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.