Implementing smart technology for recruiters. What should we do?

Im currently looking after 22 recruitment franchisees in the mid-senior market place, all fully trained in search (headhunting) methodology. They are not volume recruiters and cover a wide range of markets and skills. The franchise has been in place for over 10 years and we now find a mix of systems around technology and database/contact manangement systems. The offices currently run independent data... We are currently on a recruitment drive for new franchisees and I am looking at embracing new applications to make the recruiter "smarter" .

So my question is a broad one. What should any recruiter be using in terms of available technology in today's market eg CV parsing and searching etc etc. If you had a blank peice of paper what would you put on it if you were starting out in executive recruitment? Comments on specific products/brands most welcome. Remember we are not volume.

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Permalink Reply by pam claughton on August 10, 2008 at 11:24am

Gavin,

A simple yet robust ATS would help. I use cbiz, www.cbizsoft.com which is 39-69 a month depending on the version and if you have them host it or if you keep it on your own server. I have them host it so I don't have to worry about losing data in crashes etc. It is very easy to learn and to use, and synchs nicely w/outlook, you can hit a key and it will parse an outlook email into the system, create a candidate shell, import the resume and attach the email notes. You can also download hundreds of resumes and/or emails at once, which is a nice timesaver. You can add all your jobs and clients, and do bulk mails or add all your activity and view it easily.

Cbiz is just one of many inexpensive options. I've also heard good things about pc recruiter, sendouts, bullhorn, etc....some are a bit more pricey than others, just depends what you really need. For a small office, cbiz is perfect.

Other than a good ATS, all you really need is high speed internet access and a good phone, and Outlook...that is a must have, and the search feature in Outlook is great. There are other products that are helpful, such as zoominfo, but that is probably better for executive level searches, Director and above.

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Permalink Reply by Gavin Chase on August 11, 2008 at 3:33am

Pam, have you used any software that intelligently searches CVs on your datatbase for matches to job orders..... not just word search...

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Permalink Reply by Maureen Sharib on August 11, 2008 at 6:06am

Hi Gavin,
How would you define "...all fully trained in search (headhunting) methodology"?

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Permalink Reply by Gavin Chase on August 11, 2008 at 6:47am

They are all put thru an intensive course and ongoing mentoring/training. I can only relate it to what I knew when I was trained many years ago on the MRI "30 steps to the recruitment process!" approach as it is very similar. Basically they have the best practice tools...

Maureen Sharib said:

Hi Gavin,
How would you define "...all fully trained in search (headhunting) methodology"?

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Permalink Reply by Maureen Sharib on August 11, 2008 at 6:52am

What are today's "best practice" tools?

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Permalink Reply by Gavin Chase on August 11, 2008 at 7:29am

Sorry Maureen but we are getting off my subject :-)

Do you have a view on software applications that recruiters would benefit from in order to improve productivity, but not in a volume recruitment environment?

G

Maureen Sharib said:

What are today's "best practice" tools?

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Permalink Reply by Maureen Sharib on August 11, 2008 at 7:43am

I have views on some technology that should be used - didn't realize you were looking for SW apps info only.

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Permalink Reply by pam claughton on August 11, 2008 at 11:26am

Gavin Chase said:

Pam, have you used any software that intelligently searches CVs on your datatbase for matches to job orders..... not just word search...

Gavin,
No, I haven't seen anything like that. I just do it myself in outlook or cbiz, putting in appropriate search terms, which seems to work fine. If there's something out there though that does what you're suggesting, I'd love to know about it.

:) Pam

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Permalink Reply by Bill Vick on August 11, 2008 at 11:38am

Its almost like auto matching (or auto sourcing, etc.) tools are the holy grail of many recruiters. I think by and large they are ineffective. Over the years several firms have tried everything from data base applications, smart parsing and natural language algorithms to outsourced third world eyeballs, or some combination of those.

Ultimately nothing replaces the savvy and knowledgeable recruiter who understands not just the wants but the needs of both the client and candidate and has the skills to manage the process.

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Permalink Reply by Gavin Chase on August 11, 2008 at 12:11pm

But what about an application that can assist in providing a long list from data you may already have on your CV database. They may only be people who you can get a name from in the right space... I agree that the human touch is ultimately the best tool!

Bill Vick said:

Its almost like auto matching (or auto sourcing, etc.) tools are the holy grail of many recruiters. I think by and large they are ineffective. Over the years several firms have tried everything from data base applications, smart parsing and natural language algorithms to outsourced third world eyeballs, or some combination of those.

Ultimately nothing replaces the savvy and knowledgeable recruiter who understands not just the wants but the needs of both the client and candidate and has the skills to manage the process.