It’s insane to think about how far technology has come, or how its evolution has molded the way different industries operate. Overall, it has streamlined things that have given us more time. For recruiting specifically, it has made mundane tasks automated, making staffing contracts, missions, or programs just that more efficient.
The old tools had value, and could have more value added today then you might think. Here are a few of the “older” tools (depending on who you ask) and what their newer counterpart is in today’s recruiting world.
FAX MACHINE = ENCRYPTED PDF
OK, so the fax machine probably doesn’t have a place in today’s business operating environment, but it was a cool new way at one point to send signed offer letters. Today’s replacement? The encrypted PDF. This is a recruiter’s necessary tool to send cleared candidates any necessary HR or security documents without compromising personal information.
ROLODEX = iPHONE SPEED DIAL
I still have a rolodex of sorts as business cards have yet to be a thing of the past at in-person networking events. But after importing those into my outlook / phone contact list, I stick to the mobile device speed dial. All in all though, it’s important for recruiters to maintain those close relationships of mentors, recruiter friends, candidate buddies, and other business development professionals.
FILING CABINET = ATS
Some recruiters still prefer to print out resumes and mark ‘em up. While I prefer to save the trees and work digitally, both the filing cabinet and an electronic Applicant Tracking System (ATS) are used to manage the candidates active within your recruiting lifecycle or maintaining a pipeline list.
JOB FAIRS = VIRTUAL MEET UPS
This will be a subject of debate, as job fairs are still very much in use today (or least pre-COVID). There is something about the face-to-face interaction that energizes a recruiter or allows a cleared candidate to make an impression. Virtual meet-ups also have so much value added today, particularly for talent acquisition teams. It saves so much time (and sweat) to not travel in person and have a nicely packaged list of candidates sent with resumes electronically after messaging with candidates virtually.
THANK YOU CARDS = JIB JAB eCARD
Again, save the trees, but there is something nice about receiving a handwritten thank you card. Especially during the holidays or if you are trying to stand out among ten other recruiters trying to nail down that one secret squirrel. So maybe not a thing of the past yet, but I highly recommend one of the more appropriate jib jab videos. Stand out? You certainly will. Make the candidate on the receiving end LOL? Most def.
THE CLEARED RECRUITING CHRONICLES: YOUR WEEKLY DoD RECRUITING TIPS TO OUT COMPETE THE NEXT NATIONAL SECURITY STAFFER.
