Check out iCIMS' latest blog from iCIMS Blogger Meaghan Kacsmar.

We turn to our smartphones and tablets for almost everything, and these mobile devices are well on their way to becoming the primary means for accessing the Internet. Whether searching for a place to eat, investigating what the weather is like outside, or even looking for a job, people are increasingly turning to the small screen for help.

However, the rise of mobile adoption by job seekers presents a new set of challenges for employers. Having a mobile presence is imperative for an organization to be perceived as modern and forward-thinking in order to obtain top talent.

A mobile-friendly application process can increase your conversion rates by providing the candidates with a simple application experience. According to a 2012 Career Builder study, one in five employers who have mobile career sites reported that at least 20% of their applications came through mobile devices. Career Builder research also shows that 40% of mobile candidates abandon the application process when they are notified that they are about to encounter a non-mobile friendly apply process. Since candidates are more likely to abandon sites that aren’t mobile-optimized, it’s critical for organizations to embrace mobile to attract top talent.

Simply Hired recently reported that 86% of job seekers would use their smartphone for job searching if the capabilities were available. When asked, here’s how those job seekers indicated they would use mobile for landing a position:

• 55% want to receive alerts
• 45% want to apply for jobs
• 45% want to be able to track application status
• 23% share information via email
• 19% share information through social networks

The writing is on the wall: job seekers are eagerly embracing mobile as a way to search and apply for jobs. If employers want to win the war for top talent they must provide a seamless experience between their online site and their mobile presence to attract potential candidates.