Recruiting Landscape: Tech Trends that Are Changing Everything
Advances in technology are both a benefit and a challenge in the modern recruiting landscape. Most employers now utilize online job listings to reach a much wider pool of potential hires, allowing them to select only the most qualified applicants. However, they also must compete with a greater number of potential employers. Online job postings are only the first step in a recruitment strategy that utilizes technology to stay ahead of the competition. By staying on top of tech trends you can boost your reputation and attract the top talent in your field.
A Savvy Search Engine Strategy
Understanding search engine syntax can be beneficial when creating job listings, but even as this technology becomes more sophisticated it can be a fickle way to market job openings. Both employers and candidates run the risk of casting the net too wide, bringing in more results than can realistically be analyzed. On the other hand, more advanced searches can fail to identify some of the best options. Some employers incorporate Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategies to bring their company to the top of the list, but these strategies are constantly changing, and may still fail to draw in the right candidates. Incorporate SEO strategies where you can, know that there is more to the modern recruiting landscape.
A Robust Online Presence
Today’s candidates are everywhere online, and they will expect your company to be there as well. It is no longer enough to have a great company website. You also need to be active on social media. Make sure your presence is strong on everything from Facebook to LinkedIn, and that the information presented there is current and accurate. Update these sites regularly with job listings, company news and blog posts. Make it easy for potential hires to connect with your company through social media and networking sites, and respond to them quickly when they reach out in this way.
Targeted Advertising
Targeted advertising is ubiquitous in everything from ecommerce to online music, and it’s changing the recruiting landscape as well. If you’ve ever searched for a particular product on Amazon only to see it advertised over and over again on your Facebook feed then you know how this strategy works. Sophisticated software tracks your Internet activity and uses the data to market to you across multiple websites. While some targeted ads offer the product you originally searched, others bring up similar products that you might also be interested in.
When it comes to job postings, targeted advertising puts your ads in front of a specific audience. This might seem limiting – after all, don’t you want your ad to be seen by as many people as possible Not necessarily. You want to attract a high number of applicants, but you want all those applicants to be suitable for the job. If you’re looking to hire a nurse, there’s no need to list the job where teachers, lawyers or customer service representatives will see it. Targeted ads can also be geographically oriented and will appear only to candidates within a predefined radius.
Another benefit of targeted advertising is its ability to pique the interest of individuals who aren’t actively looking for a new job, a real change in the recruiting landscape. While it’s beneficial to post job openings on many recruitment sites, some of your most qualified candidates may be those who are already working, but who might be interested in moving to a better position. These individuals may visit job boards only infrequently, but if an ad appears on another website they may be hooked and want to learn more.
Mobile Availability
The explosion of smart phone users over the last two decades has radically changed the way people find and use information. Apple and Android devices can be used to access the Internet anytime, anywhere, and users may visit their favorite websites multiple times per day. Unfortunately, not all websites are easy to view or navigate on these small screens, and visitors will abandon difficult sites within seconds.
Employers who want to attract a younger, tech-savvy workforce should take advantage of apps and websites that allow job seekers to search on the go and submit application information from their mobile device. They should also realize that this demographic is accustom to receiving frequent updates on everything, including the status of their application. Texting is another popular way to exchange information via smart phone, and can be utilized when setting appointments and sending basic information.
Technology is continually changing the recruiting landscape, but the resources at Mighty Recruiter can help you to navigate the new terrain. Search our articles and other tools to learn more about finding the best candidates and making your company great.