More recruiting firms are using technology to automate data entry, candidate sourcing, candidate submittal and the job application process. Process automation should make life easier on the job seeker too. The focus of process automation should be to increase efficiency without reducing quality. I'm sure your are familiar with the Staples Easy Button idea of comparing their services to simplifying life. Everyone wants that “easy button” and my clients [recruiters] are always so “busy.” Listen, it is 2008, everyone is busy; job seekers included.
Process automation is important for the job seeker so they reduce their job search time and focus on submitting quality material. As Chris Russell mentions in his Secrets of the Job Hunt blog, job seekers don't want to spend all day searching the Internet for jobs.
Most people fail to maximize their search. They only browse a few job boards and apply to only jobs they see online. Internet job boards are great but there are several other ways of getting hired.
I am not discarding the job application evolution but simply saying we should use this technology to create a better applicant experience. Russell also refers to the recent NY Times article “Career Sites Fail Job Seekers” in his April 2008 Job Search Roundup podcast. Forrester Research examined 12 career websites (such as Dice and Monster.com) focusing on usability and performance. The Forrester Research Document article reads:
To improve the career Web site experience, human resources (HR) process and applications professionals should seize the opportunity to differentiate their career site experiences by designing them with job seekers in mind.
Let’s first focus on what your firm can actually do to create a better applicant experience. Market your company profile in an entertaining way. Personally, I work in an extremely energetic and fun environment and I would want that to reflect in my company profile. We are having a Sendouts “Family Photo” taken next week wearing our best “circa 79” attire. I will be sure to link that photo in a following post.
Next, make the application process simple. Most job boards provide Applying Options that enable you to link the post directly to your website. Careerbuilder.com does very well with this. Ideally, you want the job seeker to click on the Apply Now button and be redirected back to the simple application page on your firm’s website. Do not link them to another job description page. They just read all about the opportunity on the job board, so take them directly to the application page. You as a recruiter should understand the “fewer clicks” philosophy.
Your Recruiting Software should be integrated with your website and provide an easy way to upload and extract data from the job seeker’s resume. Job seekers should also be able to create search agents for your firm’s job postings, which most Recruiting Software applications provide. Bring your jobs to them instead of having them search for your jobs.
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