The growth of the Internet has influenced business operations in many ways, including the hiring process. Online applications, also called e-recruitment, give employers an alternative to traditional paper applications. Online and paper applications each have advantages.

Benefits of Online Applications

E-recruitment helps to lower human resource expenses by lowering mailing costs and eliminating the need to advertise job openings in newspapers. Online applications also speed up the hiring process.

Benefits of Paper Applications

Paper applications allow for a more diverse pool of applicants; online applications favor young, educated and computer-literate individuals. The traditional paper application process also creates a more personal connection between potential employer and applicant.

Consequences of Online Applications

E-recruitment can lead to an overwhelming number of applicants. Online applications give only those people with access to computers an opportunity to apply for an opening.

Consequences of Paper Applications

Paper applications do not offer applicants the ability to update qualifications once an application is submitted. Employers who use online applications, on the other hand, can allow an applicant to edit her application after submission.

Considerations

Businesses in the private sector utilize online applications more than those in the public sector. The need for technology professionals, who can receive higher pay in the private sector, to process online applications is one reason e-recruitment remains less popular in the public sector.