Report: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Changed Recruiting

Indeed surveyed 502 employers across the U.S. to learn how the pandemic has shaped both their current recruiting and future plans. For the majority, the current moment has pushed them toward a more flexible model of recruiting. Gone are the days of unnecessary credentials and aspirational job requirements. Instead, we find employers thinking creatively to consider different types of applicants than in the past — a shift that can benefit everyone.

Most employers would consider eliminating college requirement

In a particularly important shift for job seekers, Indeed’s data suggests that many employers are open to rethinking an undergraduate degree as a baseline requirement. Although 75% of employers surveyed currently have this as a requirement, 59% of those who do say they would consider eliminating it in the future. This trend is even more pronounced among large employers: 67% of companies with 1,000 or more employees would consider doing away with the college requirement, compared to 53% of businesses with 10 employees or fewer.

This shift in perspective reflects the changing needs and priorities of the moment. Nearly one-third (30%) of respondents say removing this requirement would allow them to reach more diverse talent, while over one-fourth (26%) report that an applicant’s degree rarely matches the industry. When possible, employers should consider whether on-the-job training, combined with a candidate’s skills and relevant experience, might be a better predictor of success for specific roles – and, if so, revisit educational requirements in current job descriptions. Undergraduate degrees moving from “must have” to “nice to have” could open new opportunities for a larger, more diverse pool of job seekers. 

Interest and hires increase from outside industries

Employers are thinking in new ways when it comes to a candidate’s background; over three-fourths (76%) report considering more applicants who come from different types of positions and/or sectors now than in the past. In turn, job seekers are exploring new directions: 78% of employers report more candidates applying for roles that differ from their past experience, and it’s changing how they recruit. 

The data suggests that for many employers and roles, a candidate’s potential is becoming as important as their demonstrated experience. Among employers who now consider non-industry applicants, 33% say they’re willing to train them on the job. Casting a wider net also helps them reach a more diverse candidate pool (29%) and attract more applicants overall (23%). 

Looking for candidates from different industries is another option: 73% of employers report hiring from outside sectors, yet there are still holdouts. Of these, 38% cite a need for specialized training or education, while 21% say they haven’t received applications from job seekers in other industries. However, as with rethinking educational requirements, revising job descriptions to consider candidates from outside sectors could make employers more inclusive of less traditional applicants. 

A majority of employers are hiring more remote workers

The pandemic pushed millions of Americans into remote work for the first time; two years later, working from home remains an appealing perk. A majority of employers surveyed continue to offer this option to attract candidates, and 74% are hiring more remote talent now than before the pandemic. However, there is a significant difference based on company size, with 84% of enterprise companies (those with 1,000+ employees) bringing on remote talent compared to 54% who employ 100 or less. 

In today’s tough hiring market, employers find remote work options that enable them to attract more applicants (57%) and reach a more diverse talent pool (56%). Meanwhile, 35% of employers simply don’t get enough applicants from local talent alone. 

Along similar lines, the hiring process is also increasingly remote. Sixty-two percent give flexible scheduling options for candidate interviews, and over half (51%) report using phone or video interviews. By demonstrating their commitment to flexibility early on, employers can distinguish themselves from their competitors. 

Flexibility in recruiting is a win-win 

All told, these trends point to increased flexibility in how many employers now recruit. Whether valuing skills as much as degrees, allowing for on-the-job training or offering remote options, today’s recruiting trends highlight a willingness to reconsider old rules and explore new alternatives. 

This approach helps employers reach larger, more diverse candidate pools; in turn, these new hires bring unique perspectives and enrich their teams through their varied backgrounds, experiences, skills, knowledge and locations. By adapting to today’s challenges, employers are paving the way for a more flexible, inclusive future.