Software, technology, social recruiting, and data are all responsible for changing the face of modern recruiting and workforce management and will continue to do so throughout 2015.In a space saturated with technology, we looked for the tools that stand out. There are plenty of tools to automate the entire talent acquisition or workforce management process, but what about the smaller tasks? These 10 unique technologies will help make sure you don’t overlook any details when it comes to doing your job right.

We’ll walk through one candidate’s employee hiring cycle to see how using these technologies can help you find, recruit, train, and keep tabs on each individual prospect:

When you hire

You have a difficult spot to fill. These five software tools can help you find, attract, interview, and test each candidate to find the perfect person to fill your open spot:

WANTED Analytics:

Photo credit: Wantedanalytics.comPhoto credit: Wantedanalytics.com

What it is: WANTED Analytics is one of many companies bringing recruiting into the big data age. It provides information on the job market, who’s looking, the median salary for the position you need to fill, and what to expect from potential candidates.

How you’ll use it: With WANTED Analytics, you can view other employers are competing in the same candidate pool, and plan to outbid them for your perfect candidate.

TalentBin:

Photo credit: Talentbin.comPhoto credit: Talentbin.com

What it is: TalentBin is designed to find hard-to-reach, qualified, passive candidates. LinkedIn estimates passive candidates in the U.S. make up about 60% of the population, with 15% of all candidates not willing to move jobs. TalentBin scours the web for the talented and passive 45%, finding information, and showing you how to connect them to your current employees.
How you’ll use it: Passive candidates could be exactly what you’re missing in your search. Use TalentBin to find and recruit these top candidates before your competition does.

Zao:

Photo credit: Zao.comPhoto credit: Zao.com

What it is: 63% of recruiters plan to invest more in referrals this year, according to Jobvite. Traditionally, referral candidates stay longer, and perform better, and Zao helps make the process more effective.
How you’ll use it: Zao has options for gamification, social media integration, autoposting, email campaigns, and mobile. Set referral rewards, invite employees, and let it work from there.

Kira Talent:

Photo credit: Kiratalent.comPhoto credit: Kiratalent.com

What it is: Kira Talent provides new way to interview: over video and at your own pace. Its software allows you to interview remote candidates without travel costs or scheduling inconvenience. Share the interview with colleagues and have them rank and compare multiple candidates without being in the same room (or country).

How you’ll use it: Record interview questions and customize candidate response time. Use Kira Talent as a first line of screening to make sure the applicant has what it takes to move forward.

HackerRank:

Photo credit: Hackerrank.comPhoto credit: Hackerrank.com

What it is: HackerRank is a testing and learning platform used by coders worldwide. On it, coders test their skills. How does this benefit you? As an established place for developers, HackerRank is a database of highly-skilled, desirable workers.

How you’ll use it: By createing tests or challenges, you can find, attract, and verify coding talent all at the same time. HackerRank also has built in video software, so you can video interview candidates while checking their work.

When you train

No matter how engaging your onboarding process, it always has room for improvement. Make sure your employees remain as engaged and focused as the day they started:

Workboard:

Photo credit: Workboard.comPhoto credit: Workboard.com

What it is: Workboard is like wearable technology for your business: it set goals, tracks your success in real time, and gives you fun badges when you meet or exceed expectations. This goal management software is easy to use and transparent.

How you’ll use it: Once you’ve hired employees, make sure they’re on track by monitoring their work and giving recognition when it’s due.

YouEarnedIt:

Photo credit: YouEarnedIt.comPhoto credit: YouEarnedIt.com

What it is: YouEarnedIt provides employee incentives for engagement. Recognition works on a points system that rewards both praise from peers and individual successes.

How you’ll use it: Not only is YouEarnedIt great for engagement; it also provides you with real time data about your employees. Use YouEarnedIt to determine which new hires fit best with your cultural values.

Pingboard:

Photo credit: Pingboard.comPhoto credit: Pingboard.com

What it is: Pingboard is the employee directory software you never thought you needed. It connects your team, helps consolidate employee information, and helps with tracking who’s out of the office.

How you’ll use it: Fully integrate employees into the company and culture using a smart directory for office efficiency and communication. Your Pingboard can even help you remember each face with a built-in flashcard game.

OfficeVibe:

Photo credit: Officevibe.comPhoto credit: OfficeVibe.com

What it is: Officevibe asks employees one question per week that provides managers or HR directors with reliable and actionable reporting. The surveys are customizable, so you only ask the right questions for your business.
How you’ll use it: Use surveys to report on anything you want. Officevibe includes games to encourage employees to participate, and can help you understand if new campaigns work.

Small Improvements

Photo credit: small-improvements.comPhoto credit: small-improvements.com

What it is: Small Improvements isn’t your average employee review software. Employees can access it year round to track accomplishments and you can track progress. The software provides your with a comprehensive profile of each employee to look back on during review time.

How you’ll use it: No one likes reviews. Use small improvements to take stock year round and to help streamline the whole process.

These software tools can help you through the hiring and management process. What do you think? Share your most effective niche HR technologies below in the comments!