Technology trends in recruitment

Technology trends in recruitment

Gone are the days when the ‘paper’ arrived on a Thursday evening and you circled the jobs for which you wanted to apply, before posting off a CV and cover letter.

Technology has certainly changed the way we acquire jobs. ‘Job boards’ were a big advancement. Then there were job aggregation sites. Some companies even request video CVs.

Then there are Applicant Tracking Systems and screening technology that pre-qualifies you to be considered by a human. These are used for some jobs but not others.

Technology trends in recruitment

Gone are the days when the ‘paper’ arrived on a Thursday evening and you circled the jobs for which you wanted to apply, before posting off a CV and cover letter.

Technology has certainly changed the way we acquire jobs. ‘Job boards’ were a big advancement. Then there were job aggregation sites. Some companies even request video CVs.

Then there are Applicant Tracking Systems and screening technology that pre-qualifies you to be considered by a human. These are used for some jobs but not others.

So, what further changes are in the pipeline for which job seekers and career changers need to prepare?

The good news is that whilst technology changes very quickly, its adoption is usually somewhat slower. So, the danger of you suddenly being confronted by an application process that completely baffles you should be remote. No harm in knowing what is around the corner though.

AI candidate screening

Most would associate Artificial Intelligence (AI) with the digital marketing industry, or with security or with large social media firms. Yet, in a recent Insights Study conducted by Forbes, 95% of ‘executives’ believed that AI will play a business critical role within various industries. For example, Rudina Seseri, founder of Glasswing Ventures talks about the increasing dominance of AI, and machine learning within the recruitment sector, especially when attracting and matching talent to employment opportunity.

‘VR’ engagement

Fuelled by technological advancements, Virtual Reality (VR) is set to lead the way in ‘relationship building’ and ‘engaging’ with prospective candidates. This will generate a greater demand for coaching on how to present yourself professionally online and enhance your personal branding through video. Coming across as authentic, whilst also portraying the best version of yourself isn’t as easy as it sounds.

CV screening software

Many fear the thought of CV screening, frustrated by the notion that no human will ever get to see their CV. Nevertheless, it is important to remind ourselves that ‘applicant tracking systems’ used to screen CVs were built by humans. They are often viewed as a fairer way of shortlisting, removing any form of bias and subjectivity. Research suggests that in order to be selected as a potential candidate, it is wise to use the same terminology on your CV, as on the person spec. For example, if you stated you were a Sales Assistant and the position you’re applying for is a Sales Executive, then you may want to use the term ‘Sales Executive’ as a general description; maybe in your profile.

Is there still a place for traditional methods of application?

Before AI potentially takes over the world, traditional candidate selection methods such as CVs and application forms remain highly effective recruiting tools, if used correctly.

Where application forms are used, it is still common to see a single question at the end which you may as well interpret as ‘Tell us everything we need to know in order to select you for this role’.

How to stay ahead of the game

Finding an effective culture fit remains the ultimate end game for both parties.

With such exciting developments steering the way for candidate selection, it is vitally important to align your personality, skills and experience to not only the job role, but also the culture and vision of the company to which you are applying. Here are a few key points to remember:

• CVs remain the favoured recruiting tool amongst many employers, so getting it right from the start with a dynamic, achievement led personal statement is crucial.
• Application forms are not just about listing your experiences, but also your suitability to a company’s culture, vision and values. And demonstrating relevant achievements.

• Video CVs and interview are on the rise, as is the importance of learning how to best present yourself via digital media.
• Interviews, whether it be via digital platform, Skype, or face to face continue to be part of the selection process and they do not need to be scary! Careful preparation can eliminate fear and enhance opportunity, so be sure to research, practice and seek advice if you want to be on top of their final list.
• Recruitment Consultants, for the moment, will continue to be an essential resource for both job seekers and employers in forging and building connections with one another.
• Professionals in CV writing, job applications and interview preparation are becoming as important in the recruitment process as any other form of application. Make sure you carefully research the ‘application to offer’ success rate of anyone you choose to employ.

Through in-depth consultation, an expert CV writer will enable to you to identify your key strengths and achievements necessary to match you to a particular role and sector. The presentation of your CV is also a key element in appealing to an employer. Employers and recruiters will often have a number of CVs to read at any one time, so your CV must stand out and more importantly, be composed in a coherent and easily readable manner. Achieving success at this stage, will already put you one-step ahead.

Before you meet with a professional CV writer, it is important to understand that you will need to be prepared to answer many in-depth questions about you and your experience to date. The more detail you provide, the better enabled the CV writer is to write an impactful application. Consider noting a list of career aims and achievements in education, employment and personal experiences before meeting with the writer to highlight the value you bring.

Your CV is likely to be used as a questioning tool at interview, providing you with the opportunity to  expand on the information provided in more detail, so make sure you have made notes and are prepared to answer with confidence and clarity. This will help you to come across in interview as authentic and well prepared.

If you would like more information, do not hesitate to get in touch with Graeme to discuss how to promote your most valuable asset, you! Contact Graeme. http://graemejordancv.com/contact/