Tag: technology

Unified Communications Approach to Recruit and Retain Staff

Posted on by Buyer Advertising
SHARE THIS

As leaders in the recruiting industry, we have seen firsthand how technology has forever changed the recruiting field. In a world where texting and social media rule, many businesses have struggled to redesign their recruiting and retention strategies to reach an increasingly tech-savvy audience. This is why the unified communications approach to recruit and retain staff has emerged.

What is the “unified communications” approach?

To put it simply, the unified communications approach involves re-conceptualizing the way businesses interact with their employees. This method seeks to break down communication barriers between businesses and their employees using non-traditional means of correspondence.

Incorporating the unified communications approach into your business may make it more attractive to current and potential employees. In fact, a recent report by Forbes magazine revealed that continuous communication is one of the top non-monetary ways to increase employee satisfaction[1].

Here are some creative ways to implement a unified communications approach to recruit and retain employees:

Recruiting

It is no secret that the onboarding process can be stressful and costly for everyone involved. Here are some unified communications methods that may help:

  • Video interviews: From Skype chats to WebEx conferences, video interviews are now easier than ever. Not only is this a cost-effective pre-screening technique, but it can also be much more convenient for applicants and HR staff.
  • Social networking: Sites like LinkedIn can also be great tools for recruiters. In addition to being able to communicate directly with applicants through a company profile, recruiters are also able to gain some insight into an applicant’s background through a personal profile and endorsements.

Retention

Once employees are hired on, keeping them satisfied with their jobs is key to maintaining high retention rates. Here are some unified communications tools that can assist with this:

  • Unified messaging systems: Unified messaging systems allow businesses to streamline messaging programs like voicemail, email, SMS messaging and even faxes. Bringing these tools into your business can improve company-wide communication and job satisfaction.
  • Collaborative technology: Programs like Dropbox and instant messaging software can be great for collaborative projects. Dropbox allows multiple employees to simultaneously contribute to a project. Likewise, chat software can allow employees to communicate quickly and effectively from various locations.

A unified communications approach is all about breaking down communication barriers. If your business is having difficulty implementing its own unified communications program, consider enlisting the help of a recruiting firm. With years of experience in the recruiting industry, a firm can help you develop a unified communications strategy that meets the unique needs of your business.

[1] http://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2013/11/27/seven-ways-to-increase-employee-satisfaction-without-giving-a-raise/

Recruitment Advertising Metrics/Analytics

Posted on by Buyer Advertising
SHARE THIS

With so many different sources available to attract top talent, it can be difficult to know where best to spend your recruitment budget. Self-select metrics are 83% innaccurate, which means that 4 out of 5 candidates identify the wrong source when applying for a job.

With Buyer’s enhanced analytics, you can view real-time metrics including source effectiveness and cost per hire. The source of your hires doesn’t have to be a mystery – start hiring more efficiently with Buyer’s enhanced analytics tools!

Learn more about our enhanced analytics tools by clicking here and let us exceed your expectations today!

Five Signs That Workplace Technology is Not Being Fully Utilized

Posted on by Buyer Advertising
SHARE THIS

Having appropriate technology in the workplace can increase efficiency, reduce costs and cut down on human error. However, even companies that incorporate technology may not be fully utilizing the best options. Here are five signs that workplace technology is not being utilized to the fullest in your business:

1. Employees Spend a Lot of Time Traveling

While some in-person communication will always be necessary, employees who are traveling regularly may not be utilizing modern communication methods, such as video conferencing, fully. According to the Houston Chronicle, for example, “Technology reduces travel costs because businesses can set up virtual meetings and distribute data without the need to be in the same room[1].”

2. There is No Single Means of Digital Communication

A McKinsey Global Institute Study quoted in Forbes reveals that some employees spend 19 percent of their work week searching for past information, emails and correspondence[2]. Streamlining communication and data storage with a single means of digital communication can help cut down on this waste of time.

3. Customer or Client Questions Are Going Unanswered

Between Facebook, Twitter, Google+, website forums and answering machines, there may be customer complaints, requests or potential orders slipping through the cracks. If you have a presence on these platforms, it is vital to respond to them all, or simply pick the most effective ones and maintain them properly.

4. Employees Know How to Use Their Technology

Even if a business invests in the latest and most expensive items for the workplace, they simply won’t be beneficial unless they’re being used correctly. When new programs, software or devices are introduced to the workforce, consider a short training session to ensure that employees understand how to use the new additions.

5. Technology Isn’t Regularly Being Updated

Technology changes at a lightning-fast pace, and the NY Times understands that many consumers aren’t sure when it’s necessary to upgrade[3]. While investing in new laptops and printers each year is likely not a good use of company funds, an inventory of most-used items every few months is a smart place to start.

With these five signs in mind, companies can begin to fully utilize the technology they already have in their workplace.

[1] http://smallbusiness.chron.com/importance-technology-workplace-10607.html

[2] http://www.forbes.com/sites/unify/2013/12/10/how-technology-has-changed-workplace-communication/

[3] http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/18/technology/personaltech/is-it-time-to-upgrade-your-gadgets-do-the-math.html?pagewanted=all&_r=1&

Tech Savvy: How To Tell if a Potential Hire is Ready For Work in the Digital Age

Posted on by Buyer Advertising
SHARE THIS

The Necessary Tools

It’s hard to believe that less than a generation ago, many executives accepted the belief that touching a keyboard was beneath their position – that such business tools were meant for clerical and administrative staff only. Today, dexterity with the keyboard is only the beginning of the skills that are necessary to be a productive employee in many jobs and careers.

The importance of technical expertise and computer literacy in a candidate depends, of course, on the specific position being considered. For IT staff, the individual will have to show work experience, proper training, and certifications. However, for line operations, here are few tips to access some of the basic skills you may be seeking in an applicant:

  • Have them prepare a sample piece of work. For example, if the position is in market research, ask the potential candidate to create a simple spreadsheet similar to the work being done. Likewise, if it is a creative position, have the candidate produce a minor design project on a computer. Matching the sample work you request to the skills and technologies needed for the job may help decide which potential candidate is right for your company.
  • As an alternative, ask what specific projects have been completed in those areas of work. Let the candidate describe the software/hardware used and how they approached the task. If they can provide samples or online examples, it shows that a candidate is prepared, and technologically capable.
  • Explain the specific technical skills, software applications and technologies that are an integral part of the position being sought. Ask about the individual’s experience with those or similar products. Listen to whether they approach the issue with confidence or reservations.
  • Get the interviewee to talk about their non-work involvement with technology. Do they only reluctantly use digital tools and resources or is it second nature to their lifestyle?
  • Don’t confuse active participation in social media with technical expertise. Is it important for the job being discussed that the individual know what a “like” or “share” means to SEO issues?

It is an accepted fact that technology today is changing faster than most people and companies can track. Always interview candidates with the perspective that, in most cases, a person’s facility with technology and their ability to quickly adapt to new versions and tools is as important as competence with any given program or current hardware.