Not very long ago, you could unplug your landline phone, attach the cord to your modem and wait a few minutes for a webpage to load. Boy how times have changed! Today, you carry the Internet around in your pocket and virtually anything is accessible with a few swipes of your finger.
The adoption of smart phones has grown at an astounding rate. In fact, mobile traffic is on pace to surpass fixed Internet access by the end of 2014. This disrupting change in technology is also disrupting how we do business and our lives in general.
For staffing and recruiting firms it’s either adapt and take advantage or get lapped by your competitors. As more job seekers turn to mobile as their primary source of connection with the Internet, you need to adjust your business practices.
Here are some tips to make sure your firm is more mobile friendly:
- View your website on a mobile phone. This might sound like common sense, but you’d be amazed at how many staffing company owners don’t know what their website experience is like on a mobile device. And don’t just load it on one device, try several different platforms (iPhone, Android, etc.) and several different phone models. Each operating system and mobile browser vary so test across several different platforms.
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- Create a distinct mobile site. When designing a new website, your programmer should consider the user experience on both PCs and mobile devices. Creating a distinct mobile version of your website (or a responsive website) is crucial not only for the usability of your website but for search engine optimization too. Google is now looking closely at your site to ensure you have a good mobile user experience. If you don’t, you can kiss your mobile search rankings goodbye!
- Apply from your phone. Put yourself in your candidates shoes (or thumbs). Walk through the application process. If you have an application that is 10 pages long and requires more of a thumb and finger typing workout than a video game, you have a problem. You need a short version of the application that collects essential information (like name, contact information, etc.). Consider allowing candidates to apply with their LinkedIn profile, after all most people don’t store a copy of their resume on their phone!
Still think mobile doesn’t affect your firm?
Take some time to review the astounding statistics in this infographic (below). In less than a year, smart phones on this planet will outnumber people!
Take a close look at your firm, your website, and your candidate and client experience to determine how you need to adjust to the mobile revolution.
MORE: Is your firm ready for the mobile candidate?
