2019 is a year for change, which begs the question: will companies evolve to keep up, or will hiring managers continue to practice outdated techniques? The dynamic between employers and employees is constantly changing, which means there has been a shift in the standard recruiting practices. Here are the beneficial hiring trends to watch out for in 2019.
The Importance of Soft Skills: It’s Not Just About Technical Ability
While having the right technical abilities can get you in for the interview, it is the soft skills a candidate displays that determine whether he or she will be the right fit for a company. Typically, 92% of talent professionals say that soft skills matter as much or more than hard skills when they are looking to hire.
As a hiring manager, it’s important to find the right balance between the demand for soft skills and the skill set that is necessary for the job. Certain soft skills enable a candidate to interact with co-workers and contribute to the functionality of his or her technical tasks. Decide which soft and technical skills are critical prior to meeting with candidates.
Work Flexibility: Beneficial for Candidates and Companies
In previous years, working remotely was considered a huge benefit, but largely uncommon. With vastly improving technology and job opportunities, however, a lot of candidates now expect these perks from companies.
According to LinkedIn, there has been a 78% increase in job posts that mention the keywords “work flexibility” within the past two years and a 24% increase in the number of people who consider flexible work a deciding factor in accepting a position within the past four years.
This shift benefits employees and employers alike. Work flexibility can save companies massive amounts of money, so don’t be afraid of looking into different opportunities that could help attract top candidates.
Pay Transparency: Secrecy No Longer
Historically, this is a topic that employers avoid, and candidates seek. By not acknowledging the topic, companies can unknowingly create an uneasy environment, leaving candidates unsure as to whether it makes sense to move forward through the interview process. In fact, 61% of candidates focus on compensation when looking at a job post.
Currently, 27% of employers post their salary information on websites like PayScale or LinkedIn, and more employers are following the trend. It not only streamlines negotiations and warrants fair pay, but it also saves time by filtering out candidates who would have declined the offer. It’s important to know the boundaries around pay as both the company and the candidate, but by knowing the potential salary upfront, it gives both sides an advantage in interviews by focusing on more important topics of discussion.
