As the world adapts to the coronavirus pandemic, shifts in hiring and job-seeking processes are commonplace. The integration of technology in every business process alongside the drive for remote work options opens up the world to job seekers. As a result, HR departments are using more tech to process and search for new hires.
Technology trends in hiring and job-seeking support the remote work world while bringing innovative solutions. The new tech relies on big data analytics and artificial intelligence tools to scan through resumes and find ideal candidates for open positions. For job seekers, this requires a new approach.
Here, we’ll examine tech trends in hiring and job seeking, as well as methods for job seekers to make the most of the new reality.
The New Tech
The bulk of the new technology in hiring processes can be categorized into two camps: AI and analytics. Both systems go hand-in-hand in vetting and processing job applicants for the best fit.
Analytics requires the use of vast data sums to create predictive and workable models surrounding candidate success and metrics that indicate desirable performance factors. AI vets applicants for skillsets and job history with speed and precision that cannot be matched by human employees.
Increasingly, companies are seeing the need for HR analytics due to the benefits these data systems provide. These include:
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Reduced time to hire.
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Improved sourcing statistics.
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More effective recruitment funnels.
With COVID-19 concerns, the economy is experiencing fluctuations in the labor force. Shutdowns and new safety provisions make traditional hiring and job-seeking difficult. This is why AI is one of the most important HR tech tools for the modern world, reshaping the way we interact with employment opportunities.
AI offers automation and recommendations at a rate capable of matching the fluctuating needs of the modern economy. Paired with tech-based systems for data management and touchless document processing, the challenges of pandemic and remote work can be addressed with safety and efficiency.
Other trends include the shift to virtual interviews and onboarding processes, but these processes are altered more by data analysis than by a virtual medium.
For job seekers, understanding the ways data and AI shape the hiring experience will be paramount.
Making the Most of Modern Technology for Job Seekers
The pandemic economy has seen job loss at an unprecedented level. Layoffs to the tune of 20.6 million occurred in the month following major shutdowns in the U.S. alone. Fortunately, however, the shift to remote solutions means a broader base of available employers able to hire from all around the country.
Getting discovered, however, requires an applicant’s awareness of analytical and AI tools that scan and vet resumes and cover letters. Even the interview process can be shaped and informed by metrics uncovered by data analysis.
Job seekers should prepare their resumes for an applicant tracking system (ATS), and then practice for the inevitable Zoom interview.
Getting Your Resume Through the ATS
Over 98% of Fortune 500 companies now use applicant tracking systems all the time. These AI systems are built to offer the top 20% of relevant candidate’s information to the hiring manager, saving HR workers exceptional amounts of time and effort. The trade-off for job seekers is that a new ”or more focused ”approach to resume and cover letter writing may be required.
Writing a resume that can pass through an ATS requires:
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Using job experience keywords to match semantic searches.
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Organizing your resume with traditionally labeled sections.
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Build your resume around job postings.
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Submitting documents in standard text processing form ”not in PDF.
Following these tips helps better your chances as a job seeker of getting through an ATS. You may have the perfect resume, but something as simple as submitting it in PDF form could throw off the system and keep you from getting seen. Adapt to this new technological trend to improve your prospects.
Nailing the Zoom Interview
Once you’ve made it through the ATS, an interview will likely follow. Due to the changing nature of the workforce after COVID-19, there’s a good chance this interview will happen over Zoom or a similar video conferencing platform.
Luckily for job seekers, this trend hasn’t altered the nature of interviews too profoundly. Analytics, however, provides hiring managers with better information regarding the skillset and attitude needed for an ideal candidate.
Job seekers can prepare themselves for the Zoom interview by picking up on keywords and requirements as stated in the job posting. Since the posting will likely have been informed by the derived analytics, this will be a good focus point for the applicant.
Additionally, job seekers can search out common interview questions like this list for occupational therapists in order to understand commonalities in job market data.
The Future of Hiring Tech
Current technological trends in hiring and job-seeking have been shaped by pandemic and AI advancements. Without big data, these trends would not be possible, as it would be difficult for HR departments to manage resume vetting and safety controls. Big data will continue to change HR and employment practices as time goes on, providing new insights into employee retention and management.
With the demands of the time, AI and analytical technology is a gift to hiring managers across industries. For job seekers, this tech can mean more hurdles to be aware of. However, with the proper preparation, applicants can make ATS and virtual interviews work for them.
As AI and analytical technologies progress, so will their involvement in hiring and job seeking. Informed job seekers and hiring managers alike can take advantage of these innovations to find the perfect fit for any situation.
