The move is expected to see NCB reducing its advertising costs, while decreasing the time within which job applications are processed.  In addition, the expectation is that the new system - the cost of which NCB declined to reveal last Friday - will enhance storage and retrieval of applicant data, while allowing for ease of access to information for planning and reporting.

"There were a couple of measures that resulted in us going this route.  Some are internal and some external.  Externally we had to align ourselves more with international best practice where hiring is concerned," Tarik Munroe, business analyst in the training and human resources division of the bank, told the Sunday Observer.

"So what you find is that other companies of a similar industry and standard are going a similar route.  Internally, it made our administrative function more efficient.  It improves the turnaround time on applications and facilitates strategic hiring," he added.  Job seekers should visit www.jncb.com and click on the 'careers' link located in the 'Quick Links' box on the landing page.  There they will be able to apply for advertised positions and/or submit generic applications.  Applicants may also save and modify their personal information.  Once the application process is complete, a reference number which will help to monitor the progress of the application will be assigned.

A visit to the site by the Sunday Observer on Friday turned up what appeared to be a user-friendly set-up, offering visitors a range of search options, including not only the careers now on offer - such as graphic designer and workforce planning officer - but also information on the bank's offerings and more.  It is little wonder then that, according to Munroe, the site has attracted the attention of several others since the new recruitment system was set up last month.

"The response has been overwhelming.  There is other relevant information there, like background information on the company and training facilities.  So persons have been doing a variety of things - posting profiles, applying for jobs, as well as reading up on the company," the business analyst said.

NCB continues to accept applications/résumés in their branch offices, but this is to be phased out over time.  "We'll be running a parallel system for a short period of time.  We haven't announced a cut-off point as yet.  But eventually we'll be accepting applications only through this medium (online)," Munroe said.

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