Does your recruitment software have these crucial features?
The year is 2024, and it is safe to say that we live in a tech-savvy era. In fact, tech has seeped into every aspect of our lives, whether it is personal or professional.
In the same way, even when it comes to simplifying recruitment, you have a myriad of software making rounds in the market, each one claiming to be better than the other. But which one is ideal for you?
The solution is simple. In this article, we walk you through the best features of onboarding software for hiring volume. So, before you say yes to a recruitment solution, make sure these features are available for your convenience. Let's dive right in!
Onboarding software is a digital tool that can streamline the entire process of integrating new employees into a company.
This software can automate and organize various tasks involved in onboarding. Right from something as simple as filling out paperwork to completing training modules, it can help you with every teeny-tiny bit.
That's not all. It can centralize all your recruitment activities. Hence, the entire process becomes very smooth and efficient. In the long run, it can also help you cut unnecessary costs and aid your growth.
The onboarding software also includes features like task management, document storage, training and compliance tracking, and communication tools.
It helps HR teams monitor progress and makes sure that all necessary steps are completed on time.
For new hires, it provides a clear roadmap of what needs to be done and makes the transition into their new role easier and less stressful.
When it comes to onboarding software, each one can be better than the other. However, you cannot do without these features. Take a look!
1. Streamlined Recruitment and Applicant Tracking
The first feature you must look for is the Applicant Tracking System.
Why? Well, picture this. You are hiring for an in-demand role. It is a crucial position that only needs the best candidate. But as soon as you hit submit on the job posting, you end up receiving an overwhelming amount.
It truly is a struggle to manage the influx, isn't it?
And sometimes, you may end up missing a few applications, and maybe are missing out on the perfect candidate as well.
However, ATS or Applicant Tracking System can be a game changer here. Today, while 70% of large companies are using ATS, 20% of small and mid-sized companies are using it too.
This is because a robust ATS system lets you manage a large sum of applicants almost effortlessly.
It helps you track candidates from application to onboarding and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
2. Centralized Onboarding Dashboards
Imagine having to sift through multiple dashboards. There's bound to be an error, especially with high-volume applicants.
However, with a centralized dashboard, you have a single unified view of everything that's taking place. From the status of the application to the new hire's onboarding status, it's all right there!
So, you or anyone from the HR team can track progress, manage documents, etc., in a hassle-free manner. Thanks to the automation and real-time updates, you can access key information anytime and from anywhere.
It not only makes hiring a piece of cake but also ensures better organization.
3. Automated Background Checks
One of the steps while interviewing and onboarding the right candidate is the verification process. From cross-checking candidates' credentials to employment records, there is a lot to do. And there is no room for error.
However, with robust onboarding software the manual process gets eliminated, and handling the checks also becomes faster and easier.
4. Bulk Onboarding and Document Management
One of the crucial features when it comes to high-volume hiring is to have bulk onboarding and document management. This way, your HR department is well-equipped to onboard multiple employees simultaneously.
End of the day, this saves time and reduces administrative burden. For instance, you can send out welcome emails or training materials to the entire group without any hassles.
Next, with document management, all essential paperwork is collected easily.
5. Training and Compliance Management
When you go with comprehensive onboarding software, they also have training and compliance features. Here, they help new employees complete all the necessary training and meet compliance requirements.
The software will also track progress and offer any necessary reminders so everyone is on track. It also helps manage compliance by storing and organizing certifications, licenses, and other essential documents.
6. Integration with HRIS and Payroll Systems
HRIS or Human Resource Information System and payroll systems are super important for seamless onboarding. So, when you bring someone new, the new hire data is automatically transferred from the onboarding software to HRIS and payroll systems.
One of the main advantages here is the convenience. No one from the department has to undertake the tasking chore of manual entry, hence, it also saves you a ton of time.
7. Multi-Language Support
For a company with remote workers spread across the globe, a company needs to offer tailored language experiences.
For instance, with a multi-language support feature, new hires can access onboarding materials, instructions, and forms in their preferred language. This not only makes the process more understandable but also comfortable.
With multi-language support, you can reduce miscommunication, errors, and more.
