Research Summary: The State of Pre-Hire Tools and Systems 2020

Leverage the best tools for improving the quality and efficiency of talent acquisition

Over the last decade, more HR technologies have evolved to help recruiters and others meet the many challenges associated with sourcing, engaging, screening and hiring. Some tools are directed at the applicant and potential candidate, while others are “back office” in that candidates do not directly interact with them. 
 
HR.com conducted the survey entitled “The Report on the State of Pre-Hire Tools and Systems 2020” in the late fall of 2019.

This study examines how human resource (HR) professionals view the pre-hire tools they are using to help meet their hiring challenges in 2020.  

Highlights from the Research:

Many pre-hire processes and tools are commonplace in today’s workplace

Overall, pre-hire processes and tools are relatively common, but some are more widely used than others. Scheduling interviews is the most common—and can be one of the more time-consuming processes in evaluating candidates. Use of technology that scans corporate calendars and determines when hiring managers are free is important for efficient use of a recruiter’s time. 

Next in line are background/reference checking and assessments, used by half or more of HR professionals. 



These processes are increasingly digital and computer-based so that they can be carried out more efficiently and effectively. Timeliness is especially paramount in today’s talent world. Delays in response to a candidate often means losing them to a competing opportunity.

Fewer than half of HR professionals agree that either their recruitment staff or their candidates are happy with their systems

Satisfaction with HR tools generally correlates with their adoption, acceptance and use by talent acquisition staff. Users who are unhappy with cumbersome or overly complicated applications will often try to avoid using them.  

When we asked about whether talent acquisition staff and candidates are happy with today’s pre-hire tools and systems, fewer than half said they were. Forty-five percent agree that talent acquisition staff are happy with pre-hire tools and 44% say candidates are. 

There are three main advantages associated with pre-hire tools and systems  

When we asked respondents about what they view as the advantages of prehire tools and systems, their three most widely cited responses are: 

•    improvement in the quality of hires (62%) 
•    reduction in time-to-hire (54%) 
•    improved candidate experience (53%)
 


In short, they view these tools and system as being multipurpose, enhancing quality, efficiency and candidate experience. All three are high priorities in today’s talent acquisition world. 

To learn more about The 2020 State of Pre Hire Tools and Systems survey and to get strategic outcomes and 5 key takeaways from this exclusive HR.com Research Institute research, please read the complete report.