Create a Quick Response Bar Code for your Career Site

The Quick Response (QR) or 2D bar code has been in use in Japan for over a decade, but it is just starting to pick up steam here in the states. Below, I've tried to address FAQ about the QR.

What is it? According to Wikipedia, "A QR Code is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data."

How is it used? Wikipedia explains, "Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR Code to display text, contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone's browser." Still confused? Check out this video on YouTube to see how it was used on a "For Sale" sign.

How can I use this technology? The QR provides another way for you to advertise your job openings and direct the applicant to the appropriate site to apply. For example, our applicant tracking software provides the career search search screen http://limacore.appone.com/. With the QR code, I can create a scanable bar code that will direct applicants to http://limacore.appone.com/ to apply. This technology is perfect for signs and job fairs where the applicant can simply scan the QR with their phone and save the URL to apply at a later time.

How do I create a QR for my career site? There are several QR creators out there, but personally I like the free tool from Google. To create your QR, follow these step by step instructions:

Go to your careers page, and copy the URL of your career page. For example, http://limacore.appone.com/.
Next, go to http://goo.gl/
Sign into Google using the link in the top right corner
Paste your career page URL into the text box and click the shorten button
After clicking the button, the shortened URL will be created and displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Click on the Details link
On the details screen, the stats of your shortened URL will be displayed with your QR
Copy the QR image and start placing it on your "Now Hiring" materials

Comment by Joshua Letourneau on March 2, 2011 at 12:01pm: Wow, very cool!!! Thanks, Julia!!! :)

Comment by Jay Perreault {DCTechRecruiter} on March 2, 2011 at 12:17pm: Thanks Julia. I have had one on my site for about four months now. I leaned about it while attending the local recruiting event here in DC called recruitDC. Click on my site of DCTechRecruiter to see an example! Scroll down to the bottom right. Feel free to call me with any questions...

Thanks,

Jay

202-596-5411

Comment by Jim on March 2, 2011 at 12:49pm: You're right Julia. There are many uses for the QR Code. I have it on the back of my business card. It makes for good conversation. Recruiters can also now get more exposuse from Google on Google Places. If anyone wants additional infromation you can visit my new site at

http://wilmingtonlocalmobile.com

Thanks,

Jim
910-777-7447

Comment by Julia on March 2, 2011 at 1:27pm: Jay, nice use of the QR!

Comment by Suresh on March 2, 2011 at 1:57pm: Thanks Julia..I am trying it out on my website.

Comment by Jay Perreault {DCTechRecruiter} on March 2, 2011 at 2:18pm: Thanks Julia!

Comment by Jim on March 2, 2011 at 5:32pm: Morgan,

My QR code goes directly to my website but you can send it lots of different places.

Comment by Dina Harding on March 2, 2011 at 11:12pm: Thank you, Julia! I had thought of placing one on the back of my next batch of business cards (like Jim did) and I'm glad to learn via your post on how it's been working for others. :D

Comment by Jerry Albright on March 3, 2011 at 8:51am: Could they not get the same information from just putting the link there? I mean - this is neat and all - but isn't it just a bit of overkill?

Comment by Joshua Letourneau on March 3, 2011 at 9:10am: @J - at a show or local event, this is a cool way for someone to "scan" your code with their phone, which can then take you to their VCard or a landing page on a site, or in some cases, a video that will play on the phone as well. I've run into individuals (potential candidates) that don't like to take cards/flyers at shows, but will scan the QR.

Personally, I get inundated with marketing materials myself at shows, so I've done a QR scan before, and for me, it resonates a little further.

It's not nirvana, but a cheaper alternative to printing out cards and flyers . . . while having some "stickiness" because you're doing something others aren't. Just my $.02.

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