We lamented in a previous blog how the increasing use of
technology is making recruitment less about people and more about 'ticking the
boxes'.
However much we would like to deny it though, a blog from us is unlikely
to change things drastically!
So we thought that what might be useful is a secondary blog that
points out where some of the technology leads the process, what pitfalls that they
might present to the candidate and how to beat them.
Most Recruiters (including us) are probably using a piece of software
called Broadbean (or similar) that allows them to write 1 advert and post it quickly
with the click of a button to multiple job boards, twitter, facebook and
linkedin. This clever piece of software also means that candidates who apply
will probably find their CVs automatically loaded on to the database of the
recruiter and a note made of the application
What then happens is that the consultant looks at the individual
and sees instantly what they have applied for.
All sounds very useful so far.
But imagine if you are a job seeker who is keenly looking for work
and prepared and able to drop back to an admin role, step sideways in to a team
leader role or get promoted to a managerial/director role. You live in Leeds;
have family in Birmingham and a holiday home in Exeter. Yes you can absolutely
apply for the 6 or 7 jobs you saw advertised by one national recruiter and you
can do so confidently and with justification.
BUT what does the process look like to that recruiter when they
look at the system and see you have applied for 7 jobs at levels from HR
Director to HR Administrator in Stafford, Birmingham, Wakefield and Bristol.
It might look confused, random and badly thought out. And even
though you have written a cover letter that explains your situation as clearly
as you can the recruiter may not be able to see it, or may not have the time to
read it (they have 30-40 other applicants to respond to as well). There is a chance
therefore that they might prefer to look at the candidate who seems to have
taken a more thoughtful approach to their job hunt!
Look at it another way though. You have just seen 6-7 jobs
advertised by 1 agency and they are all of relevance to you. Are they then not the
perfect agency to be talking to and building a relationship with? What stops
you picking up the phone to say, “I am looking for a job. I notice that you
have about 7 that might be of relevance. Can I talk to you about my situation
and see whether they might suit”.
Remember people buy people. And recruiters are people. Make a
friend with them and they are the ones who should be able to recommend you to a
Financial Services role as the ‘perfect candidate’ even though you have only
ever worked in Distribution.
Don’t let the technology that is supposed to make things easier
actually make things harder for you as a jobseeker.
Wright Solutions is a specialist HR Consultancy.
We attract, place and develop the highest calibre candidates in
Executive, HR and Learning & Development roles.
Our service is more than recruitment with our training solutions that
give Leadership and Management teams the competitive advantage for today
and tomorrow.