8. Mobile-Friendly Onboarding Experiences
Smartphones have become an essential aspect of our lives. We are almost glued to them. So, when you are looking for onboarding software, make sure they are mobile-friendly.
For instance, mobile-friendly onboarding experiences not only make the whole process quick but also effortless. Your new hire can just finish the necessary formalities via their phone and get started with their duties. It also improves employee engagement and builds a positive reputation around your brand.
9. Data Analytics and Reporting
Data is extremely important in today's day and age. And, when you leverage it the right way, it elevates your growth. This is even crucial when it comes to your onboarding software.
With this feature, you will gain insights into a variety of important metrics, from onboarding completion rates to training effectiveness.
So, using all the information you can make the necessary tweaks to support your onboarding process.
10. Communication and Collaboration
Most onboarding software offers communication tools like chat, video conferencing, and email. This makes it extremely easy for you to stay in touch with new hires.
These tools also let you communicate quickly and help with seamless communication. Also, the collaboration features you are privy to help you work together on tasks, share documents, etc. This not only speeds up the onboarding process but also creates a more engaging experience for new hires.
11. Employee Self-Service Portals
With employee self-service portals, new hires can manage their tasks on their own. This is a perfect feature to have.
Through these job portals, employees can complete paperwork, upload documents, and access important information without needing constant help from HR. Hence, as a department, you are able to save time, money, and effort.
12. Advanced Security
Finally, security should always be a priority. At the end of the day, it's your responsibility to protect sensitive employee data. Therefore, the onboarding software you go with should also prioritize security.
For instance, look for encryption, secure access controls, etc. Advanced security measures ensure that data is stored and transmitted safely. So, there are no unauthorized access and breaches.
Here are a few case studies that walk you through the successful implementation of onboarding software in high-volume hiring.
Walmart
We all know who Walmart is. There is a major player in the global retail market. As of the end of FY2024, Walmart employed approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide.
But they are extremely strategic when it comes to their hiring. Their main focus is always long-term growth. And, in 2019, Walmart promoted over 215,000 associates to higher-paying roles.
Since the application volume was large and they also wanted to enhance their hiring process, they used a tool known as the Virtual Job Tryout. This helped employees experience a day in the life of a Walmart Retail Associate through a detailed simulation. Hence, instead of just jumping on the bandwagon, candidates were able to understand the job better and see if it was something they were looking for.
The results have been impressive:
Walmart hired 400,000 new associates in just four months.
All candidates said they would recommend applying.
The completion rate for the assessment is 95%.
Now, they were not only able to enhance the hiring experience but also save big. How? Since candidates were able to understand the job profile up close, they were sure of their candidacy. So, the cost of replacing employees who might not stay long goes down.
Netflix
Since its founding in 1997, Netflix has mostly seen only success. Have you ever wondered why? Well, this is partly due to its effective treatment of employees.
Recognized as one of the most desirable workplaces, Netflix’s onboarding process plays a vital role in this.
Every new hire gets a comprehensive slide deck during their first week. It can be done via your onboarding software or manually.
This deck outlines seven key aspects of Netflix's culture and tells them about the need for the balance between freedom and responsibility that defines their work environment.
Also, the slides include detailed information about Netflix’s technology stack and what new employees can expect in their roles.
This approach helps new hires quickly adapt to the company culture and understand the software and policies. So, errors and confusion are reduced to a great extent.
The effectiveness of this onboarding strategy is reflected in Netflix’s impressive 11% employee turnover rate in 2020, which is better than that of Google, Facebook, and Amazon.
Now you know. These were a few must-have features of onboarding software for high-volume hiring. These features make sure the entire process is easy and efficient.
By opting for these features, you can enable a seamless experience for new hires while managing a large volume of candidates.
From automating tasks and ensuring compliance to providing mobile access and robust data analytics, these tools are crucial for enhancing productivity and streamlining workflows.
Investing in the right onboarding software can transform the way you handle new hires and drive overall success.
About Author:
This article is written by Firaol Birhanu. He has been a digital marketer and content writer since 2017, he loves sharing his experience and research results with those who start their business career.