The 'all-Zoom hire:' One company's experience
For those who haven't yet experienced the pros and cons of all-digital recruitment, here's what to expect.
While video interviews are nothing new, they had always been a form of preliminary screening. And for local candidates (Chicago for me), I always jumped straight to an in-person interview with anyone we would consider presenting to a client. I am unapologetically old school!
There is nothing quite like a pandemic to shake the tree of change. But even in May and June, we were facilitating in-person interviews. The “hiring manager,” usually the general counsel in our case, wanted a non-virtual conversation, even if socially distanced, before making a key hire.
Related: Successfully shifting hiring and management strategies for the remote workforce
It took six months into the pandemic for our firm to close on an “all Zoom hire.” Meaning: At no point did the new placement, now an assistant general counsel for a financial services company, walk into our client’s HQ facility or meet with her new boss. She did not meet with me, our human resources contact, or anyone else along the way.
Moreover, I worked the entire search from a summer rental in Colorado that I refer to as my COVID Shangri-La (see photo at top). I could get used to this!
Pro: The search turnaround time was record-setting for us. The offer was made 18 days after we received the job order. Usually a hire at this level takes a couple of months, and that is when everything goes smoothly.
Con: Maybe none. Although my gut remains uncomfortable for some reason, as if such an outcome is too good to be true. Will our new placement truly fit culturally when going to work means going to a glass and steel building with a skyline view outside, and humans in offices inside?
I do think this is just a moment in time. Here I go old school again. When we are post-pandemic, people will prefer to meet in-person before offering, or accepting, positions in corporate law departments. Knowing that it is not necessary, however, may indeed streamline more of the interview process. The outstanding ROI on the $14.99 monthly Zoom fee will continue.
For readers who are familiar with me personally and our firm, please know that my plan is a return to Chicago. But not yet. I have no interest in working or living in a major city until I can visit clients, attend conferences (they will be back!), and enjoy normal social interaction. So, if my awesome editor here is comfortable with my phone camera skills, I may include more photos from my backyard in the months to come.
One final note, since this is an advice column. And this is serious-as-a-heart-attack-level advice: Zoom fatigue is real. The cure is to get outside. Just do it. No excuses. Hours on end in front of a screen is enormously unhealthy.
Mike Evers recruits attorneys for corporate legal departments throughout the United States. Visit www.everslegal.com. His firm also offers experienced in-house counsel to companies on an adjunct basis.
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