The History and Evolution of the Recruitment Industry

June 2, 2022by Micah Shaw

The History and Evolution of the Recruitment Industry

Since people first started putting together groups, they have been trying to find better ways to find new members. In the 21st century, an organization’s online recruiting efforts are, of course, a big part of what they do. This hasn’t always been the case, though. In fact, the history of recruiting goes back almost as far as the history of people. In Ancient Egypt and China, for example, workers were carefully chosen to finish huge projects like the Great Pyramids and the Great Wall.

Job adverts were simple descriptions in a newspaper or a physical job board.  It wasn’t until after World War II that it started to look like what it does today. There were new businesses that helped people looking for work find new jobs when they came back from the war. 

Agencies started to thrive as they were the ones connecting the candidates to the right industries. Recruitment agencies encouraged soldiers to write resumés, making it easier to send them in the right direction. Over time, companies also hired recruiting firms to help them find the best people for open jobs. With the rise of the internet, these efforts have moved online, making the job search landscape we see every day.

 

The history behind Resumes

A collection of Resumes

During the war, resumes and agencies may have become more common, but they were not made because of the war. Leonardo Da Vinci was the first person to write a professional resume. He did this in 1482. Da Vinci wanted to work in Milan, so he wrote to the city’s ruler, Ludovico Sforza, and told him about all of his skills. Maybe the first CV ever?

In fact, Henry Robinson started the first staffing agency in1653. He suggested that there should be an “Office of Addresses and Encounters” to help workers find jobs. British Parliament turned down his idea, but Henry went ahead and started his business anyway. There’s that drive to get more people to join!

 

How Computers and the Internet have changed recruitment

 

Software like the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and applicant databases changed how hiring was done in a big way when computers were brought into the workplace. This made it much easier and faster to save and find application files.

Applicant Tracking System

The way people are hired changed even more when the World Wide Web came along. Before the internet, people could only be hired in a limited area. Now, placement firms can look for job candidates all over the world. Through websites and social media, staffing agencies could reach numerous people, which helped them find the best candidates from all over the world.

Because of new technologies, recruitment agencies have become tech-savvy businesses that use the most up-to-date technology to find the best person for each job in a company. Executive search firms, administrative assistant recruiters, and other types of recruiters could be used by businesses. Thanks to their large databases, recruiters can find jobs for people faster and with more skill than ever before.

People who want to work can now apply for jobs in their pyjamas from the comfort of their own homes. No more taking your resume with you from place to place. People can send their resumes online through the job sections of companies, recruitment agencies, or different social media sites.

People who used to recruit would be amazed by how we do it now. With all the tools and technology we have now, the whole hiring process, including background checks, can be finished in just a few days. It’s a great time to look for work or hire someone.

At Valley Personnel, we build lasting relationships to create the best fit for you.  If you’re a  company looking for an executive or other qualified office staff to grow your business? Are you a qualified professional looking for a new career or a new position in the Fraser Valley? Visit our website to learn more about how our qualified recruiting team can meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

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