DIY giant B&Q is only accepting online applications in its latest
campaign to recruit 1,000 new store managers.
The company believes using the internet as its sole recruitment tool for
managers will make hiring faster, fairer and more flexible.
Rob Barnett, head of HR at B&Q, said using the internet is more
efficient because of the firm’s high volume of recruitment.
He said: "We believe online recruitment is the way forward and our
research suggests this is how candidates want to communicate with us. We want
to recruit better people faster and provide an interactive experience."
He claims the system will also remove risk of discrimination because during
the initial process, candidates are not asked for details of their age, gender,
race or religion.
The web-based system is open to candidates around the clock and once an
application is posted, the details are passed to a B&Q recruitment manager
that day.
The process takes 30 minutes to complete and includes a psychometric test to
help identify suitable candidates. Those successful are called in for
interview.
B&Q is also able to give jobseekers feedback by e-mail throughout the
application process.
Barnett said the company already receives a quarter of its management
applications online.
