We’ve seen a terrific growth in our users’ mobile activity since the beginning of 2012 with one in six visits coming from a mobile device. Almost 3,000 downloads of the CV-Library mobile app were recorded on one day in July, this is incredible! However, the conversions are not matching the volume of traffic. The desktop computer is still delivering three times more applications per visit than the mobile. So, exactly how important are mobile sites and apps?
I’m a firm believer that the mobile will not replace the desktop computer until candidates are educated, after all, it took a while to persuade job seekers to use job boards rather than newspapers when job hunting. We also need full desktop to mobile integration. There are no tools available which allow you to upload your CV directly from your phone so; you can only apply to jobs through the CV-Library site or app if you are already a registered candidate.
Although, it is exciting to see the changes in candidate activity and the move from desktop to mobile I don’t think mobiles will ever take over from the desktop, similarly to how LinkedIn will never take over from online job boards. It’s a fascinating time for the recruitment sector in regards to technology advances but it’s important that we don’t get carried away and ensure our main services are still delivering.
My advice to SMEs would be to build a simple mobile version of your site. This will ensure you stay ahead of the competition and provide your users with a suitable platform to browse your site from your mobile. Apps aren’t appropriate for all companies but they are definitely useful tools if you want to provide push through notifications to mobiles. Keep an eye on mobile innovations and carefully track your audiences’ behaviour so you know how important mobile is to your business.