HR finds SEM highly cost-effective in recruiting skilled trades

Posted by Laura McPeck, Director of Total Quality, Business Development

Todays Blue Collar job searches start at search engines

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) May 25, 2009 – According to interactive recruitment specialists within the SmartClicks Center of NAS Interactive, a division of NAS Recruitment Communications, businesses that hire skilled trades are quickly finding that search engines—and SEM techniques like pay-per-click—are one of their most cost-effective sources of talent.

“Our clients seeking skilled tradespersons are pleasantly surprised by how effectively SEM can help them reach their hiring goals,” said NAS SmartClicks’ Strategist Caroline Slomski. “Some organizations still assume that there is little value in advertising online for roles that don’t involve computer use every day or require a Bachelor’s degree. In fact, nothing could be further from the truth. For example, we are seeing success in campaigns recruiting welders and electricians that exceed the benchmark 1 to 2% click-through rate (CTR) by upwards of 5%!”

Studies by The Pew Internet and American Life Project show just how much the digital divide has narrowed across all demographics; today, Pew estimates roughly 74% of all adults are Internet users. And that makes online recruitment strategies a necessity for all organizations.

“Today, more job searches are being initiated at search engines like Google, MSN and Yahoo! than on Monster and CareerBuilder combined. And while there are hundreds of niche job boards directed at skilled trades,” said Slomski, “a well-placed PPC on Google can position your organization to be seen by over 60% of all Internet search users, and silo the experience in a manner that’s both positive for the organization and the candidate.

“The candidate doesn’t see the competition’s jobs like they would on a job board. Instead, they have access to related jobs by that same company.”

NAS Interactive’s SEM strategies are managed by Google-certified specialists that help clients tap into powerful search engine marketing strategies that can maximize the return on their recruitment investment.