Utilizing mobile technology in the hiring process can make the application and interview process move along much more quickly, says Erin Peterson, recruitment outsourcing practice leader with Aon Hewitt, a global leader in human capital consulting and outsourcing solutions. New technologies also make the hiring process seem “more fair for the candidate,” Peterson said. “Lots of candidates say that after they apply for a job, they feel like their resume falls into a black hole. Mobile tools give every candidate a chance to tell their story.”

For instance, companies are making job applications available via mobile device, offering job-fit assessment surveys via mobile device, and even conducting interviews via text and mobile phone automation. Here are four ways that PNC Financial Services Group is using mobile technology to improve its hiring process:

1. Mobile recruiting website. PNC launched a mobile website (m.pnc.jobs) targeted to college and graduate students, which contains information about employment opportunities and offers a place for job candidates to leave contact information “without going through a full application process,” says Jillian Snavley, vice president and senior recruiting manager for PNC. “The site was launched in tandem with a QR code to capture and organize leads for follow-up purposes.” The mobile website includes simplified search functionality, narrowing search options to “keyword” and “state” to reduce the number of clicks and fields to view jobs.
2. Viral videos. Harnessing the power of YouTube, PNC recently launched a new playlist called “A Great Place to Work.” The playlist includes videos of PNC employees talking about their experiences with the company.
3. Mobile interviews. For high-volume recruiting efforts, PNC uses a recorded audio interface to screen candidates more effectively and efficiently. Similar to a voicemail system, the mobile interview asks a recorded question then beeps, and then the candidate responds to the question. The applicant can complete the interview at his or her convenience and the recruiter can listen to his or her recorded answers later. Student applicants for jobs at PNC now participate in recorded video interviews to minimize travel, and the company is also piloting a live video interface for real-time interviews.
4. Interview scheduling. For hiring events, PNC uses automated tools such as a self-scheduling tool that is designed for candidates, recruiters and hiring managers and reduces the amount of time spent on scheduling, Snavley says.

Using mobile technologies in the hiring process is a growing trend, Snavley says, and PNC is actively working on several other innovations to continue to improve the recruiting and hiring process. “New technology makes the application process easier for candidates and recruiters,” she says. “For the company, it is more effective and scalable.”

Have you used mobile technology in researching, applying, or interviewing for a job? How did you like it? Let us know.

How Mobile Technology Is Changing The Job Search Process is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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Once you’ve added a few mobile apps, your phone is an easy way to check new job openings and dig into the background of the recruiter or hiring manager who just left you a message.

It’s also a great way to manage your Twitter and LinkedIn accounts without your boss strolling by and spotting a list of job possibilities or connections sitting on your work computer screen. For any stealth job searcher, take your phone to lunch with you – and spend time on Indeed, Real Time Jobs or another application that compresses the best of a website or online tool for use on a mobile phone. (One exception: if your phone was given to you by your employer, you may not want the Monster or CareerBuilder mobile app sitting there amid client contracts.)

Before you start downloading iTunes most popular ones or the best rated career apps in CNET’s reviews, ask yourself: What do I want to accomplish with this tool?  Do you want to apply for jobs? Or build your network or standing in your field? My Washington Post story gave some tips for getting started on choosing the right ones.

Many people believe the best all around app is LinkedIn’s because “you can search for jobs, manage your contacts and leverage your social network to help you get a foot in the door with this one site,” said Cheryl Palmer, a career coach, resume writer and founder of Call to Career. “Most professionals are already on LinkedIn, so it would be a natural next step to use it from a mobile phone.”  See Palmer’s other picks below.

Alison Doyle, writer of About.com’s job search guide, has recommended an array of suggestions on mobile apps. Some are free and others cost 99 cents to $1.99.  Here’s Doyle’s list of free apps for job seekers:

• LinkUp: LinkUp’s iPhone Job Search Engine app lets users search for jobs on company web sites by keyword, location, company, and category.  Individuals apply to openings directly from their iPhone.
• LinkedIn: “You can take your network with you” with this one.
• Real Time Jobs: This iPhone app analyzes all Twitter status updates to identify job offers and make them indexed and searchable; you apply directly via your Twitter account.
• Indeed: With Indeed’s app users can search for jobs on the site and email listings to themselves or someone else. Recent searches are available and the list shows new jobs added since your last search. (Palmer also recommends this one.)
• Hire*A*Droid’s job search app for the Android platform supports the three major job search engines LinkUp, Indeed, and SimplyHired, so users can find job listings fast.

