by Chen Peer, CEO & Founder at InspHire
The initial weeks of the war in Israel shocked the entire society, including businesses. No one could focus on anything but the news. As the weeks passed, Israeli companies came to the realization that they needed to persevere and continue working to support the economy during these challenging times.
We all pondered the appropriate moment to resume communication with candidates and how to navigate this new reality. In this article, we share our experience and key rules for communicating with candidates during wartime.
What We at InspHire Did:
🗓️Week 1 & Week 2
In the initial weeks following the outbreak of hostilities, communication in Israel by InspHire was temporarily suspended, as the shockwaves of the conflict reverberated through society. People were understandably stunned, making it difficult to engage in work-related discussions. At this period we were focused on communication with our candidates from abroad.
🗓️Week 3
By the end of October, recognizing the need to adapt, we initiated a carefully crafted communication strategy. Firstly, we reached out to individuals already in the recruitment process or those who had applied for positions before October 7. Our messages were delicately composed, providing a link for scheduling a short call. 63% of recipients scheduled calls with our recruiters using links in the emails.
🗓️Week 4
In November, we extended our outreach efforts on LinkedIn. Crafting two distinct messages — one for “Open to Work” candidates and another for those not actively looking. The response rate to these messages reached an impressive 32%, matching our pre-war levels.
🗓️Now
We adhere to our updated communication strategy, utilizing recently crafted email and message templates. Our focus is on maintaining a respectful and non-intrusive approach, scheduling calls only after securing explicit consent through email or messages.
🫂 General Rules for Delicate Communication:
1. Empathy as the Foundation:
Recruiters must prioritize empathy as the foundation of their communication strategy. Understanding the diverse situations candidates may find themselves in, and approaching them with a compassionate mindset is essential. Expressing genuine concern for their well-being establishes a connection beyond professional considerations.
2. Non-Intrusive Communication:
Adopting a non-intrusive communication style is paramount. Respecting personal space and emotional boundaries is crucial. Recruiters should refrain from overwhelming candidates with persistent messages or calls, allowing them the space to respond at their own pace, recognizing the potential challenges they may be facing.
3. Provide an Opt-Out Option:
Respecting individual autonomy is vital. Offering candidates the opportunity not to reply explicitly acknowledges that they may be navigating personal challenges. This not only demonstrates understanding but also emphasizes the importance of consent in communication.
4. Messaging First:
Instead of initiating unsolicited calls, consider sending a thoughtful message first. This approach allows candidates to process the communication at their own pace and respond when they feel comfortable, promoting a more considerate and respectful engagement.
Our Key Insights:
- Despite the challenging times, there is a noticeable interest among individuals in exploring new job opportunities.
- Delicate communication yields positive responses; individuals do not react adversely to messages regarding job opportunities.
- The hiring process has become more extended, with both candidates and clients taking additional time to reach decisions.
- Response rates from our communication initiatives underscore the readiness of candidates to engage with recruiters, even in times of crisis, emphasizing the significance of maintaining open lines of communication.
- Communication with candidates has taken on a friendlier tone; a sense of unity and care among people in Israel is evident in our interactions.
InspHire is a 360° HR company taking a unique approach of specializing in building and improving HR processes and recruiting for global internet companies. Our approach and industry experience equipped us with deep knowledge and understanding in the world you work in. We cover every aspect of HR services that your company needs, from direct hire placements to trainings, employer branding, and welfare programs.
