Many HR teams “failing to keep up with technology”

Nick Elvin

Outdated technology could be affecting the ability of many HR teams to attract candidates, a survey has revealed.

The poll, carried out by e-recruitment firm Konetic, shows that although 80% of HR teams are using social media for sourcing and hiring new staff, 78% also said they believe using it in this way is a major challenge.

According to Konetic, this is mainly because only a relatively small number of firms have appropriate careers-focused websites, with 35% having a mobile-friendly website dedicated to jobs and careers, while 37% boast a mobile-friendly corporate site. Half of those surveyed had no future plans to implement such a site, yet 64% said that they wanted to offer candidates a better mobile experience.

Of those that do have mobile-friendly sites, two thirds use them for offering information about jobs (67%), with the same percentage sending out alerts to interested candidates as new jobs are posted. 42% enable applications via the mobile site but only 17% offer a way to make interview appointments via mobiles.

Paul Finch, managing director of Konetic said: “Increasingly digital natives expect to be contacted by text and via social media and to browse for jobs on their mobiles. Thankfully, cloud technology is making new applications that enable to be this more readily available and affordable.

“Yet, our survey shows a real mismatch between what HR departments need and want to do – and the ease with which they can do it, painting a picture of teams struggling to cope with new trends using outdated technology.

“It’s yet another example of how the devices people use at home are outpacing the technology used by businesses.”