Job hunting goes mobile

Workers could soon be job-hunting via their mobile phone, says TMP Worldwide, the recruitment communications consultancy. In a seminar to be held for large London employers today, TMP in conjunction with mobile marketing and advertising technology service provider Velti UK Ltd, will demonstrate the role that mobile technology can play in recruiting bright and talented individuals.

Research that TMP Worldwide has just conducted with TARGETjobs shows that there is willingness for recruitment information to be received via a mobile phone. Over a third (34%) of undergraduates would be fairly relaxed about receiving information in this way, and 13% would be keen to receive recruitment information via their mobile phone.

Jon Porter, Managing Director of UK and Ireland, TMP Worldwide, says: ìIt is about time that employers recognise the potential that mobile phones have as a recruitment communications channel. Innovative employers are recruiting through Second Life, video games, yet for the majority mobile phones remain an untapped medium. The technology is now available and with 46.5 million mobile subscribers in the UK it is a channel that cannot be ignored.î

There is tremendous potential in using short-codes where users can text a code to register their interest for further information about jobs. This can happen 24 hours a day whereas previously giving a call centre number restricts contact to work hours. Companies can now:

Use short-codes which are a great way of measuring the effectiveness of outdoor media advertising

Provide alerts to jobs that match an individualís requirements

Capture candidatesí details so information can be sent to the respondentís email

Push out links to a recruitment website where candidates can find out more information about jobs available

Utilise proximity marketing through the use of Bluetooth beacons at recruitment events, such as graduate fairs, to attract potential applicants to come to a stand

Send branding and dedicated messages to registered users

ìWe all know that people use their mobile phone number as a contact point by employers and recruitment agencies during the job application process. However, this is a time intensive method and relies only on 1-1 communication,î says Dave Coombs, Regional Head of Digital Media at TMP Worldwide.

ìThe mobile phone provides a great way for organisations to start and continue a conversation with potential candidates. They can send outbound messages informing registered job seekers about new opportunities. Innovative organisations are beginning to keep in contact with active job seekers and applicants from people registering their interest, through the application process, job interviews and during the ëdead timeí between job acceptance and starting in the new company. The UK is one of the largest users of SMS and text messaging but organisations have been slow to recognise the opportunities that mobile presents as a recruitment channel. It is time that this changed,î says Dave Coombs.