You've probably already heard about the Internet of Things (IoT).
If you're tech savvy and always one step ahead of the latest business trends then you'll know what we're talking about and you'll have a good idea of how you will integrate the possibilities into your business and recruitment efforts.
If you're like the rest of us and are left scratching your head, feeling like another technological innovation has passed you by then don't worry we've got the basics covered for you.
What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
IoT is, as its core a really simple idea: that devices can be connected over the internet, interacting with each other, applications and us. It's not a new idea, in 1989 an internet connected toaster was revealed (no, we're not sure why either) but since then, the internet has taken over, and the possibilities that the Internet of Things presents is astonishing.
Think for a moment about the sort of data that your phone alone collects about you. How much you walk, where you drive, where you park, when you use social media and what you Google. It probably knows you better than you know yourself. Now think about the possibilities when it comes to using that information to interact with other apps and items. Imagine if your freezer told your phone that you were out of food on the night you always defrost dinner, or if your kettle boiled as you were parking your car. Imagine if Google Maps told you that parking was suspended today outside your office. Imagine if your fridge sent you a text to remind you that your milk was going off and then ordered some more from your online account?
This is the Internet of Things.
Sounds complicated. Why is it important?
Why does it matter? There's a good reason that the government is encouraging energy companies to hand you a smart meter. A better understanding of our data and real time information means that we can take informed measures to get our costs under control. Many areas of the IoT show benefits for both cost and efficiency, though some smart gadgets are more about the wow effect than saving you money. They might not have hit the mainstream yet, but the IoT is going to reduce your costs as well as saving you time.
Ok, I get it. The future is here. What has this got to do with recruitment?
As AI and machine learning starts to enter the world of recruitment to take on issues like gender bias or racism when sifting through CVs, the Internet of Things offers a slightly different approach.
It asks, with the systems we have in place already, what can we automate and make more efficient?
From video interviews to psychometric testing to filter out candidates with the right personal traits, there is no end to the possibilities that the Internet of Things delivers. An article by Webrecruit claims that the average time to hire in the UK stands at a staggering 27.59 days, and it's not just you as an employer that suffers from this. One of the biggest candidate complaints about the hiring process is that it can take too long, and they're left in the dark about their prospects, leaving them less enthusiastic about taking up an offer when it comes along. Utilising technology and the Internet of Things can change that.
Right. So everythings going to change?
Yes. Well, not immediately; but it won't be too far off that jobs are suggested to candidates by apps that apply on their behalf. Recruiters will be able to use technology to ping notifications to people looking for work, and most importantly, real time information and best practice will be at your fingertips.
The IoT is less about creating new product and more about seeing how your existing ones can work together to optimise your processes. For example, when you go online to post a new job on LinkedIn, wouldn't it be great if that role was automatically pushed to every candidate in a 10 mile radius with relevant skills?
It's important to understand the fourth industrial revolution so that you can make sure that your business is ready to innovate in line with your competitors. To find out more, download our latest whitepaper on the technological workforce.
