Jo-Ann Stores deploys web-based recruitment system

Jo-Ann Stores Inc., a retailer of crafts and home décor products, is rolling out a web-based recruitment management system to help it staff its planned superstores as well as the existing 900 stores in its chain. Because applicants will be able to access the same employment and application information from a central place on the web, the Kenexa Recruiter system from Kenexa Inc. will enable Jo-Ann to better maintain consistent branding in its nationwide recruitment efforts while providing a more effective and more efficient means for hiring managers to gather and process applications, the retailer said. “We also anticipate reducing time and cost of hire,” said Rosalind Thompson, executive vice president of human resources at Jo-Ann.

Jo-Ann, which will also use the system to staff its customer support and distribution centers, chose the Kenexa Recruiter because of its ease of use, its ability to produce reports of applicant data, and its flexibility to connect with other systems, Thompson said. She said the system can connect directly with outside as well in-house recruiters.

The Kenexa system is also designed so that it can integrate for automatic transfer of employee data with accounting, payroll and human resources applications, a Kenexa spokeswoman adds. She adds that Jo-Ann may consider these integration options in the future.