Virtual Recruiting Events: 3 Ways to Make an Impact

Almost everything today is done through a screen. Whether you’re texting a friend, listening to a podcast, or FaceTiming family members, existing without technology seems impossible.

At work, we communicate with co-workers through platforms like Slack and Skype. We foster relationships through chat messages and even attend virtual happy hours on Zoom. I think it’s safe to say: When it comes to making digital connections, we have so many options at our fingertips.

Being able to make instant connections opens the doors to a powerful virtual recruitment experience. Today, companies have access to more talent in various locations, more screening resources, and more technology to give candidates a great recruitment experience.

But even with the door open to so many possibilities, recruitment is a two-way street.

Candidates today are finding open roles at more companies than ever before, simply because more companies are offering remote opportunities. So how does your company stand out?

Virtual recruiting events.

Show Your Company’s Personality

Your virtual recruiting event (the event page in particular) should get attendees excited about your company and explain why it’s the best place to work.

If you’ve ever created a social media or dating profile, think of your event page in a similar way. Include basic facts about your company: things like benefits, culture, demographics, and expectations. Some examples of these are paid time off, insurance packages, work hours, and job requirements.

But what really makes a profile (or your event page) stand out is showing off your company’s personality. Entice your candidates to attend by sharing what makes your company unique.  

For example, at Splash, we highlight our core values in our recruiting. One of our core values is “Take Care,” so if we had a virtual recruiting event page, it would share details about our Mental Escape days. These are two additional personal days every month our employees get to regroup, recharge, and relax.

It’s also crucial to show your candidates how much your value, recognize, and support your employees and communities. Bring light to how your company implements diversity and inclusion initiatives and provides related resources for your employees.

When you can capture your essence in your virtual recruiting event, applicants can really assess if they would be compatible with your company.

Engage with Your Applicants

Step one: Entice candidates to attend your virtual recruiting event by creating a landing page that shows off your brand and gets them excited about your company.

Step two: Host an event that’s fun and engaging for your potential teammates.  

When a candidate gets to actively engage with you during the recruitment process, they get insights into what their day-to-day might look like. Here are some easy ways to promote interactions and engagement:  

• Communicate all the details. Recruiting events can be stressful for candidates. Sending them reminder emails, notifications, and access directions can help the candidate know what to expect, alleviate anxiety, and feel in the loop. These communications can make or break your first impression.
• Get social. When it comes to communicating digitally, you have almost everything you need at your fingertips. This includes social media. Ask your candidates to engage with your brand socially by engaging in a raffle or fun online activity. For example, on your company's LinkedIn page, post a question at the beginning of your event and ask your event attendees to engage with the post to be entered for a chance to win branded swag. Some sample questions for your job candidates might be: “What excites you about our industry?” or “What motivates you?”
• Use ice-breakers. The simplest way to get to know someone is through ice-breaking question games. As mundane as they might sound, having a virtual get-to-know-you game is a great way to learn more about your candidates, their personalities, and how they fit into your company.
• Hold live Q&A. Having a live Q&A session in your virtual recruiting events is an engaging way to answer questions that candidates have about your company. It lets them interact with you and your brand and provides answers to their most pressing questions.

Pro Tip

Use Splash’s dual embed feature within our Virtual Event Page. This feature allows a host to easily embed two separate streams within one event page, making a live Q&A alongside your actual virtual event simple — and engaging.

Make a Lasting Impression

Even though we aren’t handing out branded pens or sunglasses in person doesn’t mean you can’t give your candidates a little something they can get excited about (aside from the potential opportunity to work with you!).

The small but memorable details will amp your candidates up to continue the recruiting process with your company.

Sending them a virtual Zoom background to use during the event is a great way to fully immerse a candidate with your event and brand. Or if you have a swag budget, sending them a branded notepad or coffee gift card always adds a nice touch.

These make your candidates feel special and help your company stand out from the rest. Remember, they are interviewing you as much as you are interviewing them.

Including these small but significant elements into your virtual recruiting events can make the biggest difference. After all, people are the most important part of any company. You want to make sure you’re not only bringing in the very best for your company, but that you’re finding the right people who want to give their all.