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As a recruiting and staffing professional, you are always going to be on the go, which is why having the greatest tools at your fingertips is important. For many people, the smartphone has become like a second appendage. Mobile application developers have designed an amazing array of applications that you can use every day for the platform of your choice that can help you be more organized and productive in your recruiting and staffing efforts.

Consider the merits of using a few of these four mobile applications for professionals:

1) Evernote. If you're looking for an effortless note-taking application that allows you to synch these tidbits of information with all of your devices via the cloud, then Evernote is the answer. This application is effortless to use and has excellent search capabilities if you're one of those people who is constantly jotting something down. In addition, the stacking feature of this application allows you to organize notes in a folder system. You can take more than simple text notes with this tool. Evernote designers have given you the ability to save images, tag videos and record audio as individual notes themselves. The designers of Evernote have made sure to deliver on their promise of creating an easy-to-use application that is accessible where ever and when ever you need it. 

2) Chrome. If you're a fan of Chrome's desktop interface than you should do yourself a favor and download the iPhone Chrome application. This mobile app isn't much different than the Safari browser, except the interface is easier to use and has a few more features. The real difference between the two different browser applications is Chrome's Omnibox or combined URL address and search bar, reports PC Magazine. Google's Chrome is, according to the company, the most popular web browser for both Mac and PC users, so it makes sense that so many people are excited to see the mobile application finally come to life. 

3) Dashlane. Don't be too embarrassed if you have to admit that you're one of those people who constantly forgets passwords. Like the phrase goes, "there's an app for that!" For iPhone users, Dashlane has won the hearts of reviewers at PC Magazine. The simple design of the password manager application allows you to auto complete some information so that you're not retyping the same information over and over. Because this nifty little tool contains all of your password information for work and personal accounts, you're going to be directed to create a very strong password for this tool. However, some may believe that a password manager application is worth the convenience and peace of mind. The free version of this application does not allow you to log into sites automatically from the app, but the Premium option, which as of May 2013 cost $4.99 a month, will allow you to click the website you want and directs you there from the password manager interface. 

4) Hootsuite. If you're constantly on social network sites you might benefit from the use of a social media management tool. Instead of logging in and out of multiple social media interfaces like Facebook or Twitter, use Hootsuite to update both of them at the same time. The interface is easy-to-use, simple in design and provides you with a number of fun features. 

In addition to using these applications on your phone, a recruitment software that is cloud accessible is also key for ultimate productivity. Bond offers a mobile application that gives you access to your critical recruiting and sales data. Don't let yourself fall behind the competition because you constantly have to walk back to a desktop and log into a system to check something. Get all the answers you need right from your phone. What mobile tools are you using as a staffing professional?

As a staffing professional, your job doesn't just start with providing an expert recommendation to a client about which workers will provide the right set of skills to fill a role. You have to find the candidates first. And expert networking will help. Networking puts you in a room with professionals from a wide range of industries who might be looking for a new job.

Expertly honing your networking skills will allow you to gain introduction to workers who could possibly fill either a current or future position offered by one of your clients. By meeting an individual at a networking event, you are getting a face-to-face evaluation opportunity. Leave a strong impression with a professional at a networking event and then fill out a profile for the individual using your recruitment software. When you are looking to fill a position, you will then have a wider array of people you've already met who could fit the role's requirements. And don't forget that networking referrals from your candidates and contingent employees are often the best source for new candidates.

Keep these three networking tips in mind so that you make the most out of every meeting:

1) Get rid of the sales pitch. When you are at a networking event, it's easy to fall back on a choreographed introduction of who you are, who you work for and what you can offer someone. You will often be better remembered as a strong listener – one who showed real interest in others – THEN offer up what you do and your (nine-second) value proposition. Take the time to instead create a bond with a person. People remember those who they enjoyed talking to and they are often more willing to work with an individual if a friendly bond was created. Instead of pushing what you do and what you can offer someone, work on trying to create a natural conversation. 

2) Create a tracking method. At larger networking events it can become easy for the names, faces and stories to blur together. Try and create a simple method of tracking all the names and contact information you receive. For example, if you receive business cards you have all of a person's contact information right there with you. Consider jotting down a few descriptors on the card once you leave his or her presence so that you can better remember details about them. If a potential contact does not have a business card on hand, you have another key tool that can be helpful. Ask the individual if they are on LinkedIn and if it is ok to make a professional connection with them while you are right there at the event using your smartphone. 

