'Corner Office': Internet Pros and Cons

April 21 -- The Web will speed up your recruiting process and save costs, but will it help you find the best candidate?

Pros

Saves time. One hospital cut 18 days from the average time to fill jobs. And some recruiters were able to connect with candidates within 10 minutes of their entry into the hospital's computer system.

Saves money. The average cost per hire using the Internet is $377, versus $3,295 using traditional media.

Extends the scope of your search. You're no longer limited to reaching readers of the local newspaper.

Offers greater control. Free yourself from the tyranny of newspaper deadlines. Enter the data yourself and avoid finding typos in your phone number. Doesn't limit your recruiting efforts to regular business hours.

Allows better searches of your applicant pool. Electronic records are much easier to sort than stacks of paper.

Helps candidates know more. Ideally, candidates can use the Internet to learn about your organization, business results, corporate culture and more. Theoretically, the candidates who apply at that point are pre-sold on the company.

Makes the hiring process virtually paperless.