Top 5 Way to Tackle New Software Adoption

Whenever someone talks about new and innovative ways to hire, what they mean is via the internet.  Like Facebook, email and texting being the new ways to communicate, online products and services are the new ways to do business.  Introducing new ways to do things can be extremely rewarding and time saving, but can present a unique set of challenges.  One of the challenges we’ll explore today is called Adoption.
Adoption in this sense means the amount of time someone is willing to dedicate to a new process.  Inherently, people don’t like change.  Take, for example, an Applicant Tracking System: When you tell your employees they have to go from doing what they’ve known their entire job-seeking and management career, to something internet based and totally paperless, there may be a disconnect.  Adoption can make or break your success with anything that is new.  Here we explore ways to combat the adoption issue and help make your newest change a success.

1.  Speak positively about the new change.  If you’re talking about changing a process or adding an internet-based program, such as an Applicant Tracking System, talk about how much it is going to help save time and make the process more stream-lined.  Stay away from negatively referencing the new change.  Don’t mention how much you hope it works, or that you’re skeptical of the outcomes.  Stick to things like, “This will work! It will save us time!”
2.  Take advantage of training.  Some companies includes unlimited training in their subscription rates, however some charge hourly.  If you know you’ll have a few people who need extra one-on-one time, take advantage of the unlimited training!  If the training is paid, be sure to reserve time for the users who may need help.  At any time if someone tells you they are struggling, or if a new manager comes on board- schedule a session with your account representative, or identify the expert user in your company to do training.  Also, if your new product or service offers this, instruct your staff to reach out to their contact if they need anything at all.  It will lessen the burden on you for fielding questions you may not have time for, and also let your staff know they are supported in this big change!
3. Utilize Resources.  If marketing materials are provided, use them!  Companies have planned and tested the materials and know that they are proven to work.  For example: WyckWyre provides a business card template, and a poster template, both personalized with your hiring site information.  Hand the business cards out to walk-in applicants instead of a paper application, hang the poster somewhere visible in the store, and watch your online applicant traffic grow!  Utilizing the resources in the way the company suggests will help the service work for you.
4.  Follow Up.  Most companies will follow up to see how you’re doing with the product.  However, make a point to talk to your managers to see how they are really doing with the system.  Sometime managers will be more willing to speak with you about the problems or issues they are having.  If they are uncomfortable in any way, see #2.
5. Dive in!  If you’re heading up the project (or even if you’re not), dive-in!  Start navigating around the system, ask questions, and see what the service can do for you!  If you become an expert user, chances are the ones that you lead will follow!

Changes in processes can be a great asset to a growing company in today’s world- especially with the addition of internet based services.  With the right mind-set and tools, you and your management will be on your way to succeeding in no time!

Tags: Adoption, applicant, ATS, Business, Career, jobs, Online, Software, technology, Text, Top 5, WyckWyre