Palmer’s picks include:

• Job Finder: This application is similar to Indeed in that it aggregates job listings from across the Internet.
• TweetMyJobs: TweetMyJobs instantly notifies applicants of jobs via Twitter.  This is very useful because employers will often stop reviewing resumes after they receive a certain number.
• Jibber Jobber: This enables job hunters to manage contacts that they have for different job opportunities.  It is helpful to know, for example, who the contact person was for a position that you applied for three months ago and what the position entailed.  “It is a great way to stay on top of the details of your job search,” Palmer said.

In the end, you want to choose an app that is easy and quick to use, and brings you valuable information. Plus mobile apps can extend your reach during your busy work day. For those who don’t work or play with mobile apps all the time or who are less tech savvy, it also creates confidence that you can master a new tool – and that will be important to your next boss.

Is Your Job Search Mobile? is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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In addition, Mobile World Congress, the industry’s largest annual showcase, wrapped up last week and we evaluated how CEOs who spoke at this massive conference compare and how well their employees think they are leading the company.

Mobile Device Manufacturer Comparison

According to research firm Gartner, Nokia sold the highest number of mobile devices to end users in 2010. However, as Gartner reports, strong smart phone sales in the fourth quarter of 2010 pushed Apple and Research In Motion (RIM) up in their 2010 worldwide ranking of mobile device manufacturers therefore cutting into Nokia’s piece of the pie. But it’s not just revenue that keeps these two companies ahead – their companies are also highly respected by their employees.

On a 5-point scale, Apple receives a 3.8 (satisfied) company rating and RIM receives a 3.6 (satisfied) rating and Steve Jobs holds a 97% approval rating (3% disapproval). RIM’s co-CEOs don’t fare quite as well — Jim Balsillie and Mike Lazaridis bring in a 78% approval rating (22% disapproval). While the year started off rough for Nokia’s new CEO Stephen Elop, employees have given him an87% approval rating, 13% disapproval.

Wireless Network Operators Comparison

Networks are typically lambasted by users, and they don’t seem to fare as well in the eyes of employees as well. In a comparison of 10 wireless network operators, just one receives a ‘satisfied’ rating– ALLTEL (3.9). Not one CEO in this comparison receives greater than an 80% approval rating. Three of the highest rated CEOs, with 20 ratings or more, in this category all receive approval ratings in the 70 percent range: ALLTEL’s Scott Ford (77% approval, 23% disapproval), Verizon Wireless’ Lowell McAdam (71% approval, 29% disapproval) and Sprint Nextel’s Dan Hesse (71% approval, 29% disapproval).

Mobile World Congress: Spotlighted Industry Speakers

Among the several industry leaders who spoke at this year’s Mobile World Congress, three CEOs have less than a 50% approval rating with employees including: AT&T’s Randall Stephenson (43% approval, 57% disapproval), Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer (48% approval, 52% disapproval) and Yahoo’s Carol Bartz (49% approval, 51% disapproval).

Just one CEO receives above a 90% approval rating – Google’s Eric Schmidt — and he’ll be leaving his post in early April. (We wonder how Larry Page will do.) Four other CEOs speaking at this year’s Mobile World Congress also fare pretty well in the eyes of employees:  QUALCOMM’s Paul Jacobs (89% approval, 11% disapproval), Nokia’s Stephen Elop (87% approval, 13% disapproval), Cisco’s John Chambers (85% approval, 15% disapproval) and Intel’s Paul Otellini (84% approval, 16% disapproval).

Do you work for a company that’s deeply imbedded or that simply helps influence mobile? Tell us about your job, your company and how you think the industry is doing by sharing a company review on Glassdoor.

Mobile Companies & CEOs: Are They All Talk? is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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Advertising and consumer sentiment aside, we took a close look at how each company’s employees rate their leadership and the organization, and Verizon has a very slight edge over AT&T, although neither company can boast about high numbers of 5-star reviews. Despite outward appearances, based on anonymous reviews these communication giants are suffering from a lack of communication with their employees.

In comparing the CEOs, Verizon’s chief executive Ivan Seidenberg’s 41% approval rating and 26% disapproval rating gives him the advantage in this round. AT&T’s head Randall Stephenson’s approval rating is lower than his disapproval rating – 29% approval, 35% disapproval – which is never a good sign for those at the top. However, employees note that Stephenson does get credit for Apple’s exclusive deal to sell the iPhone, although his management since leaves something to be desired.

The company ratings are on par with each other – both receive a “neutral” rating – Verizon has a 2.9 and AT&T has a 2.7. What is especially telling is how similar employee reviews are regarding the positives and negatives working at each – including the great benefits but lack of communication or focus on employees themselves.

According to Verizon employees, the strategy and layoffs hamper day to day productivity, but the opportunities for training and additional education reflect positively on the company:

Account Manager, Atlanta, GA: “Too much focus on day to day results vs long term strategy and planning.”

Anonymous: “The health plan is great. The training opportunities are great. If you are a self-starter and competent, and meet your deadlines, you are not micro-managed.”

