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Thanks to Covid-19, the world is facing uncertainty in all industries, and recruitment is no different. This pandemic has changed the hiring process as we know it. And going back to normalcy might be a thing of the past. Here is why: 

Virtual recruiting is here to stay
Most consultants source candidates online and have been doing so even before COVID-19. Social media, online job portals, ATS et al. Telephonic interviews have always been part of the process and the prolific use of Zoom, Skype and other video apps will not necessarily plummet after COVID-19. Recruitment companies have to refine attracting, recruiting onboarding, and retaining their virtual teams going forward. 

Remote work
Chats about remote work have been at the forefront of most employees, especially those whose roles are purely digital. Actually 'remote work' is not a new phenomenon. Many Fortunes 500 companies spearhead this trend. It will be interesting to see how - as the virus diminishes, organisations may suggest a permanent shift toward working from home for certain roles. 

Marketing
Recruitment and related marketing strategies that remain the same as before COVID-19 will likely fail as there has been a shift in the labour market. Changes in regulations around how non-essential businesses can conduct operations daily and the pace at which hiring needs to happen in some industries. Talent acquisition managers and marketing will have to change their strategies in order to align with the changing need in the recruitment industry or risk failure. 

Office space
A number of companies are keen to get their employees back into the office but as the law states, they need to create more space between teams and supply personal protective equipment (PPE.) Also, the reality of bringing a number of people that have been furloughed during lockdown back to work and expecting them to 'just' get back to work will be something interesting observe. 

Increased number of applicants post COVID-19
The unemployment numbers in South Africa were horrifying pre-COVID 19. One can only imagine what the stats will be post it. The reality is: people are falling through the cracks when it comes to income and job retention and this is going to cause an increase in applicant numbers when businesses reopen their doors. Are recruitment companies ready for this influx of candidates?
This virus has revealed the need for technologies that support a remote work environment and companies that did not have the necessary tools and technologies are going to feel the pinch even more.

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