G.I. Joe's Launches New Hiring Tool to Save Time and Money -- Brings Efficiency to Recruiting Hourly Workers in the Northwest
PORTLAND, Ore.--May 22, 2001--The favorite Northwest retailer of sports and auto accessories has found the solution to a common and persistent problem -- reducing employee turnover.
G.I. Joe's today announced it will rollout Unicru's automated hiring solution to its 19 stores in Washington and Oregon. Unicru, Inc., the nation's leading provider of hiring solutions for the recruiting, retention and assessment of hourly workers, combines the employment application, skill tests, background checks and tax screenings into one easy step. During its 90-day trial in seven stores, G.I. Joe's saw immediate results. For example, hiring managers now save time by only interviewing every six out of 10 candidates since Unicru's system screens out unsuitable applicants.
G.I. Joe's job candidates simply complete an electronic, paperless application using a screenphone to apply for a position. Upon completion, each applicant's responses are immediately transmitted to Unicru's secure database where the information is processed. In less than a minute, the store's hiring manager is e-mailed an easy-to-read application and assessment form that includes recommendations for follow-up interview questions during the first face-to-face meeting.
"This technology has produced time- and cost-saving results for our participating Northwest locations so we've decided to conduct a full rollout of the system," said Robb Simons, director of employee services of G.I. Joe's. "We have found that by using Unicru's system, we are able to hire two employees for the cost of hiring one without using the technology, ultimately saving us thousands of dollars."
Companies using Unicru's solution, such as G.I. Joe's, have increased their applicant pool, significantly lowered turnover, increased sales by employees, lowered inventory shrinkage, and saved time and money in the recruiting process. Applicants benefit from a much faster application process and a more complete understanding of the job responsibilities. As a result, employees are more knowledgeable and are able to offer a higher level of customer service.
"We help employers recruit highly qualified employees, on-site and online, without having to personally screen hundreds of applicants," said Bob Gregg, president and CEO of Unicru. "Top retail companies, like G.I. Joe's, use our solution to hire the best employees with an enhanced and rapid hiring process. We help our customers create a more efficient hiring process and match the right employees with the right job."
About Unicru
Unicru, Inc. is the first company to provide customizable recruiting solutions for employers of over 80 percent of the American workforce -- hourly workers. The Unicru system is deployed via on-site application centers, the Web, and through back-office processing of employers' job applications, hiring, and terminations. The company's services are used nationwide by large retailers, call centers, and hospitality businesses with over 12,000 on-site application centers, as well as its Internet presence, representing over 200,000 hourly job listings. Unicru currently processes job applications at a run rate of 6 million per year. Clients include G.I. Joe's, Toys 'R Us, Blockbuster Video, Metro One, and Metromedia Restaurant Group. On average, Unicru customers decrease employee turnover by 10 to 30 percent and reduce hiring time by more than half. For more information visit the company's Web site at www.unicru.com.
About G.I. Joe's
Established in 1952, G.I. Joe's is a Wilsonville, Ore.-based retailer specializing in sporting goods, automotive, active and outdoor clothing and footwear. G.I. Joe's has 18 full-line retail stores throughout Oregon and Washington. In addition, G.I. Joe's operates a successful e-commerce business at www.gijoes.com.