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 on March 16th around 4:00 PM, and our FQHC friends are facing unique challenges. For every one of them scarred about the future, there are other FQHCs having problems attracting candidates amid the crisis and know that it is just a matter of 60-90 days before they are slammed!
Whatever your struggles are now, there are real benefits that come with staying in touch with candidates throughout this crisis.
UHC Solutions Will Stand Out
Many FQHCs and search firms 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, community health centers that need talent will struggle to find it if they went completely dark during the crisis.
So, even if clients in your DIG aren’t hiring immediately, send out updates, advice and other communications to both candidates and clients alike throughout this crisis. This shows that you are still open for business and that you are planning on ramping up recruiting efforts on their behalf in the future, even if you can’t today.
If your clients are in need of people and can’t seem to find them, regular communication – especially communication focused on how you are keeping in contact with top talent – can help you show that your company is on solid ground, that you value your relationships, and that you are ready to help them find talented healthcare and mission-driven professionals who are looking to bring their careers to great organizations!
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 and new candidates?”
Questions like these are common, and they deserve answers. By addressing those questions and keeping in touch even if your clients 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 find a new opportunity or potentially exposing themselves or staying home and even potentially collecting unemployment. Regular communication can help ease fears and encourage people to choose your services.
You Will Still Need to Hire People
COVID-19 has us all focused on 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 the client may still have to fire people throughout this crisis. By keeping in touch with both, 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 job orders 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.
