Getting your message across

In our last article[1] we talked about the importance of giving your candidate a fantastic recruitment experience. Coupled with strong Employer Branding, these form two critical steps to positioning you ahead of your competition when it comes to attracting top talent into your business.

However, it doesn’t stop there. There has been an explosion in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) across different industries – a point proven in the fact that AI experts can currently command salaries around 2.5 times higher than the UK National Average salary!

It stands to reason therefore that the appetite for utilising these new technologies in recruitment toolkits is increasing. Are you ahead, following or behind the curve?

Three ways Artificial Intelligence can benefit your recruitment process

AI can include everything from applicant screening (we will be looking at that in a future article) through to live chat when someone browses a vacancy on your website.

Essentially, it’s the use of technology to automate certain elements of your recruitment process. Looking specifically at talent acquisition, arguably the three biggest benefits are:

1. Reduction of bias
2. Improved candidate experience
3. Giving HR the space to focus on the personal aspect of recruitment

Given that we’re looking at trends that will position you to attract the best candidates, let’s focus on how AI, and specifically messaging channels, can help.

Communication has changed

Do you remember when you thought you were pushing the boundaries of innovative recruitment when you introduced emails instead of postal communication?

Well, it’s time to go further. 

Behavioural research reflects that candidates prefer immediate communication options via text messaging, live chat, What’s App and other instant messaging systems.

Whether it’s texting to apply for a post, receiving alerts about potential vacancies or scheduling interviews via live chat, demand for these methods of communication is growing.

When you think about it, it makes perfect sense. It simplifies communication in such a competitive jobs market. Your perfect candidate can progress their application conveniently and discreetly, without the worry of finding a quiet corner to make a call in their lunch break! A huge plus point if they’re looking to change employers but don’t want other people to know they are job hunting.

However, there are important points to consider before you start firing off text alerts and messages!

Check your processes

For a myriad of reasons, including security, it’s not good practice for your HR department to start sending texts from their own devices – even if those devices have been provided by you for business use.

If your automated tracking system (ATS) doesn’t already provide for managing communication via these wider channels, you will need to consider your options. After all, you must be able to record, manage and monitor the messages that are issued in addition to maintaining data security and system integrity.

There are several platforms available and a quick Google search will get you started on your research. Many will integrate with your current systems but make sure you undertake thorough testing before you go live.

Added business benefits

An added benefit of these different communication channels is the data you can derive from them. Whether you want a better understanding of the click-through rate of your adverts, to know your conversion rate of ad opens to applicants, or to gain insight into when people drop out of your recruitment process, all of these – and more – can be measured and reported.

How CVWOW can help

When you retain CVWOW as your outsourced recruitment partner, you don’t have to worry about any of this. Our recruitment experts understand the latest trends and we are continually developing our use of technology. As a result, you reap the rewards without the hassle, and cost, of researching, implementing and testing!

To find out more about the range of recruitment services available, contact The Talent Hub on 0800 634 4477.

 

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