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How did the project start?
We realised that with a new piece of recruitment software we needed an integrated website to make the lives of our recruitment consultants and candidates easier! We needed something that would tell us in real time who was applying for which jobs, the ability to receive portfolios and to give clients and candidates instant feedback. We were ready to move from our first inception of the website to one that would provide a holistic solution encompassing our channel partner advertising etc.
Recruitment is fast-paced and we needed our solution to reflect that.
What options did you consider?
We thought about buying the code of the complicated system we used to have it totally under our control, but it would have cost a fortune so we decided to use the tools we had and get the best person on board to help us realise the ambitions of the site. We looked at various suppliers and options in relation to static websites feeding data in sporadically but resigned to the fact that to make a big impact the site had to have an overhaul design and backend. We also thought about hosting off-site and using a company to look after maintaining it, but that proved slightly more complicated than first thought due to the way the software integrated with the website.
What help and expertise did you receive?
Working within Digital Recruitment we have suppliers and agencies at our fingertips and the offer of work from them is always at the forefront of our minds, however, for this project I needed someone who understood us both as a business and the amount of experience that I wanted to bring to the project, having worked in digital media for years before setting up Altitude I wanted to have a hands-on part in the development - the obvious choice was a former colleague who had set up on his own, I knew that it would be much easier to handle our requirements and needs so I chose Matthew Carr at ISIAC. ISIAC understood that we wanted to offer things that were outside the box for a recruitment site like the tag cloud and blog features. We also had 50% funding from Business Link. For the design side, we used Keltie Cochrane, again, I had a long-standing relationship with them and they understood the altitude brand which was created by Tim Murphy. The copy and idea for the 'cuppa' theme was created by Owen Stevens, a contact from London.
Did you face and challenges or learn any lessons?
The whole project was up and down, from realising that our server configuration had to be changed to taking on an external company (IT-PS) to manage the new system! We also had to have a dedicated line put into the serviced offices where we are based, which wasn't within their remit and the project nearly came crashing down at that point - a real low. However, tenacity paid off and they made an exception for us to install an 8mb line so that we could host the site ourselves. The developer and myself underestimated the job as the code in the software made it extremely difficult to work with so we had to think of solutions on an ongoing basis to get round certain issues. When the design first landed in my inbox I was astounded as I felt it totally represented Altitude and what we are about, I was so pleased and couldn't wait to see it in action. It did take a lot longer than I had first anticipated but the end result is fantastic. I've learned so many things, always communicate well with all parties involved, don't tell anyone that it will be live soon - as it invariably won't be and I've also realised that trusting your gut instinct is definitely true.
What are the outcomes and how has it improved your business?
We have had excellent feedback from candidates and clients alike and it has created a buzz in the office. It has streamlined our working habits and has made our days so much more productive. We are able to respond to client needs easier and are able to offer a truly integrated approach to the consultants who work here. Our bounce rates have been reduced and traffic increased. We have also been able to respond to new vacancies much quicker giving clients a speedier service. It has made a big impact for us as an organsiation.
What are your plans for the future?
Plans are to carry on with our SEO campaign to make it Number 1 for all of our keyword search terms and to also add a variety of competitions to the site to encourage user generated content. We see the site as becoming a hub for the digital and design community.
