9 Recruitment Trends for 2020

As the New Year settles in, new trends are on the horizon for the recruitment industry.

Modern technology, the changing needs of job seekers, and emerging markets give rise to plenty of exciting recruitment trends for 2020. We’ve picked some of the hottest trends to watch out for.

Understanding these upcoming recruitment trends is essential if employers want to stay competitive and continue to attract the best and brightest.

Join us as we explore the 9 upcoming recruitment trends for 2020 that’ll change recruitment experiences for both candidates and hiring managers.

Recruitment Trends to Watch in 2020

1. Continued focus on employer branding

Employer branding may not be a new concept for many companies. Yet it’s set to become even more prominent during the coming year by transforming businesses’ future hiring capabilities. In a highly competitive, candidate-driven market, standing out is essential. And one of the best ways to stand out from the crowd is with an amazing employer brand image.

Did you know 75% of job seekers consider a company’s employer brand image and reputation when applying?

A company brand image can attract, engage and retain candidates. But only if done well.

Although building a great reputation can take time, start now by considering your employee value proposition and company culture. Or in other words, how you treat and support your employees to bring their best selves to work.

2. Prioritising candidate experience

Alongside employer branding, the experience candidates have during the recruitment process can influence whether they accept your final offer.

Candidates are now placing greater need on open communication, online and mobile portals, and quick decisions. With this in mind, it’s time to review your recruitment process to make sure it conveys convenience and accessibility.

With 38% of job seekers being more likely to accept a job after a positive experience, creating a welcoming atmosphere could help you secure some of the best in class.

3. Mainstream AI

While artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t quite ready to completely transform the recruitment industry, we expect to see more changes and integrations in 2020. Whether it’s helping auditors to streamline their process or making it easier to evaluate CVs, AI technology is becoming a bigger part of the workplace.

Embracing these changes could have a range of benefits for employers including fewer man-hours, happier employees and greater productivity. Find out more about Industry 4.0 in our article.

4. The need for holistic benefits

Supporting employees wellbeing and mental health not only keeps your workforce smiling, but also allows you to preempt sick days and maintain productivity. For example, 52% of employees say that accessible, holistic benefits would help them complete their jobs better, while also increasing loyalty.

Many companies are now going the extra mile by providing company benefits focused on employee wellbeing. So, 2020 may end up being a year of the ‘healthy, happy workplace.’

5. Virtual reality

While VR has long existed in the gaming, retail and digital industries, it’s rarely been used within the recruitment industry. Yet, it holds interesting possibilities for the recruitment landscape this New Year.

From offering candidates a virtual tour of workplace facilities to watching candidates in action via situational interviews, this technology will streamline the recruitment process and create outstanding candidate experiences.

6. Data-driven recruitment

Data has become a priceless aspect of recruitment. Data analytics and algorithms are already shaping the hiring process and many companies plan to further expand on this technology this New Year.

Leveraging the available information to make data-driven decisions, rather than gut instinct ones, will allow companies to make smarter hiring choices and save costs from hiring the wrong employee.

7. Referral programmes

Referral programmes are a great way to share your employer brand image. Encourage employees to recommend friends to expand your hiring pool and share their experiences of what it’s like to work for you.

Employee referral programmes are one of the most effective recruitment methods, with 82% of employers saying this method provided the best results.

If candidates only see a carefully contained version of your company’s culture, it can be hard to build trust. But, there’s no better way to turn sceptic views around than by showing a true, behind the scenes take of your workplace via employee referrals.

8. Non-CV hiring

CVs may become old hat as some experts suggest traditional resumes and CVs are less likely to be part of the recruitment process in 2020. Companies are breaking the mould by asking candidates to get creative with videos, podcasts and PR stunts to show they’re a good fit for the company.

In 2020, you may also see gamified applications using AI, personality tests and skill-based assessments entering the application process.

Non-CV hiring allows employers to tailor the recruitment process to fit the company’s specific needs and increase their chances of finding the perfect new recruit.

9. Harnessing the power of flexible working

While companies have traditionally considered flexible working as a “perk” or “company benefit”, flexible working is likely to become the norm for many industries this year. Whether it’s managing an entirely remote workforce, embracing term-time hours or promoting duvet days, remote and virtual working will only become more common next year.

Allowing your employees to work remotely increases your recruitment pool as candidates’ location isn’t a problem, boost productivity and even retain your employees for longer. With so many benefits, we’re also likely to see a greater range of industries embrace the trend like the financial sector.

Recruit with Change Recruitment

Here at Change Recruitment, we welcome new recruitment trends with open arms. If you’re hoping to transform your recruitment process to follow these trends, we can help you improve candidate experiences and deliver an outstanding recruitment process.

Speak to one of our recruitment specialists to get started.