Mobile Recruitment: Not Just a Passing Phase But a Prominent Reformer

The Millennial generation is tech-savvy and is highly inclined towards digital devices and the internet. From booking movie tickets to connecting with old friends, digital platforms are the new lifeline for the youth. The young generation is also dependent on technology for finding jobs. And this dependence is not just limited to surfing for opportunities on their laptops; the focus is slowly shifting towards mobile handsets and tablets. The following article will discuss about the advent of the age of mobile recruitment and its rising prominence.

In today’s age consumers of information demand mobility and convenience to access that information, which is why mobile recruitment has become a trend. Very soon there will be no differentiation between fixed and mobile technology. We like being mobile and flexible and thus marketers and job portals would now be targeting customers on the go. So all those techies working in the digital arena – buckle up for the new ride!

Things to Understand

• The market for mobile users is growing exponentially and most people now use smartphones. The generation Z is vested in the clicking and tapping world.
• People access mobile web on their smartphones and download apps. Mobiles have overtaken Personal computers as the most-used tool to surf the net.
• Recruitment sites know this a great way of attracting and hiring talent. They are working towards setting up recruitments apps as well as mobile friendly websites. Job seekers, are you listening?

• Smartphone devices are integrated phone and internet portals

According to a mobile recruitment infographic released by a job site in 2012, about one third of the total job seekers demanded mobile versions of job portals and job boards. The existing traffic was seen coming from various sources, of which Apple mobiles accounted for 40 per cent. In 2010, merely 43 per cent people said they owned smartphones. This number more than doubled in three years by 2013.

Mobile Recruiting In The Thick of Things

As per a recent survey by business networking site LinkedIn, 59 per cent of candidates are using mobile phones to search for job openings and 52 per cent are using these digital devices to apply. But this happens only if the job seekers are given this opportunity. By the end of 2014, about 80 per cent Americans are expected to own a Smartphone and most of these smartphone users would sooner or later latch on to them to search and apply for jobs. So all those employers andjob portals that still don’t have mobile friendly recruiting platforms must pull up their socks as this is the time for action.

Fun Facts

• 1 out of 7 internet searches are made from smartphones. This number is expected to rise fast.
• Kiplinger’s Economic Outlook says 2.3 million new net jobs will be generated in the U.S. in 2014.
• By end of 2014, more than 86 per cent job seekers would be using smartphone to find jobs.
• Surprisingly, only 13 per cent of employers are effectively investing in mobile recruitment.

The Stumbling Block

Given the rampant rise of mobile users looking for jobs via mobile, it is logical for the next step to be the one where these candidates apply to jobs with their handsets. However, this does not happen. Reason? The roadblock to effective job application becomes evident when the number of people exploring jobs falls down to half in the stage of job application.

When it comes to hiring, mobile optimization entails a lot more than beautiful design. Mobile sites and apps are different than traditional websites and so must be designed accordingly. From the screen size to response time, everything matters on that small screen. It needs to function and function well. At the moment, job seekers face the biggest hurdle in mobile recruitment as they are unable to apply to the vacancies listed in front of them.

The general assumption by many employers is if they want it badly, they will go home and apply. But that is exactly what mobile recruitment does not involve. If the candidate goes back to his PC to apply, then the entire purpose of mobile recruitment is defeated! The employers who make it easy for people to apply while on the move, on their coffee break, on the way to their workplace, etc. are the ones that will draw the extra talent.

The Solution

The only solution in sight is to make the digital platform simple and intuitive. The key to building a modern day recruitment app or mobile site to be short and sweet. Cut out the nonsense and offer to-the-point communication. No active job seeker would want to spend 40 minutes fiddling around on a small screen to do a three-minute action. The best way to draw direct applicants is to allow them to upload their resumes within seconds.

Professional job portals like LinkedIn have already made a pioneering move by foraying into this realm. They help job seekers apply on the move. LinkedIn users can now simply upload their pre-prepared CVs by clicking and applying…all in 60 seconds!

If you too wish to boost your mobile interface, here’s what you should be doing –

• Optimize the ‘Careers’ page of your website for mobile use.
• Share the job postings on your social networking sites with links that route to your site.
• Post your vacancies to job boards that have mobile application apps.
• Allow candidates to register for job opening text-alerts.
• Test-run your procedure of mobile application several times until you improve the complete user experience.

Remember, mobile recruiting is useful not just for the candidate, but also for you. So the best way to attract the pool of talent is to provide them a direct way to reach you. And then you’re user-friendly and non-complicated platform will not only work as bait for potential employees, it will also help track and communicate with these individuals to build a long-standing bond and enhance your brand name. So hurry up and jump on the mobile recruiting bandwagon now!