Bond International Software and TempBuddy have been long term supporters of our events. Here, ahead of the technology showcase, I interview Matt Jelley (check out his LinkedIn profile to see the legendary elevator pitch he gave at one of our previous events)
Louise: We’ve been lucky enough to see you at many of our tech events, can you tell me what you’ll be showcasing at this one?
Matt: Thank you, we consider ourselves fortunate to have had the chance to deliver our elevator pitches and software demos at your events. The audiences are always receptive to new tech and seem to get more enthusiastic every year. This year is a bit different and it’s really exciting for us because, for the first time, we’re showcasing not one, but two industry-leading solutions. As you will know, Bond and TempBuddy recently joined forces under STG, the Symphony Technology Group, so now your delegates will see the unique benefits of combining Bond AdaptUX, a recruitment CRM legend, with TempBuddy, a pioneering start-up whose workforce management software and mobile app is revolutionising the staffing industry…and winning awards along the way.
Louise: In your experience, what are people who attend this event looking for?
Matt: First and foremost, they’re looking for, and will get, an insightful and rewarding day. The combination of expert speakers, workshops and speed-demos at your tech events works really well – I don’t think it’s possible to cram more recruitment technology info into one day! The beauty is recruiters can see a number of systems, then shortlist their favourites and follow-up with the relevant providers in more depth later. They can fit into one day what might take weeks otherwise. Start-up agencies can look at systems to help them succeed and grow, and established agencies can find the software capable of taking their business to the next level. I highly recommend seeing AdaptUX and TempBuddy in action because as standalone systems they offer both start-ups and established agencies competitive advantage; and for those looking for a unified ATS, CRM and workforce platform they can be combined as a fully integrated solution.
Louise: What are you seeing as the main trends in CRM usage from recruiters these days?
Matt: More and more recruiters are recognising the benefits of mobile and how they can use their smartphones; for everything from on the move CRM access and admin, to enabling their candidates to search and apply for jobs and even check-in to temporary assignments.
Overall, the most important thing is the user experience. Systems must be intuitive because using apps has become second nature – just watch a toddler use a smartphone or tablet for the proof. If it doesn’t feel like second nature to use a system, it’s simply not working well enough. Recruiters are looking for the smartest, most intuitive user interfaces and recruitment cycle workflows which go from A to B to C in the most efficient ways possible. That’s why we built AdaptUX in such a way that recruiters do not need to switch between the CRM and systems such as Word, Outlook and LinkedIn – the Adapt Outlook Add In allows them to work within Outlook which saves an inordinate amount of time and frustration!
Louise: How important to the success of an agency is selecting the right CRM?
Matt: Getting the right CRM is imperative, it’s the backbone of every recruitment agency. For a new start-up, our advice is to implement the system today that your company will need tomorrow. You can start with a basic database, but why do that and then upgrade when the need arises? When you’re successful, that need will arise quickly and that’s exactly when you don’t need to be focusing your efforts on upgrading – you need to be focusing on capitalising on your success! A scalable system with streamlined workflows, robust delivery and reliable support from day one will best support your growth trajectory.
Cost can also be a real factor to consider. Make sure to review both the technology and the provider. How does the provider itemise the features you require within their contract? Are they transparent? Do they lay everything out as ‘standard’ or ‘additional’ functionality? Or do they apply extra costs to open-up additional features considered standard by other providers? Carefully comparing the offerings of your shortlisted providers will go a long way in securing the future of your business – and UK Recruiter’s upcoming event is a great place to start your technology reviews.
To find out more from Bond and TempBuddy – and to meet with Matt come along on 7th June. Buy tickets to the event here:
