Online Recruitment: Overview

Online or e-recruitment uses the internet to advertise or ‘post’ vacancies, provide information about jobs and the organization and enable e-mail communication to take place between employers and candidates. The latter can apply for jobs online and can e-mail application forms and their CVs to employers or agencies. Test can be completed online.

Some organizations are using Web 2.0 technologies to search for recruits online through social networking sites such as Facebook and MySpace. Websites such as Linkedin, which provide personal profiles, can be consulted. Other organizations are providing ‘blogs’ from existing employees covering their experiences in working for the organization.

The main types of online recruitment sites are corporate websites, commercial job boards and agency sites.

Commercial job boards

These are operated by specialized firms such as Monster.com, naukri.com, jobsNepal.com and Fish4jobs.com and consist of large databanks of vacancies. Companies pay to have their jobs listed on the sites. Information about vacancies may reproduce an advertisement so that the site is simply and additional form of communication. Alternatively, some vacancies are only found online. Links may be provided to the organization’s website.

Corporate websites

These may list simply vacancies and contact details. A more elaborate approach would consist of dedicated website area that gives details of vacancies, person specification, benefits and how apply for jobs by for example completing online application forms and tests. Such areas may be linked directly to an organization’s home page so that general browsers can access them. An intranet link may be available to enable internal staff to access the website. Some organizations outsource the management of their website to recruitment consultants and specialized web agencies.

Agency sites

These are run by established recruitment agencies. Candidates register online but may be expected to discuss their details in person before they are forwarded to a prospective employer.

Advantages and disadvantages of online recruiting

The advantages of online recruiting are that it can reach a wider range of possible applicants, and it is quicker and cheaper than traditional methods of advertising. More details of jobs and firms can be supplied on the site and CVs can be matched and applications can be submitted electronically. The disadvantages are that it may produce too many irrelevant or poor applications and it is still not the first choice of many job seekers.

Making the best use of online recruiting

-Consider using it in conjunction with other recruitment methods to maximize response. -Keep the content of the site up-to-date.
-Ensure the site is accessible directly or through engines. -Provide contact numbers for those with technical problems. -Take care over the wording of online copy-the criteria for good copy in conventional advertisements apply.