Member Article

Six-figure investment boosts Yorkshire recruitment software business

A York-based technology business, which aims to cut costs and revolutionise the recruitment process by using sophisticated software to simulate real life interviews, has received backing from the Republic retail entrepreneur Tim Whitworth.

Shortlister.com is the brainchild of Harrogate-born David Dewey who, frustrated by his own experiences as an interview candidate, decided to develop software to improve the process for both employers and candidates.

Dewey spent two years developing the concept into a functional online video interview platform and has now received a significant six-figure investment from local entrepreneur Whitworth.

The former co-founder and CEO of clothing chain Republic, Whitworth built the brand into a multi-channel fashion business with 125 stores as well as establishing a successful ecommerce platform before exiting the business in 2011.

Using the latest digital advances to create a realistic online interview process, the Shortlister.com online software offers recruiters a real alternative to traditional time-consuming and, therefore, costly recruitment techniques.

The platform enables employers to quickly and efficiently create a branded interview by transferring their scripted questions from text to speech.

Dewey said: “We have developed the next generation of video interview software which simulates a real interview, making it engaging for candidates whilst also saving recruiters significant time and, therefore, costs in the initial selection stages.”

Tim Whitworth commented: “Having first hand knowledge of the challenges and costs of being responsible for recruitment in a large business with a 2,500-plus workforce, I could immediately see the huge benefits offered by a professional online interviewing service which provides candidates and recruiters with a life-like interview experience.

“If candidates have a poor interview experience, this can cause reputational damage for the employer’s brand. With HR teams struggling to keep up with increasing workloads, Shortlister.com saves time by streamlining the screening process whilst also ensuring that each interview is as good as the last. The ability to easily share interviews and involve key decision-makers will result in better hires.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Mark Lane .