Employers
still prefer local newspapers above all other types of recruitment advertising,
according to the CIPD’s annual recruitment and retention survey.
The
study also finds that specialist trade press remains popular, though this
method has decreased by more than 10 per cent over the last 12 months.
The
use of national newspapers to advertise vacancies has decreased by nearly 20
per cent over the past 12 months.
Imogen
Daniels, CIPD resourcing and development adviser, said the study reveals that
although recruitment advertising in newspapers and specialist trade press
sources had been hit by the economic downturn, this type of advertising is
still more popular than online recruitment.
"Organisations
appear to be using the technology available to them in the recruitment process,
though, clearly, job hunters still prefer to browse through vacancies at their
own pace. E-mail and electronic media encourage more people to apply for
positions, but corporate websites and internet job boards have some headway to
make," she said.
The
survey reveals informal methods such as word of mouth or personal
recommendations are favoured by more than 60 per cent of UK companies. Over
half of employers recruit through speculative applications.
The
research shows employers have placed increasing emphasis on diversity, with
nearly 75 per cent of them taking account of a broader range of qualities;
nearly 65 per cent of employers are monitoring recruitment and half are
advertising vacancies beyond mainstream media.
Daniels
added: "It’s heartening to see employers recognising the value of
difference. A diverse workforce means more creativity. In an economy where
weightless qualities, such as brand and values, enable organisations to
compete, diversity is crucial for survival."
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By
Ben Willmott
