Recruiting software: A guide for talent acquisition professionals
Talent acquisition is the process of identifying, assessing and hiring candidates to fill open positions in an organisation. The focus of talent acquisition is long-term human resource planning.
A talent acquisition strategy is created based on the organisational goals. The strategy spreads across departments to identify, target and attract qualified candidates for specific roles.
The talent acquisition process goes through the following steps:
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- Generating leads and sourcing
- Recruiting
- Interviewing and assessments
- Checking references
- Making final hiring decisions
- Onboarding
As can be seen, the talent acquisition function goes through several steps to hire the right candidate for a role. Done manually, the process can be time-consuming and tedious. It also requires several members of the staff to collaborate and complete the process.
This is where technological intervention can make a difference!
Emerging technologies such as SaaS, AI, RPA, etc. can streamline different processes involved in the talent acquisition function.
Let us take a look at some of the emerging technologies in talent acquisition:
Mobile hiring:The number of mobile phone users is increasing at an exponential rate. Businesses are, therefore, developing mobile-friendly apps and solutions. Connecting with prospective candidates through mobile devices saves time and money. Besides, it is easier to attract the attention of candidates on the go. It is easier for candidates to check out the vacancies and apply for the position at their convenience.
Automation: Several processes like screening, assessments, reference checks, onboarding and more can be automated using software such as Robotic Process Automation. The software speeds up the process and enhances accuracy. These factors directly impact productivity and minimise costs. Automation also relieves employees from low-skill tasks, allowing them to focus on more critical aspects of talent acquisition.
Artificial Intelligence(AI): Artificial Intelligence offers intelligent automation of processes. With features like pattern recognition and predictive analysis, it can help the talent acquisition team leverage data to make accurate decisions.
Besides these, there are several other technologies available to streamline the talent acquisition process. The essence of these technologies is combined in a recruiting software that simplifies the end-to-end process of talent acquisition.
Automation has the potential to completely transform how talent acquisition functions. It not only streamlines the process but also helps talent acquisition professionals adapt to changes in trends in the domain.
Some of the benefits of technology in talent acquisition are:
Saves time: Most talent acquisition processes are slow and labour-intensive. Technology completes each cycle in a matter of minutes and saves time.
Enhances efficiency: Technology enhances the efficiency of the process by eliminating human errors and increasing speed.
Minimises resource utilisation: Manual talent acquisition systems require several professionals to work in tandem. Besides, it requires many resources, such as maintaining physical documents, infrastructure, etc. However, the software does not require any extra resources: it reduces the need for human resources.
Maintains candidate data in an organised manner: One of the toughest parts of the manual talent acquisition process is maintaining candidate data and accessing it when required. The technology collects data and organises it systematically.
Facilitates collaboration: Manual systems were incapable of facilitating collaboration between different entities from multiple locations. Technology offers tools that help various stakeholders collaborate on a central repository.
Provides a better candidate experience: Candidates do not like delays in the recruitment process. Automation speeds up the process and fosters communication between the hiring staff and candidates. These aspects enhance the candidate experience.
While automation offers so many benefits, it has its own set of drawbacks as well.
Negative impacts of technology on recruitment and selection
Biases perpetuated: The software used for candidate screening is programmed by a human being. There is a risk of the biases of the programmer being incorporated into the software. This can impact the screening process and deny opportunity to a deserving candidate.
Capable candidates filtered out: The software works on a set of pre-defined rules. It assesses the fitment of the candidate based on criteria such as qualifications, experience, skills, etc. However, the software cannot assess the soft skills and other abilities that are not programmed. This could result in capable candidates being filtered out.
Technical issues: If a candidate is not comfortable using the software, applying for the role may become a challenge. This could eliminate many qualified and competent candidates from the reckoning.
Cybersecurity issues: Technology works on large volumes of data manipulated by software. The data being used is vulnerable to breach unless cybersecurity measures are taken.
The positives of technology far outweigh the negatives. This is the reason that businesses across the globe are leveraging innovative technologies to streamline the talent acquisition process.
Tools like recruiting software have been developed to simplify the talent acquisition process and make it more effective.
What is recruiting software?
Recruiting software streamlines various processes in the talent acquisition function to enhance overall productivity. Processes such as candidate screening, interviewing, onboarding and more are automated with the help of software tools. Recruiting software saves time and reduces resource requirements for talent acquisition functions.
Why do businesses need recruiting software?
Recruiting software automates repetitive tasks and relieves the staff. It reduces the number of manual tasks and enhances the efficacy of the system. The software speeds up the process and eliminates human errors, leaving the staff free to focus on other aspects.
Talent acquisition is a function that requires human interactions. When the team members working on routine tasks are unencumbered, they can focus on humane tasks like engagement, developing a rapport with the candidates or evaluating their emotional intelligence. With the recruiting software working seamlessly in the background, the department can focus on other critical aspects of growth.
Recruiting software facilitates seamless collaboration with team members, which speeds up the decision-making process. It makes the talent acquisition process proactive instead of reactive, giving a competitive edge to the business.
AI provides valuable insights with the help of predictive analysis. This feature enables businesses to build scalable and sustainable hiring programs.
What processes in talent acquisition can be enhanced using recruiting software?
Several processes that are a part of the talent acquisition function can be automated with recruiting software like Hirepro:
Sourcing
AI-based intelligent sourcing enables HR professionals to source candidates from multiple job boards with a single click.
Applicant Tracking
Automation of the applicant tracking process streamlines the workflow with hiring partners. The software generates data-rich reports that provide valuable insights to the talent acquisition team. The automated tracking system also maintains a database of candidates for future use.
Candidate Screening
Candidate screening from an exhaustive database of resumes can be a daunting task. Recruiting software automates screening by applying smart filters. Automation provides a shortlist of candidates from a large database in a short time. It compares the candidates based on the established criteria without any biases.
The recruiting software provides a structured and consistent interview process. The recruiting software includes an interviewing tool that facilitates seamless communication integration to interact with candidates. It also includes an interview scheduler for effective interview scheduling. The software syncs with the calendars of different panelists and selects a time when all panelists can meet. It uses recorded interviews to automate phone screening. The recruiting software assimilates evaluation data from interviewers without any data loss. The automated interview process benefits both the candidates and the interviewers. Interview platforms like Hirepro are specifically developed for a seamless interview experience for both the interviewer and the interviewee.
Pre-hire assessments are conducted to evaluate the technical skills and aptitude of the candidate. Several tests are held on a virtual platform.
If you are intending to recruit software professionals to do coding for your organisation, it is recommended that you conduct a coding test before hiring. The recruiting software facilitates online coding tests that need to be completed virtually by the candidate. The hiring team will define the coding test. The candidates will compile the code in a test environment. The code can be evaluated against pre-defined test cases. The automated performance evaluation assesses the coding skills of the candidate.
A verbal reasoning assessment is a psychometric test conducted in the application process. It helps assess the candidate’s ability to comprehend what they have read, think constructively and reach accurate conclusions. The recruiting software helps hire managers to conduct verbal reasoning assessments online. The candidate is sent the test questions via email and asked to submit the answers in a fixed timeframe. The automated process offers candidates the flexibility to take the test at a time of their convenience.
The onboarding process entails tasks like background checks, signing Disclosure and Authorisation forms, etc.
The automated background check works in the following manner:
- The talent acquisition team provides a link to the applicants through an email, which is embedded in their onboarding system.
- The applicant is directed to a secure website where he needs to furnish his unique information. This data is used to perform the background check.
- The hiring managers can use this data to order and submit a background check.
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Recruiting software facilitates the digital signing of different forms. This eliminates the need for the physical presence of the candidate.
Orders are processed and sent automatically to the candidates on receipt of signed forms and signed releases on the background check.
Conclusion
The pandemic has changed the way businesses function in more ways than one.
The Work From Home option offers candidates the opportunity to be engaged with organisations at any geographical location. It has expanded job opportunities for candidates. This has increased the difficulty of talent acquisition professionals in finding the right resources to hire. Organisations also need a seamless recruitment system that is available to candidates at any location. The recruiting software facilitates an online talent acquisition process that enhances the candidate experience. It is a cost-effective hiring solution that saves time and resources and enhances efficiency. Hirepro provides automated hiring solutions customised to the needs of your business.