Seven Hiring Trends Emerging in This (Crazy) Job Market

Posted: August 02, 2022

We get it. The first half of 2022 caused many headaches for HR professionals and recruiters, along with a few possible cases of whiplash. Unfortunately, more uncertainty lies ahead as the Great Resignation continues and the job market remains tight. While the frantic hiring is expected to slow down at some point, it may be time to up your recruitment game. We’ve compiled a few current recruiting and hiring trends that are emerging in this crazy job market.

1. Focus on marketing and branding – Branding, messaging and social media presence during the recruitment process has become increasingly important. Candidates are not only targeting employers that can offer them the best employment opportunity, but they want to work for an organization that aligns with their beliefs and values. In response, employers must stand out from the competition by effectively communicating their advantages, including strong cultures, exceptional benefits, unique missions, etc. HR professionals also need to be more proactive in their recruitment marketing efforts, including attending networking and recruiting events, frequently updating their career pages, writing compelling job listings, and engaging their current employees to help spread the word about job openings and company benefits.
2. Reliance on technology – As HR professionals and recruiters face a more challenging job market (in favor of candidates), they are often short on time and resources. In response, they are relying more on technology, including artificial intelligence (AI), meeting software, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), etc. HR professionals are using this technology to tackle a variety of tasks, including conducting interviews, screening resumes, remote onboarding, conducting virtual interviews and attending virtual job fairs.
3. Compliance challenges – While this isn’t necessarily a new trend, HR professionals are facing a mountain of compliance challenges this year when it comes to recruiting and hiring – everything from dealing with existing and new Ban the Box laws, FCRA employment screening laws, pay transparency laws, drug testing laws, Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) laws and the list goes on. It is crucial to find partners who are knowledgeable in these areas to help navigate these murky waters.
4. Flexible work arrangements – Like it or not, many employers have no choice but to offer remote or hybrid work arrangements and flexible work schedules in order to stay competitive in the job market. Applicants are increasingly prioritizing flexibility in work schedules and working in remote locations above many other factors so this shouldn’t be overlooked.
5. Focus on the candidate experience – While this trend has been around for a while, the focus on the candidate experience has been heightened in the current job market. It is essential that employers focus on creating the best experience possible to attract and retain their candidates since they expect a streamlined and convenient hiring process. They don’t want to engage in a lengthy or confusing hiring process and they will not hesitate to go elsewhere if yours is too long or confusing. Info Cubic’s mobile-friendly Applicant Portal and Applicant Connect products help employers meet today’s applicants’ expectations for a hassle-free screening experience.
6. Focus on employee referrals – Many employers have realized the importance of employee referrals in a tight labor market, so they have increased incentives. Referrals from current employees are more likely to be easy to hire and stay longer than non-referrals.
7. Pay transparency – Like it or not, employers are being more transparent about salary ranges. Many states regulate employers to include a salary range in job postings, which has changed the landscape of salary negotiation.

The effects of Covid-19 continue to impact the hiring and recruitment process so it is crucial for HR professionals to remain flexible and embrace the current hiring trends. For information on current hiring trends, please to contact our Client Service Ninjas at (877) 360-4636.