The Impact of COVID-19 on Recruitment and Selection: A Digital and Network-Oriented

Abstract

Purpose

This systematic review comprehensively examines how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced recruitment and selection practices in organizations, particularly in relation to digitalization and network-oriented approaches.

Methodology

A systematic search of peer-reviewed literature was conducted through electronic databases, such as PubMed and Scopus, since January 2020. The search terms combined "COVID-19" or "pandemic" with "recruitment," "hiring," "selection," and "digitalization. Two independent reviewers have screened titles, abstracts, and full texts against pre-defined inclusion criteria. Bias was assessed, and findings have been synthesized narratively, identifying common themes, benefits, and challenges across diverse global contexts.

Findings

This review revealed rapid and widespread acceleration in the digitalization of recruitment and selection processes, including the mandatory shift to virtual interviewing, online assessments, and digital onboarding. It increased reliance on network-oriented recruitment methods, such as professional social media platforms and enhanced employee referral programs, driven by talent shortages and remote work imperatives. The synthesis likely identifies benefits such as expanded talent pools and increased efficiency, alongside significant challenges, including digital stress, the complexity of maintaining organizational culture and candidate experience in virtual settings, and navigating governmental or cultural barriers in global hiring.

Conclusion

This systematic review offers robust synthesis of the literature on how the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped recruitment and selection practices through accelerated digitalization and network-oriented approaches. The findings provide crucial insights for HR professionals adapting to the new methods of talent acquisition and long-term innovations in HRM