Keeping Pace with Recruiting Technology Trends

Fordyce Forum 2010Las Vegas, NV

Presented by: Shannon Myers

About Me

Shannon Myers• Managing Partner, Walton Search • Recruiter since 2001• Specialize in Sourcing, Social Media and

Technology

Why this Presentation?

Interviewed staffing firms and individual recruiters, mostly high level billers, over

the period of 6 months.

Why do they use the technology they do and how can it be better?

Information Overload

World Revolves Around Technology

Technology will continue to move at a rapid pace regardless if you follow

the trends or resist change.

Embracing technology leveraging the right tools can save time, energy,

costs and increase results.

Resisting too much can leave you further behind extending the

learning curve but moving ahead without a plan doesn’t always

equate to progress.

By choosing the wrong tools it can be frustrating, time consuming

and a drain on expenses.

Goal for Today’s Presentation

Help you define what the particular goals and needs are of your

business to implement a strategy that allows you to quickly recognize,

find and utilize the best pieces of technology or tools for you.

If everyone used the same tools, the same way, you would have

the same results.

Get in the mindset to recognize what you need and avoid being distracted by shiny new tools.

Where to Start?

GoalsGoals 1st, Tools 2nd

Main Goal - Match Candidates with Employers

Secondary Goals• Find candidates faster. • Track emails easier. • Faster way to track contacts. • Better smart phone for people to access me

outside the office.

Needs Anaylsis

What are the essential basics that you need……phone, computer, ATS?

First determine what you already have, what’s working or not, then decide

what else you need or where can you save time or automate.

Needs Analysis

Who else do you need to consider?

Do you need another piece of technology or a person?

Inventory

What is working, why is it working and how did you choose that item? • Did someone choose for you? • Was it the ease of use or implementation? • Cost? • What made you choose that over something

else? • Did you like the color or the buttons on a

phone?

Inventory What’s not working or can be improved

and again, how did you choose that item? • Before replacing, can it be fixed or is there a

complimentary tool to make it work? • Ask when is the next upgrade? • Are you sure the technology hasn’t changed –

when is the last time you did training?

Leverage what you already have

and already know.

Email

Templates – Type it once then customize

Folders – Action items into folders

Mass Mailings – Email everyone

Filters – Filter directly to a folder or delete

Website

Tweet, Post Links, Facebook

Leverage Completed Placement

Twitter Contact

Devote just a few minutes to see if the application is useful

for your needs.

Budget

Everyone’s budget is different. Know what you are willing to pay for quality.

Free no longer equates to inferior product however do not be surprised when they

begin to charge.

Example 29.95 vs. 2995.00

Budget

Evaluate paid tools with demos or free trials if possible. Ask for proof,

references, show me.

Free tools/beta versions still ask for a demo if you see value in the tool.

Negotiate if possible on price and content.

Budget For paid technology – what is the cost in time

and money down the road switching to a different vendor?

Break up costs - what is the price for installation, upgrades, ongoing training or

tech support?

What is the cost of implementing versus not implementing?

TimeFor purchased software or tools there is

usually a return policy or cancellation period. Be prepared to have time to implement and

“stress” the system.

Social Media is social and takes time for updates, policing comments, etc. Before using what is the time commitment to

remain active?

Time

RSS/Feed Reader

Use for websites and searches

If you find one blog you consistently like follow their Blog Roll. You can always delete later.

Keep Notes Tool : Gist

Website: www.gist.com

Priority: 10

References: @shally @animal show http://recruitinganimal.typepad.com/recruitinganimal/2010/03/shane-mac-speaks-about-gist.html

Contact: greg@gist.com

Tags: email, social media tracking, lead research, rank contacts

Notes: Bullhorn ATS open API possible 6/10. Gmail & Outlook integration. **In Beta 2 week idea to implementation.** Greg – Lafayette Hill, PA & Photographer. Slowing the system 3/10 better 5/10 – more? http://mashable.com/2010/06/03/how-to-organize-contacts/

Keep Notes Accessible

Time

Easily distracted?

Set up a second user for projects, testing, email, 2 RSS Readers, etc. and devote specific time to accessing each user.

Skill & Comfort Level

Think about whether you are going to be comfortable with your skill level and knowledge to utilize each new tool.

Who is going to be using the tool, what is their skill level?

Decision Maker

Get others involved on your team. • Delegate• Form a Committee

Again, rely on your trusted network for support and information.

Social Media

Why Social Media?

Again, what are your goals?

Social Media has many uses. • Find candidates, clients or leads • Networking• Ads• Information Source• Place to test out marketing or get feedback

Getting Your Feet Wet

Again, reduce the learning curve.

Don’t dive in, wade, use caution, get to know the community and rules first. Do not

outsource

Be sure you are going to use the tool before inviting your whole network.

“Parking” Usernames

Keep your Identity consistent.

Is this a username I will use in 2 years?

Is the username.comavailable?

Questions ?

Contact or Connect with Me

Shannon Myers

Email: shannon@waltonsearch.comWeb: www.waltonsearch.comSocial Media: @waltonsearch or @slcmyers