Marketing Manager, Irving, TC: “Hang on to your seat, because there will be a layoff every 6 months. The environment is becoming progressively more cut-throat and less collaborative.”

Systems Analyst & Programmer, Tampa, FL: “Good health package, annual performance based bonus, large and stable company that has its’ hands in everything, they have tuition assistance and also give you full access to a multitude of free elearning courses.”

AT&T employees are somewhat less satisfied with senior leadership, but most reviews note that benefits and advancement opportunities are a boon for the communications company:

Executive Director, Los Angeles,CA: “The people of AT&T are good, decent, hard working, dedicated people who deserve much better than what they’ve gotten. There is horrendous senior leadership at the top.”

Manager of Staff, Redmond, WA: “Upper management doesn’t seem to have a grasp of what is happening at customer level. Resources, promotions and decisions often based on manager to manager relationships and not on sound business reasoning.”

Retail Sales Consultant: “Pay is excellent, training is very helpful, Amazing benifits and compensation!!… They take care of their employees.”

Anonymous, Chicago, IL: “Job Stability, Lure of working with a Fortune 100 company. Good Leadership.”

IPTV Network Analyst, Irving, TX: “Professional advancement and training is top notch. Achievements are recognized, and innovation is encouraged.”

Neither company wins this battle, nor is there a clear front-runner in the ongoing wireless war. We’ll be keeping a close eye on employee sentiment as the lawsuit continues to grab headlines.

If you work inside either of these companies, let us know what you think.

AT&T’s “There’s a Map for That” Lawsuit Against Verizon is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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Sprint Nextel Corp. has agreed to pay up to $5 billion the next seven years to TelTeLM Ericsson Telephone Co., turning over day-to-day operations of its network to the Swedish telecommunications company as Sprint looks to focus on new products and customer retention, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sprint commented that as a result of this deal about 6,000 Sprint employees will start performing their network functions as Ericsson employees sometime in the third quarter.

Could this be a good thing for Sprint employees? Just 10% of Ericsson employees disapprove of the job CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg is doing compared to the nearly 25% of Sprint employees who disapprove of CEO Dan Hesse, so perhaps this switch could be a good thing in the long run.

Below are just a few of the recent comments from Sprint employees in regards to what needs work at the company and  for those moving over to Ericsson, a few tips from employees on what to look out for:

Sprint Employees

“The company is focused on things that will not improve the company. Instead of setting up fly by night policies and focus on what customers really want, the company wouldn’t be in such a bad state. (new phones)” – Sprint Nextel Assistant Store Manager

“Dan Hesse needs to be replaced as well as any individual that is in a leadership position that still has attitude issues towards legacy

Sprint or Nextel. Try to actually do something innovative rather than saying something is when it isn’t (i.e. Simply Everything is Simply Old-Hat). Be a leader in the field instead of a follower.” Sprint Nextel Site Development Manager

Ericsson Employees

“There is a lot of stress from work load due to downsizing and constantly changing processes. Competence training is available but little time to take advantage of it. There are advancement opportunities but cliches in mid-management leave little real opportunities. Jobs are usually filled by manager’s friends before job is posted.” – Ericsson Project Manager

“Employees professionalism is average. There is no motivation when you are not working in a winning team. Employees opinions are not taking into consideration. Lack of management communication.” – Ericsson Anonymous

“Ericsson is poised for leadership in its field. Capitalize on it, grow profitably but understand what resources are needed to do so.” – Ericsson Sales Director

Sprints Signs Deal with Ericsson: Sprint Employees to become Ericsson Employees is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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When it comes to mentions of competitors among these three respective mobile manufacturers in the reviews at Glassdoor, we found that Apple is the only company of the three where employers don’t mention the competition. And even though it was reported last week that Nokia holds the largest market share among this list, the competition is creeping towards them so it’s no surprise that they also show the most concern. We found that in the Nokia reviews, employees mentioned both Apple and RIM. Whereas RIM employees, only express concern over Apple.

Here are some reviews from RIM and Nokia employees that show what they are saying about Apple: 

“Ignore the market and ignore Apple. We have a great product and the only thing holding us back is quality when we release” – RIM Senior Development Manager (Waterloo, ON)

“Go back where you were a few years back and remember the basics. You lost the “respect for the individual” value and replaced it with a meaningless “respect” value. Go back to leading edge user interfaces, that’s the reason for loosing market share to Apple.”-Anonymous Nokia employee  

“Nokia needs to put more attention to the upcoming USA competitor offerings from Apple, Google, Rim,” – Nokia Business Development Director (Boston, MA)  

When we look at the company and CEO ratings on Glassdoor for these companies, we found that all three companies have the same company satisfaction rating.  The big difference comes in their CEO approval ratings.  As you’ll see in the table below, Apple’s Steve Jobs has a 20 percentage point higher approval rating than  Nokia CEO Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo and RIM CEO Jim Balsillie.  

