There has been a lot of talk recently about Recruitment Technology, pros/cons, and how to make it more effective.
One area that we need to consider is Recruiter Mobilisation. What is this? - I hear you ask.The term Workforce Mobilisation has been around for a while and has increasingly become a priority for organisations over the past few years. Originally, it primarily referred to providing your employees with mobile phones followed by access to corporate email and calendars.
Today, the definition of mobilisation has expanded to include real-time access to applications, databases, analytics, collaboration tools and networks.
The evolution of Technology is aiding the workforce mobilisation process:
- Introduction of NetBooks (lightweight portable laptops)
- Smartphones (iPhone, Blackberry etc)
- Availability of wi-fi networks
- 3G networks / 3G USB Dongles
- Internet Cafes
- Cloud Computing and Software-as-a-Service Applications
- Online conferencing tools
- Instant Messaging
... and so on. It is now much more easier (and cheaper) to stay connected to the right information, and the right time, where ever you may be.
So how can the recruitment industry capitalise on
Recruiter Mobilisation?
Employees who frequently operate disconnected from a desktop can experience delays in obtaining much needed information. Important documents that need authorisation, entering job orders, checking activities, etc... most often are originated or received at a desktop computer. The recruiter frequently won't have access to this information until they return to their desk. This creates delays that can impact the organisation multi-fold. By providing real-time mobile access to valuable information, the employee can be more productive and responsive to time sensitive activities.
Another important benefit is improved accuracy of data entry. Recruiters who work remotely often capture needed data on paper or simply try to remember until they return to their desk. This frequently results in missing, erroneous or forgotten information. Workflow is negatively impacted because of the delay from the time information is captured to when it is entered. Mobile access to databases means that information is captured accurately, in a timely fashion, and can be acted upon almost instantaneously. Furthermore, this eliminates redundant tasks such as capturing the data on paper and then having to reenter it at a later time. The timesavings are certainly quantifiable over time.
Front Office Recruitment Databases have now started moving towards creating Mobile User Interfaces -
RDBPro as an example have a very good iPhone portal that allows Recruiters to manage the recruiting process from their handheld device.
Bullhorn are another database provider that offers a true Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform. This allows recruiters to access their database and functionality from any PC/Laptop that has an internet connection - from anywhere in the world. The same applies to
EvolveDB,
i-Business Resources and so on.
Technologies such as these not only provide recruiters with instant access to their information anywhere/anytime, but can also help increase the rate of response to their clients, prospects or candidates. This can be a key differentiator between one recruiter and the next. Why wait to reach your destination when you can have access to the information in order to close the deal wherever you are?
To put this into further context: imagine a Recruiter who is visiting a prospect client at their location - having a face to face discussion about what they do and the types of jobs that they have. Wouldn't it be great if the Recruiter could simply search their candidate database from their Phone/Netbook, and present a list of suitable candidates to the client - right in front of them? Another key differentiator.
SugarSync.com is another tool that helps facilitate home based or mobile working. SugarSync allows you to synchronise your document library with any other PC/Laptop - whilst also making your documents available via the internet. And once the documents are in 'the cloud', it also means that they can be accessed via your smart phone - Blackberry or iPhone. We use SugarSync at Pan Eight, and love it!
But what good can be gained from storing documents online when you need Word, Excel, Powerpoint etc installed to open it? Well that's where
Google Docs comes in. Google Docs provides the means to not only access, but create and edit your Word, Excel or Powerpoint documents online - via a web browser. This means that you no longer need to invest in heavy Microsoft software licences in order to access and edit your online documents.
Zoho are another provider of similar cloud-based applications.
LogMeIn is another great tool that allows you to remotely connect to your work PC from anywhere in the world - allowing you to virtually sit at your desk, while at the pub - I mean from your home office!
Not to mention the benefits that home/remote working can provide in terms of employee engagement, motivation, productivity, and cost efficiency (travelling, child minding, expenses etc)
Workforce mobilisation tools and methods have become common place within many industries. Sure, it also depends on company culture and processes, however Recruitment/Staffing companies should take note of this growing trend.For more information on how you can embrace Recruiter Mobilisation, drop us a line.Pan Eight Consulting
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