The cost of hiring the wrong candidate for the job is high and only getting higher.
As a result, human resources professionals are increasingly turning to recruitment software to help them match applicants to available positions and weed out those who shouldn’t even make it to square one of the hiring process.
Once the domain of big businesses, this software is increasingly finding its way into small and medium-sized organizations.
If 2016 is your year to purchase recruitment software, what are some essentials to look for before buying?
- Flexibility and room to grow. As with any other software program, it makes sense to purchase the best your budget can manage so that the recruiting software not only meets your needs today, but will grow with you in the future. If all you plan to do now is get it to accept applications and establish whether or not the candidates have the essential qualifications to warrant a second look, that’s fine. But if the software also has a component for onboarding employees, for example, or sending corporate videos or tests, it could be even more useful as your company grows.
- Capability to post across multiple platforms. Having recruiting software that seeks candidates across major job boards and social media sites is a huge help, but many HR professionals have niche websites they watch for candidates as well. Ensure that any recruiting software you purchase will allow you to post your job over a number of different platforms.
- Speedy application process. It’s a competitive marketplace out there and speed is of the essence. Finding software that allows for a fast application process (five minutes maximum and preferably considerably less) will prompt the already busy and successful candidate to send a quick response.
- Make sure the software works on mobile devices. Chances are the bulk of your applications will come from smartphones or tablets, so make sure your software is mobile friendly. It also needs e-mail capacity for fast responses to ensure you can snap up the best candidates ahead of your competition.
- Look for capacity to seek out passive candidates. The newest trend in recruiting software is designed to broaden the search for job applicants. The software combs social media sites and locates potential candidates who match your search and sends them an invitation to apply. This capacity will take recruiting technology to a whole new level, moving it past merely collecting applications and dismissing the ones that don’t fit the hiring criteria.
With new technology, companies are one step closer to finding the “best fit” for their job opening.
