Candidate Manager

Many companies decide that to invest in HR software in order to increase efficiencies, but more importantly, to reduce costs. After implementation, some do not see the return on investment, and cannot figure out what exactly the problem is. This can lead to a great deal of frustration. The company has spent considerable time and money on the new system, and the results are not what was expected.

There are common issues here. Reporting, an invaluable part of the software system, is not functioning as hoped. It is almost inevitable that users are not using the software correctly, and as a result, the data used for reporting is inaccurate.

Applicants are not being corresponded with in a timely manner. This results in applicants ringing up HR for feedback, taking up time of the HR team, the very reason that a system was introduced in the first place.

There can be complaints from both middle and senior management. Hiring Managers may resist the change, preferring the previous way of conducting recruitment. Training from the outset should highlight the benefits of the software. Once the managers can clearly see the advantages of the HR software, and that it is straight forward to use, they will embrace the technology. Senior management may be under the impression that they do not have instant access to the key metrics they want for financial planning. Here again, the crucial aspect is to make sure the management fully understand how to use the system for their own particular needs.

Change requires sensitivity and consultation to those who are directly affected by the changes. No matter how strongly you believe in the new HR system, and despite the benefits it has over the previous system, problems lie in waiting if users do see the advantages of it. Without the users buying into the system, it will be problematic project.

Before implementing the change, it is important to set your objectives follow the SMART principle, specific, measurable, agreed, realistic and timed. Many organisations implement technology with a loose set of objectives, or specific ones, but no means to measure if they get there, or indeed if they are on the correct path to get there.