The Secret to Hiring Caregivers is…a Fast Job Offer
The demand for caregivers is increasing. Agencies must understand what workers want in order to be competitive in this increasingly fast-paced market. With the average time-to-fill in healthcare at a staggering 49 days, a speedy offer is the best way to rise above the competition.
The Demand for Caregivers is Growing
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the 65-and-older population will grow to over 94 million by 2060, up from 54 million in 2019. Many agencies already identify caregiver shortages as a major difficulty. And this problem isn’t going away anytime soon. The market is flooded with employers, and it can be difficult to stand out.
Here are some of the best strategies and tips to provide what workers want while still hiring quickly.
What Do Caregivers Want From a Job?
57% of American job-seekers say long waits after an interview are the most frustrating part of the application process. However, only 23% of recruiters say that they’re focusing on reducing time-to-hire. With the ongoing talent shortage, your ideal candidate may be applying to and interviewing for multiple jobs, including those of your competitors. Caregivers, who may be facing additional time and financial constraints, are especially interested in a fast job offer and effective hiring process.
How to Hire Quickly
Use Automation
Automation is the use of technology to complete predictable and repetitive tasks. In a hiring context, you might use automation to do things like send pre-written messages to candidates at different stages in the process. You can also automate license verification, background checks, and other logistical details. Automating time-consuming and repetitive parts of your process can free you up for other, more personal, aspects of hiring.
Set Up Mobile Applications and Easy Apply
Mobile job ads can help you reach more of your ideal candidates. Optimize your applications for mobile so caregivers can apply from wherever they are. Since your candidates don’t have to wait until they’re at a desktop, they can also respond faster to your mobile messages. A quick initial application, such as easy apply, can also increase engagement.
Audit Your Hiring Process to Provide What Workers Want
Take a look at your overall hiring process to pinpoint bottlenecks and stages where you may be losing candidates. Recruitment audits can help you identify pain points and issues that sometimes get overlooked, such as slow loading times for mobile job posts or obsolete knockout questions.
Distribute Your Jobs Strategically
Even with the most dedicated and experienced recruitment team, you could have trouble filling a position if your job posts aren’t seen. Distributing to the right job boards at the right time, and as many job boards as possible, can help you reach your ideal caregiver candidate. Make sure to use SEO so you stand out in search results. Alternatively, Apploi can automatically distribute your job postings to the most appropriate channels.
Increasing Speed-to-Hire: Quick Tips and Tricks
Quick Tip #1: Consolidate Your Platforms
Avoid constantly switching between tabs to reduce errors and make your job easier. Use an integrated talent management platform for recruiting, hiring, and onboarding. When you have one consolidated platform, your team can also work better internally. This has the added bonus of providing what workers want—a faster and more streamlined hiring process.
Quick Tip #2: Use Templates
Set up email and text templates to prepare for your next vacancy. Draft templates for the initial contact, requesting more information (such as certifications), interview scheduling, and initiating onboarding. In addition to being efficient, templates reduce errors in messaging, allowing for seamless and professional communication.
Quick Tip #3: Use Knockout Questions
Knockout questions can help you easily screen candidates. A knockout question can be something like, “are you able to work on weekends?” or “do you have the necessary certifications?” These can help you identify preferred applicants early in the process, decreasing time to hire. Remember, to choose knockout questions carefully to avoid accidentally screening out experienced caregivers.
Better Hiring With Apploi
Apploi can help you streamline your hiring process and easily provide what workers want. Interested in learning more about how you can recruit, hire, and onboard healthcare staff quickly? Contact us today for a free demo of our end-to-end talent management solution.