3) Practice. Our number one piece of advice was not to sound like a sale pitch, however, that does not mean you have to wing it when you walk into a networking event. You can practice more than a few different responses to commonly asked questions so you feel more comfortable at a networking event. This is an especially important step if you feel uncomfortable talking to strangers in an unfamiliar setting. Just because you're used to performing interviews or talking on the phone with someone, doesn't mean you are infallible to a bit of social jitters. If you don't have a rehearsed answer ready or a go-to story, make sure you attend networking events somewhat regularly so you don't fall out of practice.

As a staffing and recruiting professional, a large part of the job is related to having a database or recruitment program of talented individuals who can fill a position at any time. Do you attend networking events? Do you have any other recommendations for making the most out of these opportunities? 

Click to view a PDF of the Tip of the Week #57

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For three days, hundreds of the BEST staffing, recruiting, and search professionals will gather for the top recruiting conference in the industry at the Newport Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Newport Beach, CA.

Bond International Software, Inc. is represented by Jennifer Palmer, Manager of Account Management, at booth 115. She will be available to demonstrate and discuss the capabilities of Bond’s newest product release, AdaptSuite, a 100% Web-browser-based, cloud-hosted, front-and-back-office staffing and recruiting software solution.

For more details on the conference, CLICK HERE.

Click to view a PDF of the Tip of the Week #51

The Association of Canadian Search Employment & Staffing Services will host the world international conference – the annual event of the International Confederation of Private Employment Agencies (CIETT) at the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

CIETT 2013 will explore market trends and developments; it will also focus on how to deal with the challenges facing our global industry, and the way to future success.

Attending for Bond International Software, Inc. at booth 202 are Steve Taylor, President and CEO of Bond’s North American operations and Tim Giehll, Chief Strategic Accounts Officer for North America. They will be available to discuss Bond’s global software solutions for staffing and recruiting talent acquisition and management.

For more details on the conference, CLICK HERE.

Data Privacy Day, held every January 28, brings attention to keeping your information safe online. The digital world is constantly changing, which means a staffing or recruiting company, which contains the personal information of thousands of people, needs to stay current with appropriate safeguards to protect them – and you.

In the online world, data is constantly free flowing. Personal and private data is shared between points around the world constantly, but it's important to strive for a strong wall of privacy in the staffing industry. Think of yourself and your company as a steward of data. According to Stay Safe Online, learning how to protect yourself as a private citizen and your candidates as a professional is crucial.

Here are three quick tips for keeping your candidate data safe:

1) Use a secure server. Your data is only as safe as the server that you are using. All too often, staffing and recruiting companies that self-host their servers fail this basic rule – keep your server(s) in a physically secure and safe environment. As a staffing and recruiting professional, it's important to make a note of how your organization deals with data security. If you think some practices are lacking or have a concern don't feel afraid to voice your questions or opinions to the right people. Your input could help make your organization and the information it keeps on both clients and potential job candidates secure. The easiest way to ensure the physical security of your servers is to have your staffing and recruiting software provider host it for you. They have access to and employ security systems equal to the task that are typically far beyond the reach of most small businesses. For example, Bond's secure servers host many customers and carry ISO 27001 certification for data security.

2) Automate security upgrades. Have each computer and mobile device that is hooked up to the company server set to upgrade automatically. With the increase in the number of mobile devices being connected to the agency's server, it's important to make sure that software programs are updated regularly. Often employees will feel inconvenienced by software updates, but it is an important step for data security. As a staffing professional using recruitment software, various mobile devices and different programs, it's important to make sure the devices you use are updated. Just think, if you use your smartphone for both personal and professional business, you could open yourself up to a security breach if you don't allow the system to update.

3) Opt out of third-party tracking cookies. Congress is still in the middle of discussing whether companies can sell the rights to cookies you create when you traverse the internet. However, you don't have to wait for them to make a decision to increase your security and reduce cookies. Set your browser to reject all third-party cookies so that only websites that you visit will be able to collect data on you, according to Reputation News.

In the internet world, staffing professionals have to be aware of where and how they are being tracked by "digital eyes." An accidental security breach can have significant repercussions for a company and an individual. Imagine for a moment if your systems candidate and employee data was stolen – what would it cost you and your business? Use your best judgment when researching potential candidates or clients and looking around the internet platform. As a staffing professional, you know when something doesn't look right. After all, you're trained to identify if something is fishy with a candidate! What do you do to help keep your data safe and secure?