Recruiters can help candidates increase their chances of getting a job and being better prepared for interview by directing them to a suite of new affordable job-related apps for iPhones or Android devices.

Called Fit for the Job, the apps cover key skills such as interview techniques, and have been developed by video-based learning provider Video Arts and its sister company Tinopolis Interactive for online learning provider Learndirect.

The apps last between 15 and 20 minutes and provide a convenient way of upskilling when the candidates needs it. “These apps can help them to do this [upskill] in a timely way, like on the train or bus travelling to an interview,” said Peter Shufflebotham, head of learning content at Learndirect.

He told Recruiter that recruitment consultancies are a good example of the kind of company that could alert individuals to the apps so they can reach the widest possible audience.

The apps have an introduction by Gavin and Stacey star Matthew Horne, and high-quality video clips also feature well-known actors and actresses such as James Nesbitt, Dawn French and Hugh Laurie.

Martin Addison, managing director of Video Arts, told Recruiter that mobile, or m-learning, is arguably better than any other channel in delivering bite-size, just-in-time learning interventions. It is also extremely affordable with the Learndirect Android apps priced at £1.49 and those for iPhone £1.79.

The apps are another sign that more and more learning and development opportunities for candidates are entering the recruitment process, a trend highlighted in Recruiter’s Technology Outlook for 2011 (www.recruiter.co.uk).

InnovateCV already makes it easy for candidates to access affordable training and CV-Library.co.uk now offers links to a range of flexible learning courses.
www.learndirect.com