Mobile recruiting means recruiting personnel via a mobile device, e.g. a smartphone or a tablet.
Will mobile recruiting catch on?
Definitely, yes.
About 10 years ago, it was still being discussed whether companies should rely on paper or online applications. The latter, more modern, has – not entirely surprisingly – prevailed. Therefore, it is probably quite certain that mobile recruiting will assert itself nationwide. In the meantime, almost everything and especially in every situation in life is possible via smartphone: ordering a taxi, shopping for groceries, booking flights, checking finances, etc. Apps simply simplify our lives.
In addition, the mobile application is no longer in its infancy, but is now technically feasible. Studies on this topic show different values in some cases, but the figures all have one thing in common: the job search via smartphone and tablet is growing and growing, and with it the desire, especially among Generation Y and Z, to be able to apply on the go.
How does Mobile Recruiting work?
There are various options. Mobile recruiting can also be combined with a conventional job advertisement as an introduction. For example, with a QR code on the job advertisement that an applicant can scan or with an e-mail link under a job advertisement to which a candidate can send their documents or their Xing or LinkedIn profile via smartphone/tablet. In some online job boards, applicants can also deposit their documents so that they can attach them directly to the mobile application. For professional mobile recruiting, however, a responsive career website (meaning that the functionality of the site is equally guaranteed on every end device) is the starting point. A responsive career site is not only worthwhile for mobile recruiting, but also contributes to employer branding and a positive candidate experience. Some employers also have their own job apps, which are directly linked to the Applicant Management system, for example. In general, mobile recruiting is particularly elegant when it is directly linked to an application management system. Application forms are then directly optimized for mobile devices. Data from Xing and LinkedIn can also be transferred directly.
4 Facts Why Mobile Recruiting Is Becoming More and More Important
- 57 million people in Germany own a smartphone, so it's only logical that it is also used to search for a job*
- more than 90% of companies think that mobile recruiting will become increasingly important in the future**
- already 44% of the candidates are of the opinion. that a mobile application is more time-saving and efficient**
- the proportion of candidates who use their smartphones to search and apply for jobs from home and on the go has doubled in the past three years**
3 Key Benefits of Mobile Recruiting
- Accelerating information about possible jobs: Since it is also possible to apply on the go, potential candidates can react much faster. As a result, the filling times of a position can be shortened and even employees from abroad can be recruited quickly and easily.
- The hurdle to applying is getting lower: whereas in the past you had to mark job advertisements in newspapers, buy application folders and go to the post office, you are now just a click away from applying.
- Applications are generally shorter and clearer, which also saves administrative effort in the HR department.
What are the arguments against mobile recruiting?
According to a study by Jobnet, Generation Y and Z in particular have a very strong desire to apply for a mobile application.
However, at the moment, it is simply too cumbersome or simply too confusing for many to send the entire application via smartphone - which is probably not least due to the fact that many companies are not yet prepared for mobile applicants and therefore do not yet have a responsive career site, job app or similar. A smaller proportion also have concerns about data protection or the worry of not being considered a serious applicant. Basically, however, the technical possibilities are constantly being developed and mobile recruiting has long since ceased to be just a hype that quickly disappears. Therefore, it is certainly advisable for employers to adapt to this and to initiate appropriate measures.
*Source: Statista, Number of smartphone users in Germany from 2009 to 2018
**Source: "Special Mobile Recruiting" of the study Recruiting Trends 2018 by the Centre of Human Resources Information Systems (CHRIS) at the University of Bamberg in cooperation with Monster Worldwide Germany
