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4 Reasons Why Data-Driven Recruitment is Key in The Future of Hiring

4 Reasons Why Data-Driven Recruitment is Key in The Future of Hiring

We’ve come a long way since the days after World War II – where the modern-day recruitment industry was born. Over this time, we’ve seen the invention of the cover letter in 1956, the start of online background checks in 1985 and electronic resumes in 2002. In the ever-evolving industry of recruiting, it begs the question, “what’s next?”

With technology at our fingertips and impending evolutions such as the Metaverse, Web 3.0 and the Internet of Things (IoT), we have more data at our disposal than ever before. Data, in part, can be useful for organizations to gain real-time access to how their customers and stakeholders are interacting with their business. However, once companies have this data, the challenge becomes what to do with it.

“Generally speaking, better data leads to better decisions,” Georgianna Rhoda, Director of Recruiter at Hunter Recruiting describes. “This remains true for the recruitment industry and employers alike.” Rhoda explains, “Through compiled data, we can take a numbers-first look at all aspects of our application, hiring and onboarding processes to deliver the best results to our candidates and clients.” Data-driven recruitment goes beyond process improvement, and challenges employers to utilize new technologies to create a more inclusive and enhanced applicant experience.

Read on for the reasons data should be driving your recruitment process.

1. Streamline Application Process

Data can be overwhelming. A good place to start is at the top of the funnel – where your candidates begin the application process. Consider looking at your conversion rate, or the amount of people who complete applications divided by the total number of people viewing the page. You can then use this data to benchmark yourself against your industry competitors to see how your career pages perform. You can also look at time spent on your site and identify where people are falling off of the application process. This information can be valuable in determining how candidates are using your platform, and if there are any issues that may hinder them from applying to the role. Over time, this data can be utilized to create an overall better candidate experience starting at the very first interaction they have with your company.

2. Deter Unconscious Bias

According to a study by BrightTalk, 79% of HR professionals agree that unconscious bias exists in both recruitment and succession planning decisions. Data, when analyzed properly, can provide a new perspective on unconscious bias in your hiring process. Looking at demographic information of the candidates you are engaging, and how the numbers change at each step, can help you identify unknown errors in your recruitment practices. Additionally, new technology tools can use data to help deter unconscious bias. By leveraging candidate data with technologies such as artificial intelligence, human unconscious biases can be minimized, as candidates are ranked by a computer solely on their quantifiable skills and experiences. Historical data can also be used with tools that assess the wording of your interview questions and job descriptions to make sure they appeal to people of all genders, races and backgrounds.

3. Forecast Hiring Trends

Most hiring managers would love to predict the future. By utilizing historical data, companies can identify patterns and forecast trends within their organization. For example, a company could forecast how many people they’ll need to replace this year and account for any year-over-year season trends. This could help the organization set budgets, plan for necessary resources and build internal HR teams that are capable of handling turnover. Companies could also use historical data to predict total time to hire to give managers and departments a realistic timeline for getting a new employee up to speed.

4. Reduce Hiring Costs

Hiring can be very costly for organizations. According to a report by SHRM, it costs employers an average of $4,129 and 42 days to fill an open position. While this number varies based on the job role, experience required and salary range, you can imagine how hiring multiple employees a month could add up over the course of a year. A great way to cut costs is to utilize data to identify what is (and isn’t) working. An employer might look at what job boards lead to the greatest number of accepted employment offers and allocate their spending to those platforms. Additionally, a company may look at data and fall-off trends and identify that their interview process is too long, causing candidates to accept other offers during that time.

These data points can lead to conversations to better improve your organization’s recruitment strategies and ultimately provide you a new lens to examine your hiring processes through.

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How to Effectively Email Job Recruiters: Click Here For Template

How to Effectively Email Job Recruiters: Click Here For Template

We recently asked our followers, “What communication method do you prefer from recruiters?” We found that the majority, 48% of people, prefer to use email, 18% prefer call, 8% prefer text and 26% prefer all the above when communicating with recruiters.

When emailing a recruiter for a new job, it can be confusing where to start, what to send and when to send it.

Follow these tips to make a great first impression and land your next job quickly.

