What We’ve Learned So Far About Recruitment Trends in 2018

It's no surprise technology has drastically changed the way companies recruit new employees. This isn’t a trend anymore—it’s just the new normal. But many industries are still grappling with the ramifications of these changes…even as the corporate plane continues to shift. Read on for some of the biggest trends happening so far this year.

The Era Of The Paper Resume Has Officially Come To An End

It's been a long time coming, but 2018 will officially mark the end of the old-fashioned paper resume. Whether potential employees submit through social media apps (think LinkedIn), phone or video, or simply email their resume, recruiters are looking for efficiency—which means using technology to their advantage. Look for increasingly sophisticated application paths. Does anyone doubt we'll be interviewing potential hires via virtual reality in a few short years?

Be aware of the aging effect. As the general workforce continues to increase its average age, those pushing off retirement (whether through necessity or desire) means that upper-level management positions are not as readily available to younger workers. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this, companies should brace themselves for a possible increase in turnover, as younger workers move on to places that can offer a more immediate and feasible step up the corporate ladder. 

Diversity Is Key

We live in an age in which the world—and everyone in it—is at our fingertips, and companies are reflecting that in their employee pools. With almost unlimited access to talent from every country, background, and experience, organizations who utilize this accessibility and expand their diversity initiatives stimulate innovative thought and boost their financial returns.

Organizations Are Prioritizing Employee Wellbeing

One major, positive development that is largely a takeaway from the "work from home" trend has been a revolutionary global acknowledgment of the need to support employees' emotional and mental health. New hires are increasingly interested in a company's health plan, including policies for mental health days and flexibility when it comes to hours or time off. Recruiters should keep this in mind when constructing an enticing employment package.

The Age Of The "Gig Economy" Is Officially Here

"Gigs" are considered employees who are hired on a freelance or short-term basis (but are distinct from temp hires). And according to a 2017 study by Upwork, the majority of the U.S. workforce will be freelance by 2027. Employing gig workers allows companies to branch out and hire those who match the skills they need, regardless of location or current occupation. It's similar to the "work from home" idea, except for the fact that gig employees are, by definition, not in it for the long haul. This offers a flexibility and freedom many industries are embracing. Recruiters should focus on flushing out the most gifted prospects through a variety of methods in order to make sure top talent is headed their way.

It's a wild time to be hiring right now—the corporate landscape has been shifting rapidly and drastically while we all scramble to keep up, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the seemingly constant state of flux. But it's important to take a deep breath and realize some of the most important hiring trends will never go out of style—like the fact that many companies still prefer to promote from within when looking to fill a position instead of hiring outside—and many of these changes are an improvement to outdated methods, giving recruiters a wider range of tools to reach the best fit for their organization’s needs.