The biggest employers are already launching company branded job apps on mobile:
More and more companies are using mobile phones for recruitment and using the mobile phone as a channel for distribution of jobs as well as for employer branding. In March, Sodexo launched its Sodexo Jobs App for applicants to find and apply for Sodexo jobs right from their mobile phones and smartphones. It's easier on recruiters because mobile apps allow jobseekers to learn about the company culture and initiatives and also directly contact with recruiters, from anywhere, and at any time, without being burdened to have access to a computer.
Industry reports say most job-seekers use mobile apps:
According to industry reports, a majority of the young workforce, those between 18 and 34 years, own a smartphone, even if they do not have a job. A report by the Pew Internet Research made this year found that at least 62% of those who searched for jobs download mobile apps, and that there was very high usage of mobile apps among minority populations. So, from all angles, including economic, racial, and age diversity, not using the mobile phone platform for your recruitment effort is a mistake. Another study done by Beyond.com found this year that 77% of jobseekers are using mobile apps to search for jobs.
What are big employers who run focused job efforts saying?
Arie Ball, vice president of sourcing and talent acquisition of Sodexo said in a press release that “At Sodexo, we are always seeking ways to ensure that we remain competitive in the market for top talent …This demands a candidate-focused approach – making sure that we understand where the talent is, what they are looking for in a company, and how to make it easy for them to connect with us, search and apply for our jobs.”
And now, in 2012, Sodexo has already floated apps for iPhone, iPad and Android. Website access is also made for mobiles with special websites that are tailor-made for mobile phones.
We don't need mobiles – there are too many job seekers but few jobs, they'll come to us:
Not if someone else hires them first.
It is a common fallacy to think that fewer jobs mean lesser efforts for recruiters. In fact the pressures are mounting upon human resources employees, because for every opening, the number of job applicants are soaring every day, and the costs of sorting through a pile of applications and finding, and not missing, the right candidates is hard work. There are too many jobseekers alright, but too few who match your criteria.
For employers today, one way of knowing whether an employee is genuinely interested in working for their companies or not can is whether they have downloaded company job apps or not. It shows the preference the employee has for a particular employer brand.
With so many things that are made possible by mobile and smartphones – it's easy to understand that as a recruiter, if you don't go mobile now, you are going to be left behind.
