The power of mobile devices in the hiring process continues to increase, according to hiring solutions provider Harver, who noted that 60% of applications were submitted via mobile this year.
The provider, which counts McDonald’s, Heineken, Chili’s Restaurants and Valvoline among its customers, found that mobile applications have increased by an average of five percentage points each year since 2020, when 49% were on mobile devices. Over the past year, that number has increased to 55% for mobile application usage. Meanwhile, desktop-based applications have declined 6% each year since 2020, while tablet-based enrollments have remained stable since the beginning of the decade.
What does this mean for HR and Talent Acquisition leaders?
Corresponding Oliver Stahelin, Chief strategy and development officer at Harver, it all depends on demographics. He says SMartphones became more common in the workforce as older generations, many without smartphones, retirees and younger generations, many with smartphones, entered the workforce. Harver’s research shows that 80% of candidates who register for jobs via mobile devices are under 30 years old.
“As smartphones become a huge part of our working lives, the collective workforce expects to be able to get more done with them, especially as the remote working culture brought on by the pandemic has increased the likelihood of using them for work-related tasks,” says steel.
As a result, candidates are increasingly choosing to apply for jobs and complete job-related assessments on their mobile devices, adds steel. “In today’s candidate-leading job market, HR leaders need to recognize the candidate’s agency and the need to meet the candidate on their preferred device,” he says. Talent acquisition will be a key topic at the HR Tech Virtual Conference 2023 from February 28th to March 2nd.
Mobile apps designed for potential job applicants not only have the potential to provide convenience, but can also help break down the barriers that often exist in modern job application solutions, such as: B. Lengthy and repetitive tasks of uploading resumes, contact information, and work experience.
“Companies that meet applicants on mobile devices should expect to see an increase in applications and a reduced hiring time because of this added convenience,” he says.
However, HR and TA leaders must prepare for this ever-growing method of hiring new employees via smartphones. In the coming year, Staehelin suggests that HR leaders and recruiters place a high value on employee-centric recruiting. This includes examining their recruiting and onboarding processes for possible entry barriers for job applicants.
“Are all aspects of your process mobile-friendly? If not, you may create unintended friction points for candidates and negatively impact the candidate experience,” he says. “It’s also important to note that the device of choice for candidates can still be desktop or a combination of desktop and smartphone, depending on the role.”
Additionally, Staehelin recommends that Hiring managers cultivate a “human touch” to engage with candidates. Employee experience will be a key theme at 2023 Virtual HR Tech Conference from February 28th to March 2nd.
“By recognizing candidate agencies, companies are more likely to find the perfect balance of engagement, effectiveness and efficiency in their talent acquisition strategy,” he says, adding that this “can further position themselves as an employer of choice.”
Registration is open to the Virtual HR Tech Conference from February 28th to March 2nd. Register yourself here.
