Innovation in Recruitment: Iceland’s Industry-Leading Approach with Recruitment Innovation Agency
We’re thrilled to announce that, in a moment of true innovation in recruitment, along with our customer Iceland Foods, we won the award for Best In-House Innovation in Recruitment at the 2021 In-House Recruitment Awards in London.
Established in 2002, the Recruiter Awards gala, a prominent innovation recruitment agency event, is the UK’s largest gathering for the entire recruitment innovation community. It recognises outstanding achievements by agencies and those pushing innovation in the recruitment industry.
The award shines a spotlight on the partnership between Iceland recruitment and Sapia, two pioneers in innovation in recruiting, that saved their store leaders a remarkable 24,000 hours a year by enacting transformational change – even during a pandemic.
With Iceland job interview processes receiving a significant volume of applicants – more than 120,000 per month – the company faced a challenge in 2020: the dual pressures of increased trade and Covid-19 related absences dictated that surge hiring processes needed to be automated without compromising the personal touch.
This innovation recruitment strategy was pivotal in augmenting the time store managers could dedicate to their outlets.
The solution had to be straightforward, ensuring that store managers would quickly grasp and trust it. The candidate experience was envisioned to be swift, inclusive, and personable, embodying the spirit of innovation in recruitment.
The software had to cater to a candidate market as diverse as the general populace. The team unanimously chose Smart Interviewer as their innovation recruitment tool of preference.
Applicants have given a thumbs-up to this technology, with an overwhelming 99% positive sentiment towards the process. Additionally, 77% of candidates are now more inclined to endorse Iceland as a preferred employer.
The returns were impressive: a 5x payback in a mere four months, restoring 8,000 hours to the company and incurring costs of less than £1 for each applicant.
A noteworthy aspect was the complete elimination of gender and race bias, ensuring that hires mirrored the diversity of the applicant pool.
The Judges’ remarks encapsulated the essence of innovation in the recruitment industry: “This straightforward submission met all criteria, showcasing the pivotal role the recruitment division played in their overall business triumph. They also empathetically highlighted the fact that several applicants, due to unforeseen changes in their career trajectories, like those from the aviation sector, were now seeking opportunities at Iceland.”
Read the case study of Iceland and Sapia innovated during the pandemic here.
Iceland Recruitment’s Journey to Excellence
As the innovation in recruitment industry continues to evolve, companies like Iceland and Sapia lead the charge. Their collaboration not only revolutionized their hiring processes but also set a benchmark for recruitment innovation globally.
Pioneering Innovation in Recruiting
The innovation in recruiting practices they introduced stands as a testament to their commitment to excellence. In an era where the recruitment landscape is rapidly transforming, ensuring innovation in recruitment becomes essential. Both Iceland and Sapia understood this and took proactive steps.
Automating for Efficiency with Innovation Recruitment Agency
Their partnership with the innovation recruitment agency ensured that Iceland’s hiring processes were not just automated but also intuitive. This allowed store managers to focus on what they do best: ensuring their stores thrived.
Enhancing the Iceland Job Interview Experience
Furthermore, the Iceland job interview experience was significantly enhanced. By leveraging modern recruitment innovation tools, the entire process was streamlined. From application to onboarding, each step was designed to be as efficient and candidate-friendly as possible.
Recognition at In-House Recruitment Awards
The In-House Recruitment Awards also highlighted the importance of such innovation in the recruitment industry. The accolades received by Iceland and Sapia are indicative of the growing trend towards smarter, more efficient hiring processes. As the world continues to navigate the challenges posed by global events, the demand for innovation in recruiting will only increase.
Feedback and Future of Iceland Recruitment
Additionally, the feedback from the Iceland recruitment initiative provided invaluable insights. The overwhelmingly positive response from candidates showcased the success of their innovation recruitment strategies. Moreover, with a whopping 99% satisfaction rate, it’s evident that the changes implemented were well-received.
A Guiding Light in Recruitment Innovation
In conclusion, the partnership between Iceland and Sapia is a shining example of how innovation in recruitment can transform the hiring landscape. Their success at the In-House Recruitment Awards is just the beginning. As more companies look to enhance their recruitment processes, the lessons learned from this collaboration will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light.
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