Apply to a Job with a Resume or Social Media?

Sometimes the lag between technology and automation is baffling. I’m talking about the major strides in mobile technology, social networks and the job application process. Oh the job market! It is still mostly traditional, which means the gate keepers for jobs and opportunities are largely NOT tech savvy. HR and business are more reactionary to new toys and gadgets. For instance, 10 years after its creation and after 1.2 billion people have signed up, most companies are just now using Facebook as a recruiting tool. Talk about your late adopters.

One extremely frustrating thing that job seekers experience on a regular basis is the cumbersome, clumsy and ridiculous amount of time it takes to apply for work today. In 2014, more people will access the internet via a mobile device which includes job seekers. LinkedIn is creating partnerships with mobile tech companies to create better mobile experiences. Companies are optimizing their websites for mobile use (or at least they should be). Which begs the question; why not just apply for a job with your social media profile anyway?

When a job seeker sees a position that they are interested in, they are usually asked to register with a new recruiting firm, creating yet another profile on a recruitment site or careers page. Far too often, you can’t just simply apply; you have to go through their drawn-out process which requires you to create an account and upload your resume and you will get a bunch of emails to boot. That’s crazy – because that process is not designed to make it easier on the candidate, it’s designed to categorize resumes in someone’s database. That’s not how industry leaders operate.

Industry leaders try to figure out ways to get closer to their candidates, simplifying the application and recruiting process. They understand most job seekers will either abandon or forget about a length application experience before completion.

Companies that value the candidate’s time and wish to create a pleasant experience will allow them to apply with social media profiles. With a click of a button, you should be able to send over your LinkedIn, Facebook or even Twitter information – along with your resume. Oh yeah, if you have not received the memo – social media is not just about friends and family anymore. Social media is often the place where resumes are cross referenced, backgrounds checks occur, and even job offers are made. Even if the employer doesn’t ask directly, they are often curious about social media activity. It just makes sense to allow your candidates to apply to your company via their social media profile because the odds are they found your job ad via a social channel (or at least background checked your company’s social media activity).

The applicant process should be simple; given the technology readily available, there is no excuse unless you want to upset and alienate top talent. It’s time to automate and simplify your hiring. Job seekers can access their professional history through the cloud and send it to you in a matter of seconds. Consider letting candidates express interest in working for your company with QR codes, website links, embedded documents or even Evernote. At the very least, let candidates connect to Facebook or LinkedIn. There is no need to register, set up accounts – no signing in or signing up – jus’ click!

Chris Fields is an HR professional and leadership guy who also helps job seekers write great resumes and blogs. His work can be found at ResumeCrusade.com & CostofWork.com. Photo Credit 65 North.