Virtual Walk-Ins are a Critical Source of Hire

The Rising Importance of an Organization’s Website in the Staffing Process

A company’s website is increasingly becoming the destination for job seekers. In a recent survey of job seekers 92.4% of respondents stated they are very likely or likely to visit the corporate website to obtain more info regardless of where they first heard about the opening. The survey of 634 job seekers was conducted by CareerXroads, publisher of an annual job and resume Web site directory, and CareerJournal.com, The Wall Street Journal’s executive career site.

CareerXroads expands on the survey results... “Further illustrating the importance of the company’s own website - as many as 85% of the respondents claim they have gone to company websites at least once for ‘other’ reasons and found themselves looking at the jobs. And 64% of them have actually applied for a job in that situation. The survey data confirms that companies should track these ‘virtual walk-ins’ and examine opportunities to ‘sell’ their staffing brand from several spots on their website,” states CareerXroads principal Gerry Crispin. Complete study results:

In the past month, how many positions did you actually apply for online (i.e. completed an application, formally submitted a resume, etc.)?

Valid Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
1-5 410 64.7 64.7 64.7
6-10 62 9.8 9.8 74.4
11-15 48 7.6 7.6 82.0
16-25 44 6.9 6.9 89.0
26-50 35 5.5 5.5 94.5
51-100 16 2.5 2.5 97.0
more than 100 19 3.0 3.0 100.0
Total 634 100.0 100.0  

Before you apply online for a position, how likely are you to visit the company's website to seek more information?

Valid Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Very likely 459 72.4 72.4 72.4
Somewhat likely 127 20.0 20.0 92.4
Not very likely 32 5.0 5.0 97.5
Not at all likely 16 2.5 2.5 100.0
Total 634 100.0 100.0  

Have you ever visited a company website in search of something other than a job, and then found yourself looking at the jobs listed on that company's website?

Valid Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
No, never 98 15.5 15.5 15.5
Yes, at least once 229 36.1 36.1 51.6
Yes, more than once 307 48.4 48.4 100.0
Total 634 100.0 100.0  

Thinking about the situation outlined in the previous question (i.e. visiting a Company's website in search of something other than a job, then looking at the jobs on the site), have you ever applied for a job as a result of visiting a Company's website?

Valid Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
Yes 343 54.1 64.0 64.0
No 193 30.4 36.0 100.0
Total 536 84.5 100.0  
Missing System 98 15.5    
Total 634 100.0    

Of all the companies you've applied to so far in your job search, what percentage subsequently responded to you with a final status about the job you applied for (i.e. we have no further interest, you are hired, we hired someone else, etc.)?

Valid Frequency Percent Valid Percent Cumulative Percent
0% 240 37.9 37.9 37.9
10% 187 29.5 29.5 67.4
20% 53 8.4 8.4 75.7
30% 34 5.4 5.4 81.1
40% 17 2.7 2.7 83.8
50% 33 5.2 5.2 89.0
60% 18 2.8 2.8 91.8
70% 12 1.9 1.9 93.7
80% 11 1.7 1.7 95.4
90% 9 1.4 1.4 96.8
100% 20 3.2 3.2 100.0
Total 634 100.0 100.0