Tough times for Early Talent candidates
We know that these are tough times for employers, but let’s not forget that they are tough times for school-leavers and graduates too, those who were hoping to enter the Early Talent recruitment market this year.
Their worlds have been turned upside-down with schools, colleges and universities closed, exams cancelled, their part-time workplaces forced to shut (a quarter of 18-24 year olds have been furloughed from their part-time roles), and their potential career-launching job offers withdrawn.
As reported by the Resolution Foundation, one in three are now earning less than they were before the outbreak, and their earning potential could be affected for years to come
We know that employers have cut their planned student recruitment for this year by 23% The competition for early talent candidates with fewer jobs over the next few years, is no doubt going to be fierce.
Engaging Early Talent
Engaging early talent whether graduates or apprentices is a top priority for early talent employers in normal times. So we suggest that while your programme plans may be in disarray, maintaining meaningful engagement shouldn’t fall by the wayside.
But what can you suggest that early talent candidates do while waiting for their perfect early talent role?
- Further education – early indications are that many young people are going to continue with education, to gain as many qualifications as they can, so that when you are ready to recruit, they are best placed to be meet the entry criteria needed in order to apply
- Online learning – for those not wanting (or able) to follow the above route, there are numerous online learning opportunities available to complete studies and courses remotely / online
- Websites – remind early talent candidates to keep an eye on the Early Talent websites of their target employers (your own included). Hopefully you will have a ‘Register your Interest’ or ‘Job Alert’ page so that they can hear about roles as soon as they go live
- Volunteer – whilst they can’t work right now, there are certainly plenty of opportunities to volunteer, which will give early talent candidates valuable skills whichever role and industry they end up working in
- Setting up their own business – some young people are using this time as an opportunity to set up their own business. With an idea that they think could work, why not take the time to look into this now. What have they got to lose? It will be valuable experience for early talent candidates to talk to you about when they are able to apply for their perfect role.
Candidate Experience
As an apprentice and graduate recruitment provider, Cohesion believe that candidate experience and candidate engagement are parmount to secure the best early talent candidates. Despite the tough times we face, providing an experience that stands out from the crowd – even if it temporarily directs early talent in a different direction, will reap rewards when early talent recruitment returns to normal.