Member Article

Sunderland tech entrepreneur launches app to boost recruitment

A Sunderland software startup has launched a new app, harnesssing the power of digital to add value to recruitment processes.

Shine will help businesses and recruitment agencies make use of video interviewing in order to assess candidates’ suitability for a role, before taking them to formal interview.

The app, which is already being used by a number of blue chip businesses, allows companies to question candidates, who can respond in real time or by a set date and time using video technology on their mobile phone, tablet or PC.

Responses can then be accessed and assessed by the hiring manager at any time, meaning interview panels can evaluate people’s performance individually, without having to block out time for face to face meetings with a group panel.

The brainchild of North East tech entrepreneur David Copple, previously a board level director at fast growing technology business The Test Factory. Shine was borne out of frustration with the often time-consuming process of managing diaries to agree interview days, and hours spent interviewing unsuitable candidates when the shortlisting process failed to rule them out.

David said: “Recruitment is a hugely time-consuming process, and one that costs businesses thousands of pounds each and every year.

“With technology transforming the way we communicate with one another and manage both our personal and professional networks, it seemed crazy to think that we are still sticking to the traditional CV scour, followed by face to face interviews, and potentially a further stage of assessment, when we could vastly reduce the time taken by using video technology.”

David and his five-strong team have been developing the app over the last six months, and believe it brings a unique new offer to the market.

The app allows candidates to upload a CV, create an introductory video, and respond to questions. Built in the cloud, information can be accessed remotely, and securely from any device.

It also means that candidates know they have been treated fairly and equally, as questions are pre-set and can be assessed independently, with feedback shared using the app after the final decision is made.

Three packages, designed to meet the needs of employers with low, mid and high level recruitment needs are available. It is expected to appeal most to businesses recruiting customer-facing roles, particularly in the contact centre industry, which is moving towards teleconferencing and video technology to allow advisors to interact with customers, as well as graduate and seasonal recruitment.

David said: “Shine is phenomenally scalable technology, and it really does take the pain out of recruitment for businesses, as well as being practical for interviewees. The signs are that this will be hugely popular and we believe it has the potential to take us into the global marketplace – in fact we have already attracted enquiries from the US and India.”

The business is based in the Evolve Business Centre, which is home to a large number of innovative technology businesses.

Councillor Paul Watson, leader of Sunderland City Council, said that he is excited to see all that Shine can achieve.

He said: “David is a proven technology expert, who has been part of a real success story in the city, and I have no doubt that Shine will follow that trend.

“Sunderland businesses really are masterminding truly transformative technology, and that is a huge source of pride for us, as we grow our reputation nationally and internationally as an innovative, software-savvy city. We’re pleased that the work we have done as a city council, in preparing the foundations for fast-growing, forward-thinking business, is paying off and we look forward to watchingShine shine.”

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