Any freelancer or umbrella company contractor that neglects to embrace emergent technologies could risk being left behind by their competitors, experts warn.
No one wants to fail at their contracting or freelancing business, which is why it’s so absolutely important to remain as competitive as possible, industry experts from the Recruitment and Employment Confederation say. The REC’s recently published article detailing the coming year’s trends warn that social networking websites and mobile computing through laptops, tablet computers, and mobile phones will be almost a requirement for anyone who wishes to keep up, as these emergent technologies are being adopted quite widely and their use will only continue to spread.
However, it’s going to take more than just downloading a new iPhone or Android app for your mobile and setting up a LinkedIn profile, REC chief executive Kevin Green warns. 2013 will be the year that an additional number of firms will begin to use all the social media outlets they can as a method for screening candidates for not just permanent positions but short-term roles filled by contractors as well.
You need to be ahead of the game, as live video interviewing and online assessment is expected to take off over the next 18 months, Mr Green said, who urged recruitment agencies and umbrella service companies to educate their clients and member contractors in an effort to add service value and prepare the industry for the coming changes to the hiring landscape.
