Communication Made Easier

The end of January was the start of an exciting new phase for the Osage Nation Human Resources Department—electronic applications.

Anyone who has applied anywhere for a job, the application process can feel endless; writing out information and providing extra documentation. The initial step in seeking employment is burdened down with paperwork. And that is only on the applicant’s side of the scenario. The employer’s side is even more exhausting and costly.

In 2012, the Osage Nation Human Resources began scanning applications into PDFs for easier handling. Then in July of 2014, the Nation’s Information Technology (I.T.) Department began working with Human Resources to work out a “wish-list” for an overall easier and more efficient process. Development began later that same year, but due to other responsibilities and projects the planning and development was interrupted and took longer.

The end result is a system that can be accessed from any computer and is user-friendly. Applicants may also apply online in the Human Resources office through a kiosk. The form includes “smart logic” to keep it as small as possible for the job seeker; fields expand or collapse depending on the applicant’s information. It also pulls in current positions from the website. An applicant can simply select the position he or she is applying for as well as provide an attachment field for uploading resumes or other necessary documentation.

On the back end, this technology serves to route the form to its own folder in SharePoint, software for intranet use which allows sharing and organizing of material. This permits Human Resources to more efficiently rank applicants according to the Osage Nation’s preference policy. Applicants also receive a copy of the application as a receipt via email.

Since January 28th through February 5th Osage Nation Human Resources has received ten (10) online applications.

One other positive step this technology has provided is that when Human Resources publishes any new job notice on the Osage Nation website it automatically uploads to the Nation’s Facebook page.

This is not the only department with electronic applications. The Nation’s Executive webpage has a Chiefs Survey where individuals can add themselves to this database. Constituent Services has a form that allows individuals to submit non-urgent inquiries. There are more such forms in planning and development, which have the desired goal to make contact with the Nation easier and more accessible.