Businesses that have not adapted to the increasingly mobile world could be losing out on talented job candidates, according to new research. A Monster.co.uk survey of jobseekers and employers* reveals just 39 per cent of UK businesses have a site dedicated to mobile and smartphone users. This is despite a third of the job seekers questioned saying they use their mobile device to search for jobs and almost half (48 per cent) use it to research potential employers.
The findings show a lack of mobile compatibility could also reflect poorly on the employer’s brand, with almost a fifth (19 per cent) of job seekers saying their view of a company has been negatively impacted due to an inability to apply using their mobile internet device. As a result, many job seekers could be dismissing prospective employers, simply due to an unfriendly mobile experience.
On the upside, one area that UK employers are increasingly embracing is social media, with more than three quarters (76 per cent) of the employers surveyed saying they engage with job applicants via channels including Twitter and Facebook. This approach clearly goes down well with job seekers, as 15 per cent of respondents said their view of an employer is positively impacted if they are able to engage with staff via social media.
There is still a way to go, however, as the popularity of YouTube is being overlooked. Only one in ten (11 per cent) recruiters surveyed say they use video content to engage with candidates.
Commenting on the findings, Sinead Bunting, Marketing Director at Monster.co.uk said: “In our increasingly connected world, job seekers expect to engage with employers through multiple channels, platforms and devices, rather than simply relying on a one-dimensional job advert or career site. Despite this, our research shows that a worrying number of recruiters are not embracing social media or mobile and are at risk of damaging their reputation and losing out on talented employees as a result.
“Employers need to ensure their approach to recruitment matches their consumer marketing. This means making the application process and jobs information available across a range of devices - including mobiles, smartphones, desktops and tablets – otherwise they’ll find a new generation of job applicants will slip through the recruitment net.”
Monster.co.uk has put together some recruitment tips for employers based on the findings:
- Ensure your website is compatible for viewing on different devices – this is essential in ensuring that the application process is accessible to applicants via the wide range of devices now in use, including mobile, tablet and desktop.
- Build a dedicated microsite – developing a dedicated microsite can help increase engagement with applicants. A mobile-optimised website provides a clear and simple experience for candidates to search for jobs, upload and manage their CVs, save job searches and apply for roles directly from their mobile browser.
- Get involved with social media – channels such as Twitter and Facebook can be invaluable in showing off your company culture and personality to potential employees. However it’s crucial to make sure your profile is kept up to date and does not become dormant.