We’ve seen a surge in adoption and interest of the eSignature capabilities available to our recruiting customers via SAP Signature Management by DocuSign. For many, the overnight shift to a digital workplace, mass mobile hiring, or rehire preparation is the immediate driver. Others facing hiring slowdowns are in evaluation and optimization mode, with a focus on improving recruiter efficiency and the candidate experience.
With this influx of customer discussions, we’ve taken note of a few common questions and misperceptions around enabling eSignature offers in SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting. The following list debunks 7 myths to help you confidently take the next steps to improving your candidate experience during this critical stage of your recruiting process:
- Myth: eSignatures and digital signatures are one in the same.
Fact: A digital signature is a type of eSignature. The terms eSignature and digital signature are often used incorrectly as synonyms, as a digital signature is a specific type of eSignature that uses a standard format called Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). For some countries, digital signatures are the preferred method (see below for country specifics). Digital signatures are fully supported by SAP Signature Management by DocuSign with the add-on for standards-based signature compliance. Standard eSignatures, where signers are required to either sign, upload a signature or ‘adopt’ a signature for use throughout the signing process, are also supported.
- Myth: Candidates feel more comfortable signing a physical piece of paper.
Fact: Today’s candidates rank technology high on the evaluation list when choosing an employer – starting with a mobile and fully digital candidate experience. This should come as no surprise as millennials now account for the largest demographic in the labor force. And even beyond the millennials, most Gen Xers have happily traded in the pen and scanner for the ease of online. So, what’s the risk of keeping your traditional ways among these digital natives? Well, it could cost you your ideal candidate. According to a recent study by Forrester and DocuSign, 29% of respondents shared that manual, inefficient agreement processes led to them losing candidates. First impressions are important – and if your candidate experience causes frustration, what’s to be expected of the forthcoming employee experience?
- Myth: We can’t justify the cost associated with shifting to an eSignature model.
Fact: SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting customers are saving an average of €33 per agreement using eSignatures vs. paper-based processes. The ROI for deploying eSignatures is strong and payback is quick. It’s important to consider the time, effort, and resources required to support a pen to paper approach. Our research shows that on average, businesses experience an 80% faster turnaround with eSignatures, with 84% of transactions being completed within 1 day and 53% within 15 minutes. In comparison, this can take days (or even weeks) with traditional methods. Printing, shipping, follow-ups, re-signs, resends – all of these have significant cost and productivity impacts. The quick realization of value, coupled with the transaction-based pricing model, makes SAP Signature Management by DocuSign a viable option for businesses of all sizes and document volumes.
- Myth: We don’t have the resources to setup the eSignature option in our Recruiting environment.
Fact: SAP Signature Management by DocuSign is designed to be 100% self-service and can be enabled by your administrator in 5 clicks. Once the admin has activated the DocuSign account and established the connection in the Admin settings of SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting, the solution can easily be configured (
see Admin guide for details). After the integration is complete, if desired, the admin can leverage the DocuSign QuickStart program for help navigating branding, usage reporting, self-help support, etc. (Note: all new customers of SAP Signature Management by DocuSign receive a free 2-hour consultation with a DocuSign engagement representative to be used within 180 days from purchase).
- Myth: If we use the pre-built integration with SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting, we don’t have access to all the features provided by DocuSign.
Fact: The pre-built integration provides access to most of the required features, and if needed, additional features can be accessed via the DocuSign WebApp. SAP SuccessFactors offers 3 editions of SAP Signature Management by DocuSign – Standard Edition, Premium Edition, and Government Edition (US specific). While it is true that the provided integration does not expose all DocuSign features within the SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting environment, customers can access the additional features, such as signing groups, comments, supplemental documents and Advanced Admin, through the DocuSign WebApp.
- Myth: We use the offer letter ‘Accept or Reject’ in SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting so there’s no value in adding an eSignature.
Fact: While some states, countries, and regions require a legally binding signature, others do not – if this a requirement, SAP Signature Management by DocuSign can easily be added to capture eSignatures during the offer process. The native capabilities within SAP SuccessFactors Recruiting allow you to send an offer, which gives candidates the ability to view, accept, decline, or ask questions via the candidate portal. SAP Signature Management by DocuSign leverages the same templates and workflows to capture an eSignature at this stage of the process. And DocuSign’s commitment to maintaining
certifications in several regulatory and industry standards help to ensure our recruiting customers are delivering safe and secure experiences.
- eSignatures aren’t legal in my country.
Fact: SAP Signature Management by DocuSign is available in more than 180 countries and applicable to all industries and business segments.
Electronic signatures have been used and accepted around the globe for more than 15 years, with 92% of all the world’s countries now acknowledging them as legally binding. Check out this great
eSignature Legality Guide by DocuSign where you can search by country to learn about current eSignature laws, local legal systems and electronic signature technology preferences. In addition, it’s worth noting that our recruiting customers who are leveraging these eSignature capabilities span a wide range of industries, including Consumer Products, Energy, Financial Services, Public Services, Telco, and Sports, and range from small businesses to large enterprises.
Learn more about the features, benefits, and pricing of
SAP Signature Management by DocuSign (for SuccessFactors) or contact your Account Executive to activate the eSignature capability today.
