Mobile Recruiting – A Must, Not a Choice
Expert article by Refline from Persorama & Recruiting Guide, 2016
More than 85% of the Swiss population browse the internet on mobile devices — and the majority of job seekers use a smartphone or tablet to do so. Yet only a few companies offer fully mobile application processes. Those who take mobile recruiting seriously lower entry barriers, improve the candidate experience, and position themselves as modern employers.
Refline | HR Trends | HR Knowhow | Vanessa Hunkeler-Bolliger

Mobile Recruiting – Actually Self-Evident!

Mobile recruiting is no longer just a trend — it’s a fundamental requirement for being noticed as an employer at all. If you want to attract talent today, you not only need to be visible where they are, but also be recruitable: mobile, intuitive, and seamless. This expert article explains what really matters — and how mobile recruiting can be successfully implemented.

Mobile usage is part of everyday life — including job searches

The digital reality is clear: The number of mobile devices has long surpassed that of traditional desktop computers. Internet access now primarily takes place via mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. According to the Media Use Index, over 85% of the Swiss population uses the internet on mobile — among those under 25, even more frequently via smartphone than PC. This development does not stop at the job search either:

  • 49% of applicants already use their smartphones to search for jobs
  •  52 % of those under 25 search via mobile devices
  •  33 % search exclusively using a smartphone or tablet

For companies, this means: Those who don’t offer mobile recruiting options lose visibility, reach — and potential talent.

First impressions matter — even digitally

In times of skilled labor shortages, first impressions are crucial. The career page is often the first point of contact with your company — and should therefore be modern, mobile-optimized, and easy to navigate.

Studies show:

  • For two-thirds of applicants, a mobile-friendly career page is important
  • 79 % consider mobile application options to be up to date 
  •  55 % explicitly expect them from innovative employers

Yet many organizations are still lagging behind: only 20% offer a mobile career page, and fewer than 10% have a mobile recruiting process.

What mobile recruiting really needs to deliver

Mobile recruiting is more than just a “mobile display.” It’s about truly adapting processes to mobile user behavior. The focus is on usability, speed, and accessibility.


Core principles of successful mobile recruiting:

  • Reduced job ad design — concise, mobile-readable, and quickly scannable
  • Optimized navigation — no unnecessary scrolling, clear call to action
  • Mobile-optimized application forms — fillable on mobile with just a few clicks
  • File upload from mobile sources (e.g., Dropbox, iCloud, local device storage)
  • No media disruption: process continuity — start the application on mobile, finish on desktop
  • Short loading times

The goal: An application process must work seamlessly — without disruption, frustration, or obstacles — anytime and anywhere.


Testimonial: Mobile Recruiting at Trisa

The Swiss toothbrush manufacturer Trisa has implemented a mobile recruiting module with Refline. HR Director Lucien Baumgartner draws a positive conclusion:

"Many candidates browse job postings casually — on the train or during a break. The attention span is short. That’s why the entry point needs to be as simple as possible. Fast loading times, good readability, and a clear structure are crucial."

The mobile module demonstrably increased visibility and applicant interest — while simultaneously enhancing employer branding.


Refline: Technologically one step ahead

With Refline’s mobile recruiting option, the entire mobile application process is optimally supported:

  • Mobile-optimized job listings and ads
  • Mobile-ready application forms
  • Integration of cloud services (e.g., Dropbox)
  • Continuation of the process across different devices
  • Seamless candidate experience: data retention during interruptions

The last point is especially relevant: 

In reality, applications are rarely completed in one sitting. Candidates often start the process on the go — for example, on the train, during lunch breaks, or in the evening on the couch. The process is frequently interrupted and continued later on another device. This is exactly where a well-designed mobile recruiting system comes into play. 

With Refline, previously entered data is automatically saved, allowing candidates to pick up exactly where they left off — without logging in again or re-entering information. 

Example use case: The candidate fills out the form on a smartphone → interrupts the process (e.g., missing documents) → logs in later via tablet or desktop → all previous inputs are still available — nothing is lost. 

This functionality adds real value to the candidate experience. It lowers the dropout rate, reduces frustration, and ensures a smooth, professional impression — exactly what modern applicants expect. A fully end-to-end mobile application is also possible — still rare today, but increasingly expected.

Experience Mobile Recruiting with Refline now

Ready to future-proof your application process? Discover how easy mobile recruiting can be with Refline.