Much is being made of the mobile explosion and its impact on job seekers. Mobile technology is also poised to make a significant impact on global recruiters. A lot of people think that ‘mobile recruiting’ means the development of new technology. For me, mobile recruiting really means using existing technology (perhaps in new ways) from a mobile device, perhaps shifting things that used to be done in a desktop environment over to a mobile platform. Here are three ways global recruiters can leverage mobile technology into their recruitment activities:
1. SMS / Text Messaging — Perhaps the original “mobile technology,” SMS/text messaging offers a speedy way for global recruiters to interact with candidates. Research indicates that the average response time for email, when it doesn’t get diverted to spam or otherwise lost, is 72 hours. Text messages, on the other hand, are typically answered in 3 minutes or less. Whatsapp is a text-messaging app that provides free international text messaging
2. Video Interviewing — Once an activity that was purely confined to a desktop environment, video interviewing can now be conducted directly from a mobile phone. I use Skype on my smartphone when I’m traveling to have video calls with my son. Global recruiters can certainly take advantage of this technology to communicate with candidates; Skype is one option, but there are other mobile apps for video interviewing as well.
3. Mobile ATS — An applicant tracking system (ATS) with a truly robust mobile experience is a thing of beauty for global recruiters. In addition to automating candidate activities, a good ATS should also offer a search experience that is specifically designed for a mobile screen. Other important features include lists that are designed for mobile viewing, the ability to create notes on the fly, and the ability to create new positions. Bullhorn’s Mobile-Powered Selling report offers additional suggestions.
With so many resources dedicated to improving the mobile experience for job seekers, it’s easy to forget that global recruiters could also benefit from improved mobile adoption. What other mobile tools are you using?
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I do not like to receive costly text messages from people with whom I have never done business. I immediately take note of any recruiter and his firm when I receive text message job orders. I block the number and do not do business with anyone from his firm.
Robert, thanks for stopping by! I don’t like getting unsolicited text messages either, so I don’t make my mobile publicly-available. I suppose that is getting harder and harder to do, though!