When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, many in-person job interviews took a virtual turn. For company recruiters and human resource leaders looking to hire new employees, this also meant having their inboxes flooded with online applicants, a time consuming and often tedious task that might have left some employees overlooked.
While healthcare careers still often entailed being hands-on and in-person during the pandemic, events like regular job fairs and networking weren't always as prominent.
In a post-pandemic world, and as more people are heading back to the office, in-person connections are starting to return and potential employees are eager to make a strong first impression.
From putting in the extra time to secure your potential employers attention through referrals to simply having the proper credentials, Becker's connected with healthcare leaders in the HR and recruitment space to get their take on whether networking is making a comeback and how employees can stand out among the applicant crowd.
Kila Shepherd, Human Resources Manager, PureView Health Center (Helena, Mont.)
Question: Is networking making a comeback post-pandemic?
Kila Shepherd: There is an obvious increase in networking for both recruitment and selection post-pandemic, from networking events and career fairs to professional organizations. Social media networking continues to increase as well. I don't see this slowing down or becoming less effective. In fact, I think it will only continue to grow in importance – to both the applicants and organizations.
Q: How important is it to network when searching for a new job?
KS: The importance of networking cannot be overstated, even if someone isn't currently looking for a new position. The network may be able to provide opportunities the individual was not aware of initially. And even if not providing actual opportunities, the advice and guidance of a network are immensely helpful.
Q: Have you ever received hundreds of applications for a single job? Do you try to look at every resume?
KS: While I've never received hundreds of applications for a single posting, as part of the standard process I do make sure every resume is considered. But having a referral from someone known to the organization and respected at the beginning of the process, via networking in person or social, or through a mentor will almost always provide an advantage to the candidate.
Q: What is the best way for an applicant to stand out?
KS: For someone to really stand-out, it takes the work of the applicant being known by the organization. So, having a referral at the beginning of the recruitment process from a network or even mentor who is known by the organization and held in high regard is a great way for an applicant to stand out or above the other applicants for the position. Even for a position that would be new or a promotion where the position may not appear on the resume; having a referral from the network on the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are needed for the new position will ensure the candidate is seriously considered.
Amy Linsin, EVP, Chief Human Resources and Diversity Officer for Prisma Health (Greenville, S.C.)
Question: Is networking making a comeback post-pandemic?
Amy Linsin: Yes. It is taking several forms and having options is important. Externally, community volunteer and professional events are important, and we provide opportunities to be rewarded for volunteer hours and additional education to encourage learning, service and networking.
Within Prisma Health, as in many organizations, the pandemic caused us to move events online, which has now morphed into more hybrid access and improved networking skill in a hybrid environment. Our Business Resource Groups do some activities in person, some online, and some hybrid, which allows all team members to network broadly across our service footprint in ways that are accessible and comfortable to them.
Similarly, we've held hybrid events for high potential team members through our Diversity Leadership Development Program, and regular virtual events in our four leadership development programs based on management level. These cohort-based programs offered great networking opportunities. Town halls, celebration events, and other activities help with internal networking. We also see plenty of networking of our team members internally and externally through online platforms such as LinkedIn, where we have 68,000 followers.
Q: How important is it to network when searching for a new job?
AL: Networking can be important. Opportunities may not be as frequent or look the same as before the pandemic, so it is important to be conscious and make the most of them when they arise. For example, there is a service activity or committee, be sure to do a good job and stay engaged while you network. If an opportunity for communication results, be sure to follow through. How you show up matters, whether it's in person, virtual, or hybrid.
Q: Have you ever received hundreds of applicants for a single job? Do you try to look at every resume?
AL: We regularly receive hundreds of applications for a single job, and our recruiters typically review each resume for hiring leaders at the beginning of the applicant's journey. Having a strong, professional resume is critically important. That's the first step. If you have been referred, built your network, or performed great work with someone on the team, it can make a difference to the end result, whether you are an internal candidate or an external candidate. We are the largest healthcare system in South Carolina and one of the state's largest employers, so team members who work here have many chances to network and expand their career right here at Prisma Health. We also have many career pipeline programs, clinical rotation opportunities, and clinical learning environment relationships that allow people to get to know Prisma Health employees and leaders as well. Those relationships and growth opportunities can make a difference.
Michael Banton Jr., Recruiter, Physician and Provider Recruitment and Engagement Division, Memorial Healthcare System (Hollywood, Fla.)
Question: Is networking making a comeback post-pandemic?
Michael Banton: Networking is making a comeback post-pandemic. As people feel more comfortable attending large events, they are better able to meet and understand the business needs of others.
Q: How important is it to network when searching for a new job?
MB: When pursuing a job, networking can make an impact on what opportunities are available to you and when they are available. It may just be the straw that breaks the camel's back regarding snagging a position.
Q: Have you ever received hundreds of applications for a single job? Do you try to look at every resume?
MB: Working in physician/advanced practice provider recruitment, there is a smaller hiring pool and fewer applicants to choose from for each position. In order to hire efficiently and effectively, I must consider every resume that reaches my desk.
Q: What is the best way for an applicant to stand out?
MB: The best way for a candidate to stand out is to simply have the required credentials for the job. Also, a cleanly formatted resume always helps the recruiter.