SMS updates for job applicants is latest trend

DUBAI - The wait will finally be more bearable for frustrated job applicants in the UAE as a real-time SMS update system is being introduced by several companies.

By (By Aakanksha Singh)

Published: Sun 3 Aug 2008, 1:30 AM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 4:59 PM

Part of the 'Sniperhire' recruitment platform designed by Hiring Solutions Company, the SMS update system is designed to keep candidates informed about the status of their applications.

The system has been adopted by Al Shaya Co. and according to Aquin George, marketing and communications manager at Hiring Solutions, many more companies will soon be using it. SMS updates will be accompanied by e-mails informing the candidate exactly which stage his/her application is in.

Sanjay Sharma, a resident of Sharjah, says, "I think it's a great idea. I know how frustrating it can be to apply for a job and wait endlessly to hear from the company. This system will be a big relief for job-seekers."

When a candidate submits his online application form, he will receive an SMS notification. After that, the applicant is regularly kept informed through the stages of short-listing. He will receive an SMS if he is required to come for an interview. Even if he has not qualified for the post, he will not be kept guessing and will be informed immediately.

The benefits for applicants seem obvious but the expense of installing the system brings the company's gain into question. George says the SMS update system increases a company's recruitment efficiency. "The market is very competitive. With poor HR, a company might take up to six months to fill a post. With this system, that can be reduced to about a month. The longer a post is left unfilled, the more the company loses."

With big names such as Al Futtaim and Al Tayer signing up for the Sniperhire system and companies such as DHL Middle East and Virgin Megastore already using the system, it might not be long before the others also incorporate the system into their recruitment processes.

Roona Krishnakumar, a recruitment officer at DHL Middle East, said, "We are already using Sniperhire. We haven't actually heard about this SMS update system yet. So far, there have only been e-mail updates. But I think it is a very interesting option to consider for the future."

The SMS update for job applicants is poised to become the new corporate trend in the Middle East.