Be Direct

Whether you are reached out to first or cold emailing a recruiter, be direct with your intentions and remember that wording is important. Recruiters want to understand your experience and professional goals quickly, so writing your entire career story is not necessary. Tell them what position you are interested in, why you are looking for a new job and provide your contact information.

If the job is a particularly good fit, you can briefly include a few sentences indicating any relevant experience, such as industry knowledge or competitor names to get the recruiter’s attention.

Attaching your resume, or linking to your LinkedIn profile, is also helpful to give the recruiter an idea of the kinds of jobs that best suit your skills and experiences.

Write Professionally

When communicating with hiring teams, it is best to avoid slang, misspelled words and any unprofessional language.

Talking with recruiters, whether by phone or email, is the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so you want to take the time to get it right.  When emailing, you want to make sure that your messages are coming off clearly, and that nothing can be left up to interpretation. Consider re-reading your messages a few times before sending or having another individual review them beforehand for spelling, grammar and clarity.

Using a professional email is a best practice. For example, a university-provided email or a simple email of your first and last name is acceptable. Having an email like [email protected] is not the best choice for making a good first impression in a professional context.

Keep Contact Information Updated

Keeping your contact information and location updated is essential in the job-hunting process. Even though work from home opportunities have become more common, it is important to keep an accurate location on your resume and online profiles so that the recruiter you are working with has a clear understanding of your situation.

Also, keep a commonly checked phone number and email address listed in your email signature to ensure that the recruiter can get ahold of you quickly if needed. Make sure these updates are visible and match in your email signature and your resume.

If you continue in the job hiring process and start talking to hiring managers, make sure you are using the same email address you used with the recruiter. By doing this, both the recruiter and the hiring manager will be able to accurately keep track of conversations and avoid any miscommunication.

Example Templates

Here is an email template when you are interested in a specific job title:

Hello [Recruiter Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am interested in [Position Title] at [Company Name].

This role stood out to me, as it requires [Skill Name] in the [Industry Name] industry. I have experience in [Skill Name] working in a similar role for [Company Name], and I think this could make me a very promising candidate for this role.

I have attached my resume and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

 

Here is an example when you are emailing a recruiter without a specific job title in mind:

Hello [Recruiter Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am interested in working at [Company Name]. I am currently looking for job opportunities in the [Job Interest Field] field.  I would be happy briefly discuss my skills and experience with you, or someone on your team, to see if [Company Name] has any roles that I may be a good fit for.

I have attached my resume and included my phone number below. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks!

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

 

Lastly, an email template for a recent college graduate:

Hello [Recruiter Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am interested in working at [Company Name]. I am currently looking for job opportunities in the [Job Interest Field] field.  I have recently graduated from [University Name] with a degree in [Degree Name] and have internship experience with [Company Name or Relevant Skills]. I would be happy briefly discuss my skills and experience with you or someone on your team to see if [Company Name] has any roles that I may be a good fit for.

I have attached my resume and included my phone number below. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

Finding the right language when communicating with a potential employer can be hard, but these tips and templates can guide your next career search.

Search our latest jobs or submit your resume today to kickstart your job search!

 

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Best Practices For Creating a Welcoming Workplace For LGBTQ Employees

Best Practices For Creating a Welcoming Workplace For LGBTQ Employees

 

As the number of “out” professionals continues to increase, it is vital that companies have LGBTQ-friendly workplaces to ensure employee satisfaction and business success. In addition to satisfaction, a 2020 McKinsey report indicates that diverse organizations outperform less-diverse competitors in both profits and revenue.  

These practices do not just appeal to LGBTQ employees or clients, but are recognized by all stakeholders. For example, 72% of allies say that all else being equal, they are more likely to accept a job at a company that is supportive of LGBTQ employees than one that is not supportive (The Center for Talent Innovation).  

Regardless of someone’s sexual or gender identity, inclusive policies indicate a welcoming environment and an organization that is invested in supporting their employees fully. Read on for LGBTQ workplace best practices:   

Policies & Benefits 

One of the most impactful ways to acknowledge and support LGBTQ employees is through inclusive policies and benefits. These are vital for signaling values and support of LGBTQ employees. The best practice for inclusive health insurance includes coverage for transgender individuals, same-sex spouses, same-sex partners and domestic partners. The most inclusive companies support LGBTQ-specific medical care, including gender transitioning, in their insurance coverage.  

