Seeking Advice on High Volume Recruiting
Hello everyone!
I’m a recruiter and wanted to reach out for some guidance. I started a new role at a company I absolutely love about a month and a half ago. However, I’ve been struggling to keep up with my requisitions and I’m curious if it’s typical to take a few months to acclimate to this level of recruiting.
A bit about my background: I have two years of experience in agency recruitment, focusing solely on candidate sourcing, followed by a year and a half in corporate talent acquisition, where I dealt with only a handful of applicants due to a limited candidate pool.
Now, I’m back in internal recruiting with five different cities and a total of 12 job postings, which translates to 18 open positions. While it might not seem like a lot, the constant turnover in some locations means positions often remain unfilled. On average, I receive 50-150 applicants per job posting, primarily for entry-level roles—different from what I’m used to.
I’ve been managing my applicant pool carefully, but even at its lowest, it’s the largest number of warm candidates I’ve ever handled. I feel like I’m doing reasonably well, but I’m struggling particularly with two of my cities. Time management has become a challenge, and it often feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to connect with everyone, especially through calls.
On a positive note, I am optimistic, thanks to the fantastic leadership I have in my current role. However, I’m wondering if it’s common to take this long to adjust to high-volume recruiting. Any tips or advice from those with similar experiences would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
RCadmin
Hi there! First off, it’s great to hear that you love your company and your role! Transitioning to high volume recruiting can definitely be a challenge, especially given your previous experience with fewer applicants and smaller candidate pools.
It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when you first start handling a higher volume of candidates. Many recruiters encounter a learning curve when adjusting to varying applicant numbers and expectations. Here are some tips that might help you manage your workload and adjust more smoothly:
Prioritize & Organize: Use a system to prioritize candidates based on the urgency of the roles and their qualifications. Tools like spreadsheets or applicant tracking systems (ATS) can help you categorize applicants, making it easier to focus on the most critical positions first.
Batch Your Tasks: Dedicate specific blocks of time for certain tasks, such as reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, or making calls. When you batch similar tasks together, you might find it easier to stay focused and efficient.
Utilize Technology: Don’t hesitate to leverage tools or software that can automate parts of your recruiting process. If your company has an ATS, make sure you’re utilizing its features to streamline applicant tracking and communication.
Communicate with Your Team: Since you have wonderful leadership, don’t hesitate to reach out for support or resources. They might be able to provide additional assistance, whether it’s in the form of temporary help or insights into time management strategies that have worked for them.
Set Realistic Goals: Recognize that adjusting takes time. Setting achievable daily or weekly goals can help you track your progress and give you a sense of accomplishment without feeling overwhelmed.
Continuous Learning: Consider seeking out resources or networks specific to high-volume recruitment techniques. Engaging with peers who have experienced similar challenges can provide valuable insights.
Self-Care: Recruitment can be stressful, especially during busy periods. Ensure you’re taking breaks and taking care of your mental and physical well-being. A balanced approach can enhance your productivity.
It may take a few months, but with time and the right strategies, you’ll likely find a rhythm that works for you. You’re already doing a decent job, so keep pushing through—you’ve got this! Good luck!