4 Reasons for Recruiters to Stay Home and Out of the Polar Vortex

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man in winter storm with frozen eyebrows It’s no joke out there as this polar vortex sweeps across the nation. As I write from a recliner here in Omaha, Nebraska, the temperature is at -9 degrees and the wind chill is at -36. Skin can literally freeze in a matter of minutes, about how long it takes to scrape the ice off of an entire SUV. While going into the office is possible, who in Sam Hell wants to go out in this?! Here are four reasons for you stay put today, tomorrow…maybe next week.

1) Virtual Interviews can be Conducted and Reviewed by Your Fireplace

Oh the wonders of HR technologies! Virtual interviewing has become incredibly popular for a wide range of reasons. Lately it has been a scheduling lifesaver. Whether it is the candidate or the recruiter calling the interview off for weather-related reasons, these setbacks really affect time-to-fill, the candidate experience and create scheduling hassles.

The right vendor will offer cloud-based service, mobile capability and the capacity to perform and review recorded interviews. Never reschedule again, and forget about scraping off the car with this tool on hand.

2) Cloud-Based Software Reaches Farther than the Cold Does

Find out if the HR software you use in the office is cloud based, odds are it is…or at least it should be. This means that just about anything done in the office, you can do from home. Cloud-based applications and software can be used from anywhere, usually with multiple devices.

The added benefit to this type of software is that it will update as your team gets work done as well. Clear communication is always vital when working with virtual teams, but cloud-based systems make that a whole lot easier. It is always best to set this up and run a trial from home ahead of time.

3) Social Media Networking and Screening Doesn’t Require Pants

2013 was deemed “The Year of Social Recruiting ” for good reason. Everyone and their dog uses social media on the regular. In fact, social media took the number one spot in our hearts in 2013 as the top Internet activity. Recruiters have done a great job riding the wave of this new technology, and the beauty of social recruiting is that it can be done from anywhere! Check out candidate’s profiles, do some outreach or join a new network. You don’t even have to put on pants.

4) Use the Saved Time to Try Something New or Nice

You don’t have to pack a lunch, get out your “business professional attire” or drive to the office. Instead of sleeping in or taking a long lunch, give your organization a reason to consider telecommuting in the future. Report having used that extra time to study up on new recruiting techniques or sending out personalized thank you emails to candidates, or put the time toward organization. There are a lot of different ways to prove to the higher ups the benefits of telework.

Next time the old “car won’t start” or it’s just plain too cold for human beings to travel, get some work done from the comfort of your own home. Whether the technology is there to help or not, there are several ways to get the job done without getting frostbite. Stay warm friends!

By Courtney McGann