Other policies that should reflect the needs of LGBTQ employees are parental leave and bereavement leave, both of which should include same-sex and domestic partners in their coverage. Additionally, employee handbooks that include gender-neutral language, such as they, them, theirs, themselves and siblings, parents, as opposed to catch-all terms such as he/she, him/her, and include gender-neutral dress codes help to create spaces that welcome all employees.  

Non-discrimination policies should include explicit protection against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. As The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) says, this language “ensures equal treatment for LGBTQ employees and sends a welcoming message to LGBTQ job applicants”.   

Training 

LGBTQ diversity training is important for ensuring that all employees, and company leadership, have shared knowledge of terms and concepts. In all organizations, employees have varied familiarity with what comprises an LGBTQ inclusive workplace and why it is important. A good place to start is with a review of key terms, definitions/ examples of inclusion across the wide spectrum of sexuality and gender identities, and how to address homophobia and transphobia. The HRC has ample resources available for LGBTQ diversity training.  

Support 

Creating an LGBTQ network, affinity group, or employee resource group (ERG) to support LGBTQ+ employees at your workplace can go a long way to develop a sense of community and belonging. With the establishment of a specific ERG, employees are made to feel safe and seen within their sexual identity and feel safe being “out” in the workplace. These groups signal inclusivity to perspective employees and clients, and make current employees feel recognized and supported.  

Finally, the addition of gender pronouns in email signatures and business cards, as well as making all single stall bathrooms gender-neutral have become increasingly common. Both of these actions recognize the full spectrum of gender and create a safe workplace for gender-neutral, gender-nonconforming, and transgender people.  

Summary 

LGBTQ inclusive workplaces lead to greater employee and customer loyalty and are better able to attract and retain top talent. These efforts are crucial even if there are no “out” members of your team or company, as 46% of LGBTQ employees have not disclosed their identity to employers. Additionally, non-LGBTQ people overwhelmingly prefer a diverse and welcoming workplace. With all of this in mind, it is clear that creating a safer and more inclusive environment for LGBTQ people in the workplace is impactful for employees and stakeholders alike. 

 

Additional Resources:

SHRM: Ensuring Workplace Inclusion for LGBTQ Employees 

Pride at Work 

Out & Equal

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce  

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Gabrielle Christman Recognized as Progressive Entrepreneur by Smart Business Magazine

Gabrielle Christman Recognized as Progressive Entrepreneur by Smart Business Magazine

(Avon, Ohio), June 21, 2022 – President & CEO of Hunter Recruiting, Gabrielle Christman, will be recognized as one of the region’s three “Progressive Entrepreneurs” by Smart Business Magazine at the 2022 Smart Women Awards Breakfast on June 23. The program will address today’s issues facing women in the workplace and recognize the achievements of leading businesswomen, inspiring male advocates and effective advancement programs through the Smart Women Awards program.

The awards program will be held at the Westin Cleveland Downtown from 8:00 am – 10:30 am. In addition to the “Progressive Entrepreneur” awards, the program will honor advancing women in business, forward-thinking organizations and other individuals positively impacting the community.

The “Progressive Entrepreneur” award recognizes female entrepreneurs who have either founded or co-founded a for-profit business that has achieved substantial growth within the last two years due to an innovative product or service.

“I am honored to be recognized at the Smart Women Awards alongside this exceptional group of leaders within our community,” said Christman. “Over the last 16 years, we’ve seen Hunter grow into a national staffing leader capable of supporting numerous Fortune 500 corporations with their high-level scientific and engineering talent.” Hunter’s success hasn’t halted over the years, as Christman looks forward to the future, “We are excited about the current construction of our new corporate campus in Avon which will include immense employee offerings and a state-of-the-art recruiting facility.”

In addition to Hunter’s new corporate headquarters, Christman has also been working on a new affiliate to Hunter Recruiting, STEMHUNTER. After over a decade of helping top corporations hire top STEM talent and hearing the frustrations from STEM professionals about how they search for work differently, Christman realized there had to be a better way. Earlier this year, she launched STEMHUNTER, a job board built specifically for STEM talent and innovative corporations. STEMHUNTER’s unique features were built to change the way that scientific and technical talent search for relevant, meaningful work.

