It is estimated that digital data production will be 44 times greater in 2020 than it was in 2009. This rapid growth of social media and online tools means that we are all working faster, getting data at our fingertips and expecting speedy responses. But with all the high-speed technology, are we in danger of losing the human touch when it comes to recruitment?
“Applying for a position over the internet has become the norm,” says Giles Heckstall-Smith, Commercial Director of e-recruitment software company, Jobtrain Solutions. “Gone are the days of a CV being printed and put in the post. Whilst some positions can be applied for by simply submitting a CV via e-mail, others require an online application form via a website to be completed in the first instance. Both of these can result in little or no response to the candidate from the hiring company, which can prove to be detrimental to the candidate’s experience of the employer and ultimately the company’s reputation”.
“What candidates need is a response, whether it is positive or not,” continues Giles. “There is nothing worse than applying for your dream job and then not receiving a simple acknowledgement or further communication about the outcome.”
This can also lead to the recruiter becoming inundated with applications in a range of formats, which take time to sort through, and mean that good applications can be missed.
“An internet based e-recruitment software and applicant tracking system helps companies of all sizes and across all sectors, to make the process run smoothly and ensures a professional and engaging experience for candidates,” says Giles. “The system we provide to our customers is sophisticated and very flexible but also very easy-to-use for hiring companies and their candidates alike. We also offer a telephone and email support service for the few candidates that do have technical questions.”
“Jobtrain can generate personalised emails to candidates at every stage of the process and it offer candidates a personalised portal where they can review the progress of their application, send messages to the employer, book themselves in for interview online and even review and accept offers of employment online.”
From a client branded recruitment page, candidates can search for positions, apply for a position in a consistent format, register for job tailored job alerts and share jobs or email them to friends. In a world where social media is fast becoming the norm, the ability to engage with candidates throughout the recruitment process, providing them with quick and relevant information is essential to managing your brand – it is how people judge your business after all.
HR Aspects Magazine appreciates the contribution to this article from Giles Heckstall-Smith at Jobtrain Solutions.
Giles Heckstall-Smith has been a specialist in advising on direct sourcing and implementing effective applicant tracking systems with Jobtrain Solutions for 10 years and is an expert in his field. For more information, call Jobtrain on 01565 818 234.
