There has been an assumption that Internet sifting and short-listing systems are really only appropriate at graduate level. However Abbey National are really starting to challenge this position in the form of their new web site. This site is aimed at all jobs within Abbey National. Technology based sifting processes have so far been introduced for the roles of Financial Adviser and Call Centre Adviser.
These processes are innovative because:
- Applicants are given a realistic expectation of the roles using a series of job "previews" on the site itself and if they do not like what they see then they do not have to waste their time applying. This has been designed to reduce early staff turnover and be compatible with Abbey National's brand value of making life simpler for its customers.
- A range of useful data is collected about the applicants so that the first sift can be conducted as efficiently & effectively as possible. Furthermore, a measure of ‘fit’ against the core competencies required for the role is collected using a short online questionnaire.
- Candidate data is exported into PeopleSoft to facilitate candidate management and metric production. This means that "hot" applicants can be responded to as soon as they apply and "kept warm" via targeted candidate care. This allows the Abbey National recruitment function not only to focus resources on successful vs. unsuccessful applicants but also releases resources to support line managers.
Vannessa Green, Validation and Design Consultant commented: "Introducing a system like this has a huge impact on the traditional recruitment & selection cycle. We are only now just beginning to come to terms with the necessary alterations in both process & culture. However, we are already feeling the benefits of the system as we are able to respond to both applicants and line managers more quickly and professionally."
"We chose SHL for several reasons. Firstly, we had an established relationship with them via the provision of aptitude testing tools. However, they were also able to offer sound technology and excellent psychometric input. The support given in terms of project management in what has been, at times, an uncertain and ambiguous context has been first rate. We believe that this system will help us to find and retain talented employees in an increasingly competitive market place."
The website is located at: http://www.jobsatabbeynational.co.uk