This year, Christman will chair the American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red For Girls event in Northeast Ohio, which encourages young women in the community to consider pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The event includes interactive activities and provides the attendees with the opportunity to meet role models in STEM fields. She looks forward to continuing to impact the community as Hunter Recruiting and STEMHUNTER continue to grow.

To learn more about the Smart Women Awards virtual event, visit www.sbnonline.com/events/smartwomen/.

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About Hunter Recruiting

Founded in 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio, Hunter Recruiting offers STEM-focused recruitment solutions to complex corporations across the nation. Hunter connects talented individuals with some of the most innovative companies in the world and has impacted the careers of over 1.3M candidates. Hunter is a Women’s Business Enterprise certified by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and a member of the Paradigm for Parity® coalition. For more information about Hunter, visit www.hirecruiting.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

About STEMHUNTER

STEMHUNTER is a next-generation hiring platform built for STEM professionals. With innovative technologies such as Messaging That Matters™, predictive AI matching and STEM-specific search functionality, STEMHUNTER is on a mission to create the world’s largest network of STEM professionals and job opportunities. For more information about STEMHUNTER, visit www.STEMHUNTER.com or download the STEMHUNTER mobile app on the App Store or Google Play.

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5 Ways to Effectively Lead Your Workforce in a Hybrid Environment  

5 Ways to Effectively Lead Your Workforce in a Hybrid Environment  

Leadership is challenging, and an ever-changing work environment can leave leaders overwhelmed and directionless. As indicated in a recent Gallup survey,  53% of employers plan to keep or implement a hybrid work environment for their company, suggesting that these workplace changes are here to stay.

The growth of hybrid employees necessitates a leadership shift to create a strong workforce and yield optimal results.

Invest in Technology  

No matter your company’s industry or sector, ample and reliable technology is essential in a hybrid work environment.

This means employers should ensure that each employee has access to all required technological tools in both of their workplaces – office and home. With reliable internet connectivity and tools, your employees will be able to work more efficiently compared to employees struggling with slow loading times and out-of-date-software.

Be Flexible and Have Empathy  

Having employees work in both the office and at home requires management to be flexible with their schedule. Life happens and employees appreciate understanding if urgent matters come up involving children, health or other personal events.

It is likely that your employees prefer different working environments. You may have one employee who loves to work at home and can be easily distracted at the office, and another that depends on the office for a quiet, uninterrupted workspace. As a manager, adjusting to their individual hybrid work preferences and schedules may elicit the best results.

Meet Often 

JLL study reported that 66% of remote workers miss regular, in-person interactions with their co-workers and bosses in the workplace.

Meeting face-to-face with employees is vital to prevent burnout and feelings of isolation. When employees come into the office for work, consider building time into your schedule to meet with them.

While email and video chatting can still lead to productive conversations, communicating with your employees in person allows for more collaboration, time for questions and human connection that many employees seek in their employer.

During those meetings it’s important to evaluate how hybrid work is going and if the employee feels like it is productive for their role.

Avoid Ambiguity and Communicate 

In a hybrid work environment, your employees will rarely be in one place at the same time. Thus, it is important to be clear about your expectations for them, and the goals for your team and company.

Additionally, it is important to clearly communicate in-office expectations of your employees. If you do not set a schedule or discuss expectations, confusion can ensue and caus3e employees to become disgruntled.

Set Boundaries  

Like an 8am-5pm office schedule, remote employees also deserve to have set working and non-working times. With remote work, the lines between work time and home life can easily get blurred.

Consider setting expectations for employees not to answer messages or emails during all hours of the day, as it is not sustainable and can lead to burnout. Give them a hard end time of the workday, which leadership should follow as well, to promote a healthy balance.

Implementing these tips will provide a more positive and successful work environment for your employees and will make them feel their time is being considered and used effectively.

Need help recruiting effective hybrid workers? Hunter Recruiting can help.

Click here for more information on how we can improve your workforce and provide you with the best talent for your organization.

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