Heathrow’s second largest airline, bmi, has increased the number of applications it can handle over the past six months by 25%, following implementation of Bond talent management software in its recruitment process.

The airline can receive hundreds of applications a week and with only a small recruitment department (one full-time and two parttime members), it was spending more time on administration than progressing applications. Using Bond Talent, bmi says it can offer suitable candidates an interview date the day after they have applied for a position.

Belinda Barron, recruitment manager for bmi’s cabin crews, said a major problem was its time-consuming application process which involved every application having to be made on one of bmi’s own forms. Often it wasn’t discernible from a CV whether an applicant was qualified to apply so a form was sent anyway, generating more paperwork.

“The inefficiencies and costs involved with this purely paper-based system speak for themselves,” she said. The company claims to have saved “thousands” of pounds in printing costs and reduced postage expenses to a minimum.

While a paper-based route exists for those who cannot access the website, the recruitment process is carried out online and candidates can be pre-screened on specific job criteria. Because there is more information about a candidate before meeting them, they can conduct a much higher quality interview. “We have a far better perspective on them,” said Barron, adding that the reduction in administration has also freed time for the team to assess its own processes.

Tim Richards, managing director of Bond UK, said more and more companies are looking to reduce costs and increase efficiencies either through advanced applicant tracking or management reporting and dashboarding systems.

“Many organisations are experiencing a slowdown in recruitment at the moment, but this actually presents the best time to explore new ways of improving efficiency,” he said. “While the economic outlook remains uncertain this will be a key factor for any business.”

www.bondtalent.com
www.flybmi.com