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A new survey by one of Africa’s largest classified groups, Ringier One Africa Media (ROAM), has found that millennial job seekers are moving away from using hard copy curriculum vitae (CVs). Instead, they are opting to store their data in digital profiles on job portals.

The company’s research, which includes the survey of over 50,000 employers who use ROAM’s various services, also reveals that employers are leveraging new technology to find ideal candidates.

“Having structured data in a digital profile is good for the employer and the seeker. The data is in the cloud and it can be easily edited,” said Matthew Page, ROAM’s Head of Jobs. “Job seekers, especially millennials, are mobile-centric. They are hungry for the right job and they are looking for easier digital application processes. Sending a CV via post or email is slow, arduous and inefficient.”

ROAM's brands include Jobberman and BrighterMonday, job portals for the West African and East African markets, respectively, as well as The African Talent Company, an executive recruitment and HR solutions firm.   

According to a statement released by ROAM on Wednesday, top human resource executives and employers have asserted that, in the next three years, technology will make the hiring process more effective through easier filtering and more accurate matching.

“We are pleased to see technology is on top of the HR agenda; it aligns with our vision to transform productivity on the African continent,” said Page. “Incredible trends are coming out of our millennial users. Over the last three years, growth in job activity has been massive. Some countries are seeing as much as 50 per cent of their workforce being made up of millennials.”

For employers, according to the statement, filtering through 100 CVs in hardcopy is cumbersome. Being able to match profiles to role requirements with technology takes out the manual element and allows hiring managers to focus on what really matters – getting the ideal candidates.

“In the future, hiring decision will be vastly improved through technology. The use of hardcopy CV as the main instrument for candidate selection is a 20th-century practice our generation will be the last to see,” said Clemens Weitz, CEO of ROAM. “For both candidates and hiring managers, there are tremendous positives ahead. As more candidates embrace digital profiles, it is imperative employers leverage the sourcing technology available or risk missing out on ideal applicants.”