Perhaps what keeps Apple employees focused on things other than their competitors is the satisfaction they have with their CEO. It will be interesting to watch Apple during this time that Steve Jobs has taken to focus on his health. And, our eyes will be on Nokia employee reviews as the company fights for competitive ground.

Do you work at Apple, RIM or Nokia? Do you feel the push for innovation and/or the push to beat out competitors? Tell us what you think about your job.

Apple Envy? RIM and Nokia Employees Dish is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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The Mobile World Congress kicked off Monday in Barcelona, bringing together nearly 50,000 attendees for the largest exhibition in the mobile industry. Not only is this a great opportunity for those in the mobile world to network, but it is also an opportunity to see some of the hottest trends in mobile communications. 

Despite the fact that some expect the global mobile market to shrink 9% in 2009, TechCrunch comments that 2009 is expected to be “the year many of the predictions made about the rise of mobile may start to come true. Startups in the space are poised to take advantage of affordable mobile Internet access and sophisticated handsets like the Apple iPhone.” 

While we anticipate more announcements and technology previews during the conference, we decided to go beyond the press releases and presentations to see what employees of leading mobile handset manufacturers and wireless carriers really think about their employer’s prospects.

Below is a snapshot of company and CEO ratings on Glassdoor.com for top mobile manufacturers and carriers. It seems employees of mobile manufacturers are generally more satisfied than employees of wireless carriers. On average, handset manufacturers receive a 3.4 company rating, whereas carriers receive an average 2.9 company rating.  The clear exception here is Motorola that has been referred to as a “dead company walking” with a 2.6 overall rating while CEO Greg Brown has one of the lowest approval ratings on Glassdoor at just 10% (his disapproval rating is 66%).  Although AT&T Mobility still has iPhone exclusivity, the company has the lowest rating (2.7) among its peer group and CEO Ralph de la Vega has one of the lowest approval ratings at 36%.

Sometimes we find it’s just best to let employees speak for themselves.  Below are a handful of reviews from employees at Apple, AT&T Mobility and Motorola. See what they have to say about their employers and the products or services: 

Apple                                                                                   

“Having the name on your resume is nice as most other employers will be impressed. The amazing Marketing machine that Apple is brings a lot of status wearing the badge. You can have pride in the products that Apple sells as they are truly the best products in its market.”

“As a company, Apple is probably one of the greatest places you will ever find to work. The environment is extremely casual and as a whole, morale is consistently high. There are very few jobs where you can literally wear whatever you want every day, and you will be hard pressed to find a more exciting place. The pay is great compared to similar jobs at other companies, and they are supposed to hire within the company first for promotions rather than hiring in outside work, so job security is relatively stable. The customers are enthusiastic and excited about the products, so if you share the passion, work is always very fun. Most days, your shift is over before you know it.”

AT&T Mobility

“Cingular Wireless was an exceptional place to work. It was a young, energetic and exciting place to work. Compensation, management/employee relations, everything was good….Once AT&T took over, the old school style of management kicked in. Many of the perks and benefits of working for Cingular are now gone under AT&T Mobility. Trying to manage a 21st century leading edge company with early 20th century management styles is a complete failure. AT&T corporate has used Cingular as its own personal corporate bailout. Cingular was cash rich, AT&T was needing a lifeline, and they are taking all that Cingular had/has.”

“A discouraging fact about telecom is that profit margins and cash flow are usually positive so spotting poor management and correcting for it to improve performance is not a high focal point as with other industries. ATT Mobility has just completed numerous merger activities in the last 3 years and has paid high attention to support of the customer and little to the employees who have sacrificed time, salary, and sanity to keep the lights on.”

Motorola

“There is potential for Motorola to rise from the ashes and make some compelling, attractive Android handsets so although things have been pretty bad, there’s a lot of room to grow. Only alternative for Motorola is to get better or cease to exist and so I think things will get better.”

“If you are lucky you can work on the latest and cutting edge technology else you will be doing mostly integration and patch work. If your product ships, it is very satisfying to read reviews about it and see it in the hands of people. Mot is quite an ethical company. They have mastered the art of layoffs do it in a very dignified way. Much better than a lot of other people I have heard. Some managers, like mine are real gems. True leaders and visionary. Unfortunately most are old farts who still think they make walki talkies and not cutting edge mobile phones.”

Any experiences of your own working with any mobile industry players? 

Stay tuned as we follow these companies throughout the Mobile World Congress and the year. The event wraps up on Thursday, February 19.

Mobile Company Employees Report What It’s Like on the Inside is a post from: Glassdoor Blog

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