Communicating with Candidates During a Crisis

Benefits of Maintaining Strong Communication With Your Candidates Through A Crisis

Communicating with your candidates is always important, but maintaining strong communication with them during a crisis can set you apart from your competitors. Thanks to COVID-19, our economy came to a grinding halt in March, and businesses are facing unique challenges. On one hand, millions of businesses were deemed “non-essential” and were forced to close their doors, putting them in danger of shutting down permanently. On the other hand, some employers in industries deemed essential are having problems attracting candidates amid the crisis.  

Whatever your struggles are now, there are real benefits that come with staying in touch with candidates throughout this crisis.  

Your Company Will Stand Out 

Many companies aren’t thinking about their candidates right now, which is completely understandable. But when they come out the other side of this crisis and the economy begins ascending again, companies that need talent will struggle to find it if they went completely dark during the crisis.  

So, even if you aren’t hiring, send out updates, advice and other communications to candidates throughout this crisis. This shows that you are still open for business and that you are planning on ramping up hiring again in the future, even if you can’t today.  

If you are in need of people and can’t seem to find them, regular communication  – especially communication focused on how you are keeping employees safe – can help you show candidates that your company is on solid ground, that you value your workforce, and that you are ready to hire people who need great jobs.  

Candidates Have Real Questions  

One of the themes of the world we are maneuvering through is that uncertainty rules the day.  People have a lot of big questions about the long-term impact of COVID-19, but they also have very specific questions like, “Is ABC Company still open,” “Is ABC Company doing remote interviews or will I be expected to come into the office,” “What precautions is ABC Company taking to protect employees?”  

Questions like these are common, and they deserve answers. By addressing those questions and keeping in touch even if you aren’t hiring right now, you show your human side at a time when things seem very cold to many workers. 

If you are hiring, answering these questions can help ease fears at a time when many people are choosing between trying to get back to work and potentially exposing themselves or staying home and collecting unemployment. Regular communication can help ease fears and encourage people to choose the workforce.  

You Will Still Need to Hire People  

COVID-19 has us all focused on government-forced job losses, but every company will have to deal with people who resign, employees who must take a leave of absence to isolate, recover or care for a sick family member, or you may still have to fire people throughout this crisis. By keeping in touch with candidates, you can much more quickly fill roles as they come open to maintain peak productivity.  

How Can You Stay In Touch With Candidates 

There are lots of ways to keep in touch with candidates throughout this crisis. Find the channels that work best for both you and your candidates. They might include:  

• Company blog posts 
• Email newsletter 
• Social media posts 
• Live broadcasts on social media that include Q&A at the end 
• Text messaging  

Remember, right now, people need connections and information and crave any sense of normalcy they can find. You might not have a lot of open jobs – or any – right now, but by keeping in touch with candidates you stand out as a leader in your community, a business that genuinely cares about people, and you will be poised to hire up quickly and efficiently when the time comes.  

In these uncertain times, SmartTalent is here for you. We can help you keep in touch with top candidates, fill job openings quickly, and help you develop a plan to come out of this crisis ready to seize the day. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you navigate these challenging times.