As we continue to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, the job market has become more turbulent than ever. Many businesses have been forced to downsize their workforce due to the economic impact of the pandemic. Unfortunately, layoff procedures can be stressful and emotionally taxing, making it imperative that workers know how to prepare and manage their time during these times. In this blog post, we’ll be delving into advice given by SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, on how workers should prepare for layoffs and how AI can be used in the recruitment process.
How Can Workers Prepare for Layoffs?
It’s no secret that losing your job can be a devastating experience, whether it’s due to downsizing, restructuring, or for any other reason. However, it’s important for workers to know how to prepare for the possibility of a layoff and manage their time beforehand.
In a recent interview with SHRM, Johnny C. Taylor shared some important advice to workers preparing for a potential layoff. His advice included:
1. Be Prepared: Knowing that there is a possibility of a layoff can be stressful. However, it is essential for workers to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and have a plan in place beforehand. This can include updating your resume and applying for jobs both inside and outside of the company. It’s essential to be proactive rather than reactive.
2. Take Inventory of Your Accomplishments: Before laying off employees, companies tend to look at their performance, so it’s important to take stock of your accomplishments, education, and training, as well as any extra skills or certifications you’ve earned.
3. Network: Networking is key in today’s job market. Connect with colleagues, former bosses, or anyone else who may be involved in hiring decisions. They could end up being valuable references or introducing you to potential hiring managers.
4. Manage your time off: If you have any vacation days or other paid time off available, it’s important to manage them properly before being laid off. Speak with your HR department and find out if it’s possible to take time off before the layoffs are scheduled.
AI in Recruitment
In recent years, AI has transformed the recruitment industry. Companies can now use AI tools and experts in their technology departments to automate and streamline the entire recruitment process. AI tools can help recruiters identify qualified candidates and can be used to automate certain tasks such as screening resumes and scheduling interviews, freeing up time for recruiters to focus on other activities.
In the interview with SHRM, Johnny C. Taylor also discussed how AI is being used in the recruitment industry and what benefits it can bring. He stated that “AI can help reduce the impact of unconscious bias on the hiring process, improve decision-making, and increase efficiency.”
AI can be used to analyze job descriptions and candidate qualifications, enabling recruiters to identify whether the language they are using in job postings is neutral and unbiased. It can also help identify diverse candidate pools, making it easier for recruiters to build a more diverse and inclusive team.
One of the most commonly used AI products in the recruitment industry is Chatbots. These virtual assistants can be used to answer candidates’ questions, providing them with information on job requirements, company culture, and the recruitment process. This way, candidates can make informed decisions on whether to apply for a job, and save recruiters’s time. Chatbots can be programmed to answer common candidate queries, freeing up recruiters to focus on personalised responses to complex queries.
AI can play a crucial role in diversity recruitment too. Companies can use AI programs to analyze data from various sources (job boards, career fairs and Google searches, for example). This data can help identify diverse candidates and enable recruiters to adjust their recruitment strategies accordingly. For example, it could identify markets where diversity job fairs are held so that companies can attend these events.
Conclusion:
Preparing for a layoff can be a stressful experience, but being proactive and having a plan can make it less daunting. The step-by-step advice given by SHRM President and CEO Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., can be helpful for workers who want to prepare themselves for the possibility of a layoff. Additionally, AI can play a significant role in the recruitment process from finding talent to reducing the impact of unconscious bias in hiring. AI products like Chatbots can be useful in saving time and money. By using AI, companies can not only increase efficiency but also ensure a more diverse and inclusive recruitment process.