Recruiter Hacks: Save Time and Resources Using a Candidate Database
Introduction
Recruitment can be tedious and costly. Imagine sifting through hundreds of applicants for your job opening, only to end up with a batch of unqualified applicants or settling for a candidate because no one better showed up. What about finally finding the perfect match, only to realize they never apply?
You do not have to pull new resumes whenever you have a vacancy. Chances are, you have already gathered numerous candidates throughout the hiring process, with many still looking for job opportunities.
One of the best ways to re-engage these applicants is to have a candidate database. If you use it correctly, you can quickly source leads that match the job profile perfectly. This, in turn, can streamline your recruitment process and reward you with several benefits. You can always rely on Q2 HR Solutions to help you build and organize your database.
Read on as we discuss everything you need to know about a candidate database, from what it is and why it matters.
What Is a Candidate Database?
A candidate database for recruiters is a repository for storing valuable information about active and passive candidates. It allows you to access records of qualified applicants, filter them based on specific criteria, and match them with suitable job openings. In addition, you can use this database to build talent pools for future use. This can make your job a breeze, filling vacancies quickly and yielding better hiring results.
It is not enough to build a candidate database—you should update it every time candidates get evaluated or hired. You should also add existing employees as internal candidates for other roles. A poorly maintained database will only slow down your efforts and cause confusion, leading to top talent slipping through your fingers.
The Importance of Having Access to a Candidate Database
Contrary to what many people think, hiring begins way before your company opens vacant roles. Human resource departments should actively engage in continuous talent acquisition for present and future needs, making an up-to-date candidate database more important than ever. Here are ways you can benefit from it:
Saves Time and Resources
The hiring process can take around three to four weeks, with about 13 hours a week dedicated to sourcing candidates for one role. This can take longer as you manually sift through heaps of applications and resumes.
The good news is that you can now say goodbye to this time-consuming approach with a candidate database. It allows you to enjoy a more efficient means of finding and screening job seekers so that you can focus on other crucial tasks, like conducting interviews, saving time and resources.
Streamlines Hiring Process
On average, it only takes seven seconds to review a resume. You can check these documents quickly and seamlessly with top-notch candidate database software. Furthermore, it can rank candidates on your behalf through automation and artificial intelligence, so you can spend more time and effort on screening and interviewing the most promising candidates.
More importantly, candidate database software comes with advanced search features and resume formatting algorithms. Simply enter a keyword, and you are on your way to finding the most relevant candidates. The result? A more streamlined and effective hiring process.
Increases Candidate Diversity
Companies need to create diverse workplaces where employees can freely express themselves. According to Glassdoor’s survey, 3 in 4 job seekers value diversity when considering companies and job offers.
If you prioritize diversity, a candidate database for recruiters can help. It can eliminate bias in the hiring process by focusing on an applicant’s skills and experience rather than the demographic background. This leads to a more inclusive workplace where everyone is treated equally and receives the same growth opportunities.
Improves Quality of Hires
A candidate database empowers you to swiftly secure top talent before the opportunity slips away. As long as it is properly set up and maintained, it only takes a few moments for you to find accurate data about talented professionals. It ensures they have the qualifications to excel in their role. In turn, you can enhance the quality of hires and decrease turnover risks.
Reduces Recruitment Costs
Recruitment can be costly, as you need to spend substantial amounts on job board fees, employer branding, and much more. But with a candidate database, you can minimize the need for advertising your job openings, lowering your cost per hire. As a result, you can allocate more resources to other, more critical aspects of your business.
How Can Recruiters Access a Candidate Database?
Recruiters can access a candidate database through various means, including:
Partner With HR Experts
When you team up with HR experts like Q2 HR Solutions, you can tap on the most promising candidates that are sourced and pre-screened for you. They have access to a wide network and diverse talent pool, making finding the right people for your job vacancies easier. More importantly, they can tailor their candidate database to meet your growing needs while complying with privacy regulations.
HR experts can also provide ongoing support and training so that you can get the most out of the database. They know the best practices to keep the information accurate and in order.
Build Your Own Candidate Database
Should you decide to take the DIY route and create a free candidate database for recruiters from scratch, remember that it will take a lot of time and require expertise from HR specialists. You can start with a spreadsheet, but it can be hard to view and maintain as your list grows. Furthermore, you need to maintain good data hygiene, from appending down to cleansing, and improve your data collection processes, so that you know where to look for what information.
Conclusion
An organized and up-to-date candidate database allows you to easily find the perfect applicant you did not know you already had. In turn, you can unlock the full potential of your recruitment efforts and build strong, high-performing teams.
Don’t miss the opportunity to revamp your recruitment strategies with an exceptional candidate database by Q2 HR Solutions. Contact us today to get started!
