If your company needs to fill empty driver’s seats as quickly as possible, you need to make it easy for potential candidates to apply for your open positions. The first step toward this is having a mobile-friendly driver application that can be accessed anywhere, anytime.
Even for things unrelated to job hunting, everyone spends more time on their phones, tablets, and laptops than desktop computers – but this is especially true of professional drivers looking for new job opportunities while they’re on the go.
It’s the most convenient way for them to navigate from one posting to another, look up company reviews, and eventually decide to apply to the positions that strike their interest the most, all while taking their breaks at truck stops or waiting for their freight to be loaded.
Appcast’s 2022 Recruitment Marketing Benchmark Report, which researched and compiled job advertising data from nearly 1,200 U.S. employers, has the numbers that prove more people, including drivers, are applying for jobs while they’re on the move.
What the Numbers Say
The report tells us that using a mobile device was the preferred method of applying for jobs, and the number of mobile applications was greater than desktop applications for the first time in 2020. Here’s how they compared:
- 60.7% of job applications were completed on mobile devices; 39.3% on desktop
- 2021 desktop apply rates decreased 13.8% compared to 2020 rates
- 2021 mobile apply rates increased 21.2% compared to 2020 rates
Among the 24 industries analyzed in the report, the top few that saw the highest percentages of mobile applications included:
- Manufacturing – 78%
- Transportation – 77%
- Warehousing and logistics – 77%
- Food service – 74%
That being said, if you’re in charge of hiring in any of these sectors, it’s time to rethink your application methods. Mobile applications are the best way to get the most out of your hiring process.
Give Applicants Greater Flexibility
Long gone are the days of applicants picking up a paper application at the physical place of business they’re interested in working for. In fact, more people are applying for jobs on the weekends (when many companies are closed) than ever before.
If drivers are currently employed and looking for a job, one of the challenges they may face is finding time to apply without doing so while on company time. For that reason, some job seekers dedicate their weekends to job searching and sending off their resumes.
Hire Faster & More Compliantly With Our Digital DOT-Compliant Application
Appcast’s report showed the volume of mobile applications was highest on the weekends, with 61.48% on Saturday and 61.99% on Sunday. If drivers are off duty on these days, it’s best to have an eApplication they can access when it works best for them.
Choose the Leading Mobile-Friendly Driver Application
While it’s not the best notion to think about for companies trying to meet demand, the driver shortage is still a very real problem. It’s estimated that the industry could be short 63,000 drivers by the end of the year.
This is the opposite of a problem for drivers looking for employment, however; they have the cream of the crop. With more open positions than drivers available to fill them, they can pick and choose the (seemingly) best job offer out there.
What it means for you is stepping up your game when it comes to recruiting and onboarding drivers as quickly as possible. Carriers who can beat their competitors at this game through a streamlined process are more likely to win drivers over.
How can you stay competitive in this cut-throat environment? A digital driver application is a great first step.
No matter where they are or what device they’re using, drivers can take photos of their CDL and medical certificates and upload them into Foley’s Driver First eApplication. You, as the employer, are then immediately sent a notification that an application has been submitted.
You won’t have to deal with incomplete or illegible paper applications anymore. But more importantly, you’ll have everything you need, all in one place, to make the best hiring decisions. Our user-friendly dashboard allows you to easily manage all current applications and applicant information.
With today’s historic shortages, you need to stand out as an employer. Investing in a straightforward, convenient, and DOT-compliant mobile-friendly driver application will have a positive ripple effect on your business.
Plain and simple, Foley makes getting the best drivers to join your fleet quicker and easier. See our eApplication in action by scheduling a FREE demo with our compliance specialists, or call us with any questions you may have.
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