As the first truly online recruitment agency, we at RecruitmentRevolution.com understand the importance of developing technologies in the world of recruitment, as well as the workplace in general, and the wider relevance of new technology to the world around us. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top five ways technology has changed employment, and what we can expect for the future.
1. Using Tech for Online Recruitment
Online recruitment has become one of the most prevalent ways candidates search for jobs. The main benefit for both candidates and employers is the low costs associated with the online recruitment agency. With low overheads and in-depth knowledge of trends within the industry, combined with web and specialist tech nouse, online recruiters are able to access a multitude of opportunities which may not have been seen accessible before.
Online recruitment platforms and job boards taking full advantage of new technology have become hugely popular in recent years. Professional networking platform LinkedIn has changed the way in which employees, candidates and employers communicate, offering exciting new avenues and connections. Job boards like Monster and Indeed have also become go-to plaforms for people looking for a job, making online recruitment tech a major game changer in recent years.
2. Using Tech to Bridge the Skills Gap
The skills gap is one of the biggest fears faced by CEOs and managers today. PwC interviewed 1,300 CEOs and found that up to three quarters of them considered the current skills shortage in IT and Digital talent as a major threat to their business. As the world of business moves further into the digital, recruitment needs more tech-savvy candidates, and Generation X and Y individuals, whose deep knowledge of emerging tech trends is unrivalled, are becoming only more sought after.
Tech has also become a large part of the learning and development industry through Gamification, offering both young and older workers the chance to learn about new technology and how it applies to their job.
3. Using Tech for Job Searching and Applications
One of the biggest ways technology has affected the employment industry is through apps, mobile and the web resulting in new ways for candidates to apply for jobs. Mobile recruitment is seeing a gargantuan rise in use as candidates revel in the opportunity to apply for jobs from the comfort of wherever they happen to be at the time. Mobile recruitment also offers the chance to apply for jobs as and when they become available, better signalling their interest and ensuring they do not miss out on top opportunities.
In spite of the its increasing popularity, there are some downsides which will no doubt need addressing if mobile recruitment is to continue being popular. Some of the biggest complaints include:
• 53% of UK workers say having a small screen detracts from the ease of use of mobile recruitment.
• 34% say tailoring a CV and cover letter to different jobs is harder to do on a smartphone.
• 26% are annoyed by the trickiness of attaching multiple documents.
50% of candidates say they would definitely continue using mobiles to search for jobs should the aforementioned issues be addressed. As a relatively new medium for job searching, there are teething problems, but the ease and speed often outweigh these issues.
4. Using Tech to Spread the Word
Social networking and other online communication platforms have increased not only the speed of news travel through cyber space but have also amplified potential audiences to a massive degree. From heartwarming stories about people running miles to write “hire me” in a map, to controversy over Living Wage and Equal pay, recruitment news – and our response to it – travels faster than ever.
5. Using Tech for Remote Working
Finally on our list, UK workers are turning to the power of remote working to help them maintain a healthy work/life balance. Over four million Britons now work from home, citing the lack of commute and flexible start and end times as the main reasons. Of course, not every industry can facilitate home working, however those working in IT and administration are finding some rises in productivity.
In terms of business, SMEs are finding remote working cuts overheads as it negates the need for an office and offers employees the chance to adopt a working style which works for them.
There are many new ways in which technology is shaping employment, with even more trends emerging every day. Utilising these advancements both in terms of recruitment and industry will be the target for many companies who want to throw themselves into the contemporary and change the way business is done forever.
Castle Hill House