New tech that streamlines HR
When you think of human resources technology, you may think of HR management software like PeopleSoft that lets you handle payroll and leave. However, human resources software offers much more than that. The full complement of technology in this area helps find, communicate with, track, assess, hire, and onboard candidates. Some programs include functions for employee training, performance evaluation, and employee goal setting and tracking.
Job aggregators help find candidates
The term job aggregators may not sound familiar, but you’ve probably used one before. The term refers to websites or apps on which recruiters post open positions. It’s also seen to as a job board. Two variations exist: one works as a search engine, providing results of job openings on various job boards, the other directly lists the jobs. On both, candidates can search by location or keyword. Examples of this type of site or app include Indeed, ExecThread, Power to Fly, as well as Monster. Some websites specialize in independent contractors. These include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, NoLance, and TopTal.
Communicate with systems for recruitment and candidate relationship management
Use a recruitment candidate relationship management system (recruitment CRM) to communicate with active and passive candidates. Similar to a customer RM application, this software helps you create nurture campaigns. These platforms target applicants so you can build relationships with potential employees. Probably the best known, SmashFly, lets you communicate via email and social media. It provides audience segmenting and automated workflows.
Organize applicants with applicant tracking systems
In the category of recruiting software, an applicant tracking system (ATS) provides the largest selection of choices. It automates the open position process from application to hiring, allowing the potential employer to store apps, candidate information and resumes. Some programs work as both an ATS and CRM, such as Bullhorn and iSmartRecruit. Bullhorn sorts and ranks candidates based on resume text. The results provide the recruiter with a short list of top candidates. Its CRM features include Gmail and Outlook integration with a tracking system that flags emails, so the recruiter doesn’t miss them. Beyond its automation features, it offers a keyword search for sorting resumes, an interview management feature, hiring workflows and onboarding feature.
Test and score skills with applicant assessment tools
Some HR apps help rank candidates by administering skills tests. Others, like HackerRank, also let the recruiter create and manage their coding tests in a video conference mode that provides a view of the applicant’s real-time work activity. Tests are available for 35 programming languages. This ensures a candidate can’t land an interview based upon keyword stuffing their resume. On top of its tests, HackerRank uses machine learning to pick out the top candidates. The app integrates with many ATS programs.
Some of these programs offer the ability to conduct a video interview with a coding test. This lets a recruiter check candidates remotely. For example, HireVue supports multiple interviewers at once so the company can conduct panel interviews. It also provides a chat feature so employee knowledge can be tested during recruitment. Called CodeVue, this technical feature includes a whiteboard that lets interviewers assign a coding challenge then watch as it is solved.
Save time with all-in-one human resource management software
While each of the above focuses on one specialized area of the human resources spectrum, some HR software systems attempt to serve every need. These programs divide features into modules that integrate. They commonly include recruiting, onboarding, and training, plus HR basics like time entry, payroll, taxes, and benefits management. Examples of these programs include ADP Workforce Now and Ultipro. While ADP looks to serve a broad spectrum, Ultipro specializes in the industries of manufacturing, restaurant, and retail/wholesale. Both options offer paperless systems including electronic employee files, benefits management, and paychecks. Ultipro provides a goals management tool that lets the employer and employee create goals based on performance evaluations or projects. It then tracks progress in real-time.
The program BambooHR offers core HR functions and ensures compliance. It prompts for updates. Core functions include employee data, payroll, and benefits. Applications like Benefitfocus provide some means for employers to develop benefits packages and administer them from enrollment through use. The app manages everything electronically and ensures compliance.
The bevy of HR management software out there covers every facet of human resources. While graphical user interfaces and features matter, these applications are people management software. The right program or combination thereof can automate applications, ranking, interviewing, testing and ease the hiring decision. You can also obtain programs that automate new employee data intake, other onboarding activities, and training. Even all-in-one programs don’t provide every possible feature, but many applications can integrate with others. This allows data merging and eases information processing. In addition to automating many hiring aspects, using human resources applications reduces errors.
Written by: Julie Neel, BOSS Contributor
