted, companies will likely use the hybrid method of candidate recruiting. The hybrid method of recruiting is easy to adopt, thanks to the rapid development of technologies, and the tech-savvy population of today. Let’s help you understand a few new normals of campus recruiting.

2. A mix of virtual and in-person interviews There’ll be a mix of both offline and online practices. It’s possible that the first few rounds of interviews, or the start of the hiring funnel that filters out more qualified candidates, will be more inclined towards virtual practices. The chosen candidates can then be called in for in-person meetings, for more detailed assessment. And, in order to opt for campus recruiting, a team of recruiters could be sent out to those campuses where they’re more likely to find qualified and appropriate candidates for the job. Other recruitments, where the chances are possibly low, can be conducted online. This way, the good points of both practices can help build a new optimal recruiting strategy. Separation of colleges that permit physical events from those that don’t Not all colleges and universities are open for physical events. This could be because their campus may be too small to accommodate all the candidates, keeping social distancing practices in mind. Or, the number of candidates could be too large to put everyone at any possible risk. To conduct interviews with candidates at such universities where physical events have not been permitted, virtual events can be set up, or candidates can be contacted through social media or career sites. Physical events can be conducted at colleges that permit physical events, and are keen on embracing such opportunities for their students. Training is essential after virtual recruitment With all of us having been pushed into online learning for almost the past two years, professional physical contact has gone too low. This has made physical contact and communication a challenge. Candidates recruited from virtual interviews are seen to be finding a hard time getting to know and work with their co-workers when it comes to working physically in the office. It’s also difficult for them to grasp the company’s culture. Thus, when virtual events are conducted for recruitment, it becomes a responsibility to train and prepare the chosen candidates for their job. Both virtual recruiting and campus recruitment can be used alternatively for the best outcomes, while keeping everything safe. When it comes to virtual recruiting, today’s generation is undoubtedly very tech-savvy to know their ways. But, when it’s about campus recruitment or any other such physical event, it’s always crucial to be cautious. In-person events always run the risk of kick-starting another COVID outbreak. It is thus critical to check for vaccinated attendees, while also following every guideline available for hosting physical gatherings. You need to hire from only

3. those top retained executive search firms in India, who completely understand the importance of vaccination, social distancing, mask coverings, and other such protective parameters, while the COVID pandemic is still on! For more information, visit: https://www.walkwatertalent.com/