3 Steps to Creating a Seamless Mobile Job Application Experience

If you are not already clued into today’s mobile/smartphone usage trends, you are missing out on a fantastic opportunity to reach out to your target audience.
According to research conducted by IAB Australia, consumption of Internet on mobile devices continues to increase rapidly both in Australia and globally in the foreseeable future. A quick glance at Adzuna’s Google analytics reaffirms this as more than 60 percent of our web traffic comes from mobile devices, which peaks during the lunchtime hours from 12-1pm.
So here lies the problem – how do you create a mobile job application process that is so simple, so seamless, that candidates can juggle a kebab, large coffee and a pretzel while applying for their next role at your organisation?
Here are three essential elements for a smooth mobile experience:

 The Five Second Rule

No, I am not referring to the contentious rule that food is still okay to eat as long as it hasn’t been on the ground for more than five seconds. Or is it three? I am referring to the load speed of both mobile apps and websites.
In 2017, we expect lightning fast load speed regardless of whether we are in a carpark basement or enjoying a few rooftop beverages on a Friday afternoon. Average load speeds are often a result of poor design. How can you get this right?

Mobile Apps

Designers must follow iOS design guidelines during app development. If the rules are not followed, your app will hog a phone’s memory, kill the battery and navigating the app will be at a snail’s pace, which is not ideal when you only have 1 hour for lunch.

Websites

When it comes to your website’s speed – leaner = better. Streamline the number of elements on each page, optimise images and optimise your code. Finally, make sure your website is mobile responsive.

Interesting fact 1: Amazon reported increased revenue of one percent for every 100 milliseconds improvement to their site speed. Imagine what a few seconds could do for your business?

 Big Tick for Less Clicks

Each click in a job application process is a hurdle separating you from a candidate. E-Commerce companies scrutinise the number of clicks to conversion more than any other business. For Nike, it takes seven clicks to purchase; for ASOS, it takes nine clicks of the mouse to buy that favourite dress.
The job application process should not take more than three actions after the initial search:

  • Click on job desired job
  • Click apply
  • Click to upload your CV

Interesting fact 2: Job search engine Adzuna sends potential candidates to your site in two clicks.
Interesting fact 3: Approximately $4 trillion worth of merchandise was abandoned in online shopping carts in 2015.   

 The Cloud is Your Friend

So now your mobile website or app is running at lightning speed and you have taken a minimalist approach to clicks. Well done! You are so, so close to seeing your inbox flash with the resume of a dream candidate who will vastly improve your business. Their first impression of the company is that you’re well organised, face-paced and use the latest technology.
But hang on, what do you mean I can’t attach my CV using Dropbox or GoogleDrive from my smart phone? This final, all important step should be as seamless as it is using a computer.
A key point to consider that is often neglected is how secure are the data centres storing your data? If you are trusting a job website to collect CVs, do you know exactly where the data is stored? Numerous companies have had their data hacked in recent years including online giants Yahoo!. Take control of where your CVs are stored in the cloud.

Interesting Fact 4: Microsoft stores all cloud-based data in more than 100 data centres across the globe in places such as San Antonio, Texas, Chicago, Australia, Brazil, China and Japan.

By not having a seamless mobile journey, you will lose out to those Agencies and Job Boards who understand how to attract and retain Talent. Can your business afford to continue down that road?
Image: Shutterstock

This article is sponsored by Adzuna.


To help you become better in your quest towards offering better candidate experience, Adzuna is hosting a webinar on how to create a seamless mobile job application experience on the 9th of February, 2017. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to pick up some essential strategies and tips. Register here.

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