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Archive for the ‘Recruiting’ Category

Applicant Tracking Software

Monday, August 13th, 2007

When a new position becomes available in the workplace, finding the right person for the job can be difficult and, at times, stressful. With resumes often being accepted several different ways, organizing them into a manageable pile for viewing sometimes seems impossible. The process of hiring new employees also takes away time from other activities and can decrease the efficiency of some offices. Still, for business to continue recently vacated positions must be filled. Thankfully software exists that can assist in one’s hiring pursuits.

Applicant tracking software can make the job of any human resource manager a lot easier by reducing the amount of time and effort spent on going through resumes submitted in various forms. These computer programs enable one to build a database from electronically submitted applications so that they are more accessible and less intimidating that a four foot stack of paper on one’s desk might be. Requiring little or actual typing, the resumes are complied into a manageable group and can be sorted into smaller sub-groups if more than one position is available.

After this the applicant tracking software can assist one in reviewing the resumes. First one creates a profile containing what one is looking for in their new employee. Then the program goes through the available resumes and produces a list of results that show the candidates that appear to be the most promising based on the decided upon criteria. These resumes can then be viewed without the hassle of having to weed out those of unqualified individuals.

Good search functionality is extremely important in applicant tracking software. Multiple keyword options and even ranking systems should be available to ensure that the resumes found on the result page are listed in the most efficient manner possible.

The downside of applicant tracking software is that it does decrease the person reviewing resumes ability to catch things a computer program would not. If a candidate has listed their qualifications in a more subtle manner, as opposed to explicitly stating them, then the individual’s resume will most likely not show up in the results. Because of the popularity of applicant tracking software many jobseekers are having to learn to list their skills as clearly and concisely as humanly possible so that they are not weeded out for technical reasons.

By using applicant tracking software many companies are finding that time it takes to fill a new position is greatly decreased. Such computer generated databases allow one more time for daily activities and free up hours that can be used to personally interview candidates.

Technology of Background Checks

Monday, August 6th, 2007

Background checks are becoming more and more common across many different fields. This security measure helps ensure that those being hired have no serious charges against them, something that is especially important for those who will be working with children or other vulnerable members of the general population.

In many areas this simply means going to a specific government building and requesting a copy of one’s criminal record. With identity theft now occurring frequently, this will most likely become a thing of the past. Many places are now requiring that all new employees be fingerprinted to make certain that individuals are who they say they are.

As with most things in this day and time, new technology has been created to make this process easier. Instead of using the old process involving messy ink prints, many places are beginning to do this digitally.

One of the benefits of the new system, which relies on computerized images of one’s finger tips, is that the prints can easily be electronically transmitted to the Federal Bureau of Investigation with little to no wait time. The new digitalized program also allows for old ink prints to be scanned into the system and transferred to the appropriate agencies. Once someone’s fingerprints are in the system, future background checks are made easier.

Aside from possibly assisting local law enforcement were one ever involved in a crime, this new fingerprinting format could also potentially be used to decrease the number of illegal aliens working for unaware employers, driver’s licenses and other forms of identification are becoming easier to counterfeit. Barring the real life creation of a scene out of a spy movie, fingerprints aren’t as simple to falsify.

Because of the easy of use, this new spin on an old background check staple is becoming increasingly popular. Many independent companies are beginning to offer this service to area businesses. If one desires this type of screening for would-be employees, local companies that with assisting in background checks and security clearances are the first to contact.

Recruiting Software Dos and Don’ts

Monday, August 6th, 2007

With so many options out there, it can be difficult to chose just which recruiting software will be the most beneficial in finding the perfect person for an available position. Navigating through these choices, all of which claiming to be the best, can often seem overwhelming. This is especially true when one considers that each company has different needs and therefore could benefit from a different type of recruitment software than others will.

It is important to keep in mind several things effect that effect one’s choice. First off, pricing in an all important factor. It doesn’t matter if the software one is looking at has all the industries bells and whistles if it is completely unreasonable for the budget. Comparing prices and feature will allow a company to get the best value for their money.

Anyone new to using Internet recruiting should also consider the availability of technical support staff. Many companies provide training in the use of such software, which is certainly a plus those who are uncomfortable with new technology. One should look at the software’s Web page to see if there are several different options for contacting those who can assist when problems arise. Staff that is only available through e-mail might be difficult to deal with as it often means a certain amount of wait time before an issue can be resolved. If the software offers the option of online chat with technical support this is always a plus as repose time is greatly decreased.

Sometimes it can be difficult to remember that new isn’t always better. Established recruiting software companies have likely had more time to work out programing kinks and therefore should not be ruled out. Many find that it is most helpful to discuss the options with other in the industry. Finding out which software has assisted similar business can help narrow down the number of options. It is important to ask others which recruitment software they had problems with and how helpful were the employers who created such software.

Reading through related recruiting blogs can also give one a better understanding of what to expect from each option. Often one can use the Internet to find out how many companies use specific programs and which ones have certain issues that have yet to be corrected. As with any purchase, reviewing one’s options is extremely important when deciding on recruiting software. Making an informed decision will greatly decrease the likelihood of finding one’s unsatisfied with the program they have chosen.