Get Addicted To Data For Recruitment Success

In the latest Expert Insight edition, SourceFlow CEO Matt Comber and Lisa Jones, Founder of Barclay Jones, delve into how data can revolutionise recruitment processes. Here are the key takeaways from their conversation.

Why Data Matters For Recruitment And Staffing Firms

Data is the cornerstone of modern recruitment, enabling:

• Improved efficiency.

• Stronger candidate and client relationships.

• Informed decision-making.

Lisa introduced the concept of Return on Effort (ROE) as a better metric than ROI, emphasising the value of intentional data management. She said: "We are both data addicts... because we know the power it has to change recruitment outcomes."

Getting Started With Data

• Understand Your Market: Analyse your niche and leverage industry data to identify opportunities.

• Use What You Have: Tap into existing systems like Bullhorn before seeking external data sources. Lisa explained: "Start with Bullhorn, but ultimately really ask yourself, how much data do you really need?" She shared an example of a client with nine recruiters managing fifty thousand candidates, pointing out: "That’s too many to nurture effectively. Focus on what you can work with, then let automation handle the rest."

Managing Data Effectively

• Declutter Your Database: Avoid hoarding unorganised data. Focus on quality over quantity.

• Prioritise Data Health: Regularly clean and update your records for accurate insights.

• Nurture Relationships: Use meaningful data points, like interests or milestones, to personalise interactions.

Matt shared an example of how data could be used by AI to improve recruitment marketing: "The amount of data people put on CVs is insane. Someone might say they're a front-end developer, but their CV mentions React and Next.js. We should be pulling those skills out automatically and using that data for marketing. Why aren’t we emailing updates about React to those candidates or creating LinkedIn collateral to attract new talent?"

Building Engagement With Data

• Automate Smartly: Streamline repetitive tasks, freeing time for relationship-building. Lisa explained: "Automation wakes up the data you need, when you need it, and lets you focus on what matters."

• Stay Connected: Regular check-ins with candidates and clients build trust and loyalty.

• Personalise Outreach: Small gestures, like birthday greetings, make a big impact.

Recruitment Websites: A Data Goldmine

Your recruitment website is a powerful tool for engaging candidates and clients alike. Optimise your website to:

• Showcase relevant job opportunities.

• Provide valuable content tailored to candidates’ needs.

• Capture useful data through application forms and content downloads.

By integrating tools that track user behaviour, you can gather insights into what your audience values most. Use this data to refine your recruitment marketing strategy and attract top talent. Recruitment websites designed with user experience in mind drive engagement and help you stay ahead in a competitive market.

Key Takeaways

1. Clean, organised data is more valuable than quantity.

2. Build relationships through personalised engagement.

3. Use technology to enhance—not replace—human interactions.

4. Develop scalable, long-term data strategies.

5. Leverage recruitment websites to gather actionable insights and drive engagement.

By adopting these strategies, recruitment professionals can unlock new levels of efficiency and engagement. Ready to learn more? Watch the full episode of Lisa and Matt's conversation for actionable insights on leveraging data for recruitment success.

SourceFlow do WAY more than industry-leading recruitment website design. We build recruitment websites and marketing tools that amplify ROI and provide transparency with state-of-the-art data insights.