Zero resumes or application letters – record number of candidates: DNA continues its summer recruitments with a new application method

DNA first experimented hiring without a resume and application letter with Duunitori already in autumn 2020. Since then, DNA has used the Dialogi tool alongside more conventional methods in numerous recruitments. Last year, DNA decided to try resume-free recruitment for the first time on a large scale by hiring all its summer employees without requiring  a resume or application letter. Some summer job recruitments were done using the Dialogi tool, while others used similar solutions that did not require applicants to submit a resume or application letter. The practice will be continued this year.

"Last year's results speak for themselves, as we received thousands of applications for our open summer jobs – a record number. In addition to the number of candidates, we were satisfied with the excellent quality of the applications, for which we also received praise from the supervisors in charge of recruiting. From the perspective of candidates, applying was easy and straightforward, while still being able to communicate everything essential. Our employer promise is to be a humane and one-of-a-kind place to work, and I am happy that we can extend this to our hiring process as well," says Marko Rissanen, SVP, Human Resources at DNA.

The main purpose of Duunitori’s Dialogi tool is to improve the job seeker experience. Job search starts already with the job advertisement, from which you can immediately answer a few short, carefully thought-out questions from the point of view of the position you are applying for. The mobile-optimized form makes it possible to apply for a job in a couple of minutes, even in the middle of a bus ride, without the heavy process of writing an application letter or updating your resume.

"Recruitment without a resume is particularly well suited to the target group of summer job candidates. Even though we are looking for slightly more experienced candidates for certain summer jobs, many summer job applicants are still quite early in their careers. In this case, the resume and previous work history do not carry as much weight in the recruitment. Instead, the most important thing is to identify the key skills and potential of the candidate," Rissanen adds.

In addition, the resume-free application method can focus solely on questions which are relevant to the position. For example, there are no questions related to age and gender, which was the case with DNA already before. Even if the resume-free application method demonstrably lead to a larger number of applications, the screening of applicants is faster and more efficient from the employer's point of view when information that is irrelevant to the position is not included.

"Unfortunately, it is common for summer job applicants to need to send dozens of applications for different jobs because of the fierce competition. If submitting each job application is a heavy process, the workload required from applicants is enormous. We want to make sure that the employer and the applicant find each other as easily as possible."

Long-winding application forms are frustrating – the key is asking the right questions

Duunitori gave up resumes and application letters in its own recruitments more than four years ago. DNA was one of the first organisations to experiment with the Duunitori model in its own recruitments. When recruiting without a resume, success is decided by carefully thought-out application questions.

"We greatly appreciate trendsetters like DNA who are reinventing recruitment with us using the Dialogi tool. Candidates are very frustrated with the complexity of job search. According to our research, up to 20% of candidates may not apply for a suitable position if the application process seems difficult. This represents a serious problem, especially considering the labour shortage affecting numerous sectors and employers," says Lauri Iso-Markku, Commercial Director at Duunitori.

Based on Duunitori’s development work and experiences, 4–6 carefully selected and concise questions are enough to identify the most promising applicants from the field. The questions can take as little as five minutes to answer. After this, it is easy to approach the applicants, for example, in the form of a short follow-up assignment or a telephone interview.

"Unfortunately, companies are often still stuck in the 1900s in their recruitment practices. The complexity of the application process is particularly annoying when applying for summer jobs. Around the turn of the year, young people burdened by studies will need to work on dozens of application letters and fine-tune their resumes to meet the long lists of requirements in job advertisements. At worst, candidates put in a huge effort without so much as a response from employers," Iso-Markku says.

At Duunitori, a clear majority of applicants today are looking for jobs on mobile devices. Thanks to the Dialogi tool, candidates can apply for a job conveniently on their phone.

"Jobseekers are very satisfied with the tool. Offering an easier application method gives employers a significant competitive advantage and helps experts and employers meet one another more effectively."

All of DNA’s open summer jobs (in Finnish) can be found at www.dna.fi/kesaduuni.

Media enquiries:

Marko Rissanen, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, DNA Plc, tel. +358 (0)44 220 3230, marko.rissanen@dna.fi

Lauri Iso-Markku, Commercial Director, Duunitori Oy, tel. +358 (0)50 536 4646, lauri@duunitori.fi

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 (0)44 044 8000, communications@dna.fi