The Internet is a dead loss when it comes to finding and recruiting staff: only five per cent of UK HR managers used online recruitment sites in 2003, IT services firm Parity claims.

According to its research, the Internet has failed to win over UK firms as an effective recruitment tool. The poll, albeit from a relatively small sample of 57 UK HR managers, found that only one in twenty used the Internet to recruit staff and contractors in 2003. The study indicated that use of the Web for recruitment has dropped by more a quarter in the last two years, down from a 33 per cent in 2001.

Stewart Coia, global talent acquisition manager at Parity Coia, said: "Many recruiters have abandoned the Internet due to the sheer volume of online applications. However, since jobseekers are turning increasingly to the Internet, this is not the answer. The ideal solution is to reduce the number of applications and raise the quality of candidates."

Coia advocated that online psychometric testing and competency interviewing should be used to 'screen' candidates before they apply for jobs.

"Clearly the issue isn't about raising awareness of online recruitment, but that of educating as to how the Internet can contribute to the process," Coia said. "This should set alarm bells ringing for anyone attempting to apply for jobs online." ®