QR Codes: A New Tool In The HR Recruiting Process

Yesterday, I received an intriguing new tool for executing  effective recruitment strategies– my new shiny business cards arrived (back side pictured above).  In many ways they are your standard business cards that include things like my company logo, Twitter ID, my email address and even Google Voice number with one tiny exception.  I’ve included a QR Code on the back of my business cards.  For those of you are not aware, a QR Code stands for Quick Response Code and is essentially a bar code that can be quickly and inexpensively made allowing smart phone users to scan the code to provide access to anything within the confines of the internet.

And for the purposes of my business card, recipients can scan my QR Code on my business card and upload my contact information to their phone.  All it takes is a QR Code Reader app installed on your smart phone.  Interested parties scan and download my contact information saving them the hassle of having to scan my contact information at a later date or adding my card to one of those expensive and dusty business card binders.  This greatly facilitates the HR recruitment process.

When I began researching the uses  of QR Codes in my recruitment strategy, I was surprised to find how easily and affordable they are.  Within less than five minutes I had four different QR Codes for two separate purposes using no-cost QR Code Generators like Jumpscan and Delivr. And with the magic of Photoshop, I added a QR Code that contained my contact information as well as a second for a printed brochure that directs scanners to my company website, Xceptional HR.

When it comes to HR and Recruiting, I believe QR Codes provide tracking and analytics features that companies can’t get from bit.ly links placed on brochures, signage, and other marketing materials.

Recruitment Strategies Using QR Codes

• Job Openings Posted by QR Code. Depending on the number of job postings you have or positions that are hired in large quantities, these QR Codes can be customized by url.  Imagine custom codes for custom positions.  This idea isn’t as far-fetched as it seems.  While shopping for flowers over the weekend at the nursery, I realized that all the annuals had QR Codes contained within them their information cards.  I can scan to learn more information about the flower.  Similarly, I can use QR codes in the HR recruiting process by easily disseminating information to job candidates.

• Custom Tracking and Analytics. One of the many frustrations with social media and social recruiting is the inability to control or monitor the success at which people are viewing your job openings, social media profiles and what website they originate from.  Since QR Codes can be created quickly similar to a bit.ly link and are also track-able, you can provide solid analytics and candidate source information making things like source to hire much easier to track during the recruitment process.

• Talent Funneling. QR Codes can be used like lead funnels but for candidates in the recruitment process as well.  They can scan your bar code at an event or website to join your talent community.  Companies like AT&T are using QR Codes in this manner foregoing the cheap trade show giveaways for a larger item like a big screen television.

• Internal Communications. Likely one of the biggest frustrations from some of your employees is the inability to find information contained with your company website or internal portal.  A QR Code can lead your employees directly to your annual enrollment information or to a specific video for them to learn more.  With QR Codes for recruiting the sky is the limit.

• Integrating Text. Scanned QR Codes can send text messages as well.  As an HR professional, you can quickly update your employee emergency contact list or use texting to remind them of looming HR deadlines, office closures, and other emergencies.
• The Cool Factor. These tools are great to generate conversation and exchange information.  For the Oklahoma HR Conference, my conference blog squad will be custom t-shirts with QR Codes that lead directly to our OKHR State Council Blog.