There’s been a lot of buzz these days around mobile recruiting and HR.  It’s the newest, biggest, and shiniest tool that recruiters and human resources professionals are leveraging as part of their recruitment and engagement strategies.   When discussing mobile for our industry there are really two different ways:

RECRUITING

Using mobile devices for recruiting candidates  come in many different forms and involve a smart phone, cell phone, tablet, or mobile device.  Mobile recruitment can involve the use of smartphones for either the candidate or the recruiter.  In fact, there are many apps, technologies, and tools used as part of a company’s recruitment strategy built and developed for purely the recruiter’s benefit.  This might include an iPhone that aids in candidate sourcing or QR Codereaders for use at job fairs.

On the flip side, recruiting tools exist to make the hiring and interview process easy and mobile ready for the job seeker as well.  These include mobile ready websites, job board apps, and text message alerts for job seekers who are mobile, active, and on the go.  Mobile is especially appealing for this reason.  Recruiters can engage job seekers anywhere and at anytime.  A quick text message for a recruiter to alert a job seeker offers a real-time opportunity to engage them on the spot quickly and easily.  Job seekers don’t have to wait to be in front of a computer to apply or email about a job.

These quick bursts of information are part of the new rules of recruiting.  Companies must begin to market to candidates in the way that serves them best.  This is unconventional to most senior leaders who view the recruiting process as part of “the my way or the highway” school of thought.  Imagine marketing your newly launched product solely relying on newspaper because your 60 plus CEO reads the paper and believes his customers should too. Not exactly the most effective product marketing strategy, and its likely the same for your candidate recruiting strategy when it comes to mobile.

HUMAN RESOURCES

Engagement and communication happens on the fly and using mobile strategies in human resources should be no different.  Imagine engaging with a small group of cashiers at your local offices to make them aware of a part time shift available on Saturday night.  With just one text you can communicate them quickly and without intrusion.  Mobile technologies like apps offer the option for companies as well as managers to engage their workforce right away.  Tools like Rypple’s new app allow for mobile access to their social performance management tool.

Other tools QR codes offer up the opportunity for employees to learn more by scanning corporate posters or job openings directly from their company breakroom using their mobile device.  These different channels to disseminate information offer an opportunity to reach a new and engaged audience in a way that suits them best.

The mobile world is a fast paced and real time and all the time.  With mobile strategies for your HR and recruiting teams, you can engage your audience whenever and wherever they may be.  Increasing the likelihood that they’ll receive the message or support the current marketing or communication strategies already established on the more traditional channels.

Listed above is the webinar that I lead for Xceptional HR titled “Mobile:  The Next Big Thing for HR, Recruiting, and Employee Engagement.”  The webinar is approved for 1 Strategic HRCI Credit.

You can check out more articles on Mobile Recruiting and HR:

1) Business on the Fly with Mobile

2) The Internet Equalizer — The Smart Phone.

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