Simplifying the hiring process: How Dartmouth improved employee recruitment with text-based solutions
Finding the right talent for campus dining jobs in rural areas can be challenging. Dartmouth College faced this issue firsthand when it came to recruiting for positions like dishwashers, cooks, and other essential dining roles. The hiring process – designed to accommodate everyone from professors to dining staff – wasn’t ideal for all prospects, especially those less familiar with navigating complex application systems. Here’s how Dartmouth identified the problem, implemented an innovative solution, and saw impressive results.
Navigating a complex hiring process
Dartmouth’s hiring website, shared by all departments, was designed for a broad audience, but it didn’t meet the specific needs of dining job seekers. Those looking for roles in dining services often found the HR site confusing and overwhelming. Unlike academic or administrative applicants, these candidates typically preferred a simpler, more accessible approach.
Historically, Dartmouth attempted to address this issue by posting a phone number across campus that prospects could call for job inquiries. However, the number saw little use. It was hard to remember and didn’t solve the problem of making the process easier or more approachable. Adding to the challenge, Dartmouth’s rural location made it difficult to attract and retain a steady pool of applicants.
How TxtTapScan&Tell simplified the process
To bridge this gap, Dartmouth partnered with Touchwork to implement TxtTapScan&Tell, a real-time text messaging solution. This system gave job seekers the option to send a quick text and receive a link to a short form.
Unlike the full-length application on Dartmouth’s HR site, this form focused on collecting basic information, making it less intimidating for prospective applicants. Even if applicants didn’t complete the form – about 70% didn’t – the system still captured their phone number. This allowed the Dartmouth team to follow up directly, walking individuals through the process or answering questions.
This approach removed the barriers of technology and literacy, making the hiring process more inclusive and accessible. Text messaging proved to be a user-friendly alternative, giving applicants a way to express interest without navigating a cumbersome system.
A win for both Dartmouth and job seekers
By introducing TxtTapScan&Tell, Dartmouth significantly improved its dining hiring process and outcomes:
- Increased applicant pool: Text messaging made it easier for more people to express interest in jobs, helping Dartmouth fill positions more efficiently.
- Improved connections: With phone numbers in hand, Dartmouth could reach out to prospects directly, starting conversations and simplifying the path to employment.
- Enhanced accessibility: Candidates no longer needed to be tech-savvy or comfortable with lengthy applications. The Dartmouth team could guide them step-by-step, ensuring no one felt excluded.
This solution not only addressed Dartmouth’s hiring challenges but also created a more personalized experience for job seekers.
One solution – two powerful uses
Additionally, Dartmouth has expanded the use of TxtTapScan&Tell across its dining locations, making it easy for students and staff to provide feedback. Customers can scan a QR code or text a designated number to share their feedback instantly with the Dartmouth team. Once received, the team is alerted and can respond to issues immediately. The feedback is then analyzed using Touchwork’s solution, which generates KPIs and actionable insights, ultimately enhancing the dining experience for the campus community. This comprehensive use of Touchwork’s solutions underscores Dartmouth’s commitment to fostering a connected and efficient campus environment.
Conclusion
Dartmouth’s use of TxtTapScan&Tell highlights the power of simple, innovative solutions in solving complex challenges. By embracing text messaging and QR codes, they’ve made their hiring process more inclusive and effective while addressing the unique needs of their rural community. While leveraging the same solution in their dining operations to monitor, measure, and improve the dining experience, they have created a seamless approach to enhancing campus life. This transformation serves as an inspiring example for other institutions looking to streamline operations and improve engagement.