Video Killed the Radio Star – Computers and Technology Killed HR

MTV hit the airwaves and changed everything. The same goes for the World Wide Web. However, the ripple effect of technology and mass communication can sometimes build to the magnitude of a tsunami. Computers, software, e-mail, and the Internet, are tools that are allow us to work significantly faster. But are these electronic resources (“e” tools), keystrokes, and clicks helping us work smarter as well?

e-ffect on Hiring

With the advent of on-line job boards, kiosks and automated job applications, and the saturation of personal computers, the HR recruiter’s role looks much differently today than it did ten years ago. In the late 90’s, these e-resources were out there, but primarily used for professional, management, and administrative positions, and certainly not in the numbers they are today. Back then, resumes were primarily received in the mail, printed on quality paper, the same way it had be done for decades. For entry-level positions, a job seeker didn’t sit at a computer to apply for work. They actually visited the company of interest and applied on-site instead of on-line. So last century!

e-Recruiting

Most companies, regardless of size, “post” their positions on line. Today, even entry-level openings are listed on Internet job boards such as Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, and hoards of local sites. It’s cheaper than print advertising, has a broader reach, is easier to design and edit, and has a much longer shelf life. The e-listing provides all the essential details of a help wanted ad: a job description, qualification requirements, and directions on how to apply. Most often, applications are accepted using an e-process (attach a resume or complete an on-line form). The recruiter collects files that would have equated to stacks and piles in the paper resume days, and very easily reviews, decides, and stores applicant data in lightning speed time.

e-applying

On-line searching and applying is a breeze for the job seeker as well. With very little up front effort, anyone can post a resume on-line (templates are available for those that don’t have a resume), do a keyword search to narrow down the opportunities, skim through the job description for relevant information, and simply click “apply now” to send a previously created/saved resume and cover letter. Gone are the days of picking up the five pound Sunday paper, reading every ad in the help wanted section, circling prospective opportunities in red, printing a copy of a resume, and addressing an envelope and sending it on its way. Applying for just a handful of jobs could take hours. Realistically, the majority of today’s application on-line submittals take less than one minute each. What an efficient process for both parties. Quick, easy, cheap. Effective?

e-fficient (aka Lazy)

Companies that post positions on job boards get flooded with candidates in the form of emailed resume attachments or on-line application data (or both). Within seconds, the experienced recruiter can scan a few lines (usually the summary of skills and most recent position), and move from one applicant to the next until they find what they’re looking for. They barely read, rarely print, and hardly ever reference them again after we’ve moved on at the initial submittal phase. After hiring for one position, and recruiting for a similar, they simply start the collection process again verses reviewing old files.

Applicants that apply on-line hunt and click in great volume, with great ease. Like the quick scanning recruiter, they too barely read what’s on their screen. A few of the details matching their interest are enough to send a resume with one click to see what happens. They click until something sticks. If you ask your average job seeker what companies they’ve applied to, and what the position titles were, very few would have recollection of those details. There’s no need. If a recruiter contacts them, they simply check the posting site’s database of “applications sent”, and are able to pull up all the information. Genius!

Going Back to Effective, Not e-ffective

The bottom line is that technology and job boards have made the lives of the employer and potential employee easier, and certainly will not be going away any time soon. Competitive powerhouses like Monster, HotJobs and CareerBuilder are constantly refining their systems and features to be slicker than ever. However, what is gained in timesavings and pain staking processes, for the recruiter and the applicant, is lost in personal first impressions.

I predict that your savvy recruiter, myself being one of them, will soon stop playing the Oz-behind-the-curtain role, and will go back to grass roots recruiting. Old fashion methods of actually seeing the person face-to-face, shaking a hand, reviewing a printed copy of a resume, and having a conversation are too effective to become obsolete.

Employers will open their doors for that type of interaction with open houses, job fairs and walk-in schedules. And those job seekers that take the time to suit up and show up will get more attention than those that one-clicked on-line. Certainly it takes more time, more effort and more resources, but ultimately the net results will be quicker hiring processes and better selections based on people qualities, not data. Job seekers will be able to showcase their interpersonal qualities, which are the true strategic advantage of being the right fit.

Carol Albert has been a trainer and consultant for more than fifteen years. She brings the combination of business acumen, with a talent for teaching adults. As a business professional working with a Global, Fortune 500, staffing service franchise, Carol gained significant knowledge and experience of what businesses need from their employees - the right combination of hard and soft skills.

Carol has produced and delivered training and consulting programs to businesses and countless individuals in the following industries: Service Providing Businesses, Manufacturing Businesses, Non-Profit Organizations, Education/Universities, State Government, Social Services, Chambers, Military.

With a successful career in management, human resources, customer service, and sales to compliment her skills as a trainer, Carol is able to bring her expertise to your organization with There You GROW! Visit http://www.thereyougrow.com