As more than half employers (56 percent) in Singapore are struggling to fill open positions, the highest rate in the last 10 years, Singapore is facing a serious talent crunch issue, recent research from ManpowerGroup Solutions revealed.
According to the study entitled Siri, Find Me a New Job. Why Employers Should Adopt a High-Touch/High-Tech Approach to the Job Search, Singapore is not the only country experiencing the talent scarcity issue. Globally, talent shortages have reached a 12-year high, with 45 percent employers are struggling to find candidates for their job openings. This trend makes skilled workers in the driver’s seat, while business leaders are working hard to find way to attract the right candidates.
The study found that while technology can provide jobseekers a better experience, employers need to tailor it to candidates’ needs and combine with an in-person approach if they want to appeal the best talents.
Linda Teo, Country Manager of ManpowerGroup Singapore said, “We asked what candidates want from their job search and they told us they expect to find a job in the same way they consume other services, with a personalised, yet tech-centred approach.”
Among the most popular HR technology used by Singaporean jobseekers are social media ads (30 percent), smartphone apps (24 percent), as well as texting with a company (15 percent). The research also noted that 73 percent early HR tech adopters have clicked on social media ads in Singapore, as compared to 30 percent average candidates. This means that even passive candidates can be enticed to click on targeted job advertisements even when they are not actively searching for a new career, The Edge Singapore reports.
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“Singapore has one of the highest social media penetration rates globally. With every mobile device being either 3G or 4G enabled, Singapore presents opportunities for employers to use digital platforms to engage and enhance the job search experience for potential candidates, especially young adults who are increasingly using their smartphones to complete transactions,” said Ms. Teo.
The use of technology in recruitment is not only gaining popularity in Singapore, but also in the rest of Asia Pacific region. Candidates in Malaysia and India are among the most familiar with HR tech, as both countries use HR technology above global average levels. Many best organisations have been using predictive algorithms to serve a user ads based on their browsing history and articles read. This kind of personalization will help lead to greater efficiency and accuracy.
Further, the report also showed that 19 percent candidates in Singapore have chosen in-person interviews as their top choice of interaction with a new employer. And when culture and purpose are key priorities for candidates in choosing their next role, the face-to-face meeting is as valuable as ever.
“People are searching for jobs on multiple channels. To attract the very best candidates, employers should use algorithms and contextual re-targeting, which means using a candidate’s browsing history and correlating this to career interests. A customised strategy is the only way to go, blending great technology and great personal experiences. This is what creates a stand out candidate experience,” Ms. Teo added.
Read more: Employee Experience Summit
