Overwhelmed with the job search tools, Canadians prefer the human touch when it comes to finding the perfect job

Randstad Canada's survey finds that despite advancements in technology and a plethora of new digital job finding tools, the best approach for employers looking to attract top talent is to embrace a mix of technology and human beings

MONTREAL, March 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadians have more digital tools for finding a job at their fingertips than ever before, but many still prefer the human touch when it comes to seeking out new employment, according to the results of Randstad Canada's survey which gathered data from thousands of Canadian employers and employees to gauge how technology has changed the search for jobs and talent in the past 20 years.

The survey, which was conducted by Ipsos Reid to mark the 20th anniversary of Randstad Canada, found that 63 percent of employees think that the sometimes overwhelming plethora of digital options has made searching for a job more difficult. At the same time, 64 percent of Canadians prefer more face-to-face interactions with people during the hiring process.

While the survey showed that Canadians want options when it comes to searching for a job, they are also overwhelmed by them, with 41 percent saying they feel lost with all the methods and tools available and where to start their search. In fact, one in three job seekers (35 percent) are not confident they can quickly find a new job without any outside help. There is a general consensus that a more personalized approach to job searching is of value (89 percent) and a majority (77 percent) say they could use some help from someone who knows their industry well.

"Technology has drastically changed how companies and job seekers connect, and it can be overwhelming for both employers and prospective hires" said Marc-Étienne Julien, CEO Randstad Canada. "With technology comes convenience, but hiring is still a human-centric endeavor and companies must be cautious not to lose sight of this. Technology and a human-forward approach do not need to be mutually exclusive, but can complement each other with the right balance of efficiency through technology and the warmth of face-to-face interaction."

Technology Changing the Job Search

Twenty years ago, people tended to find jobs by way of word of mouth. Today, mobile devices and digital platforms are changing how Canadians look for work, and how employers find employees possessing those talents, it is important that companies embrace technology to facilitate talent hunting, while continuing to develop and nurture relationships with prospective hires with face-to-face interactions.

At the same time, 45 percent of job seekers research and apply for new positions through their mobile devices—which represents a seismic shift in habits when you consider online job applications have only been in use for a relatively short time.

Despite this shift to mobile job searches, the data shows that Canadians do not find that it is making it easier. Employees in particular say it's more difficult to find jobs than it was (63 percent), and a majority (62 percent) find it hard to stand out from the pack online and on social media platforms.

"Canadian companies need to take a holistic approach to how they search for and bring on talent," said Marc-Étienne Julien, CEO Randstad Canada "Randstad Canada continues to adapt and work with the changing social landscape and innovation in technology by helping employers to create those human first relationships with job seekers across Canada."

Workplace of the Future

Looking ahead just five years, nine in ten working Canadians expect there to be less in-person communication and more digital communication in workplaces. With eight in 10 seeing a variety of ways in which technology will change workplaces in the next five years, it's not surprising that many Canadians expect there to be a pushback against technology, recognizing a need for workplace interactions that are tech-free and one-on-one.

In five years' time, a majority think the following are likely:

• Communicating less in person, and more by other digital means (88 percent)
• Frontiers between home and work offices blurred even more (85 percent)
• Work open spaces seen more and more to facilitate collaboration (84 percent)
• Fewer permanent full-time employees, more part-time contract workers (83 percent)
• Artificial intelligence integrated into many workplace processes (81 percent)

* The Ipsos Reid survey sampled 1,367 Canadians employed over aged 18+, including 1,037 employees and 330 managers/employers. This includes an oversample of 200 employed Canadians each in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

View the blog post and infographic.

About Randstad Canada

Randstad Canada is the Canadian leader for staffing, recruitment and HR Services. As the only fully integrated staffing company in the country, we understand the recruitment needs and demands of employers and job seekers across all levels and industries. Through our insightful knowledge of local markets, employment trends and global network of recruitment experts, we are shaping the Canadian world of work. For more information, visit randstad.ca.

SOURCE Randstad Canada