New Zealanders move to mobile job searching and applications

New Zealanders move to mobile job searching and applications

New Zealanders are increasingly using mobile devices when looking for a new job. A survey of 550 New Zealanders by recruiting experts Hays shows that job seekers still do most of their job searching on their desktop, but a growing number are using their smartphones.

In the survey 62 per cent of respondents said they do their job searching mostly by desktop but sometimes by mobile, while 36 per cent said they search mainly by mobile and sometimes by desktop. Only two per cent search for jobs on their mobile device.

“Job seekers are still submitting most of their job applications on their desktop computer as they have larger screens and keyboards than mobile devices, enabling the user to sit comfortably while applying online,” says Jason Walker, Managing Director of Hays in New Zealand.

“However, a growing number of job seekers now prefer to use a smartphone for job search activities because they can search for jobs anytime, anywhere.

“When job seekers find a job of interest on their smartphones, they will often wait until later to apply via a desktop computer,” says Jason. “This is because one of the current hindrances to applying via a mobile device is that most people do not have a copy of their resume stored on their smartphone.

“Furthermore, many job seekers are deterred from applying for a job if a company’s career site or job listings are not mobile optimised.”

But with demand growing for mobile services, the recruiter says that those companies that can figure out how to turn mobile job searching into mobile job applications will be able to create a significant competitive advantage when competing for talent. It will also give candidates an edge when applying for jobs as their resumes will be among the first to be received by employers.

“Our research has shown that most job seekers have yet to make the shift over to doing their job searching mainly by mobile. However, once job seekers believe it is no longer difficult to apply for jobs on a mobile device, searching and applying for jobs on a smartphone is likely to become the new normal.”

So how can job seekers currently use their mobile to apply for jobs? According to Hays, the answer lies in the cloud. “When candidates update their resume on their desktop, they should not forget to update it on any of the online cloud storage solutions or online job sites they’re using. From job sites it’s easy to access a number of different versions of your resume and apply for jobs from an app or a mobile website,” says Jason.

“At Hays we have a dedicated mobile-friendly website, allowing job seekers to search for the most up-to-date job opportunities while on the move. Users can search for roles by location, keyword, salary and job type, and are able to view job specifications and then apply online quickly and efficiently, all using their mobile phone.

“The site is particularly useful for temps and contractors who don’t always have immediate access to a PC but are looking for their next role. The site simplifies the online application process and candidates are also able to share jobs via Facebook, LinkedIn and email, manage and create job alerts as well as find Hays offices with a Google Map.”

Not using a cloud solution? Now’s a good time to get started!

Hays, the world’s leading recruiting experts in qualified, professional and skilled people.

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