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Frequently asked questions about Serena and our services.
Per domain name.
If you have any questions about Serena, please get in touch with one of our partners. They’ll assist you in creating your recruitment website. You can find all our partners here!
Yes, Serena is ISO 27001 certified. In most cases, your website is linked to your ATS. Within Serena, you can configure candidate data to be anonymised as soon as it has been successfully transferred to the ATS. This ensures your candidate data is securely stored and cannot be traced back to the candidate online.
Yes, Serena can distribute job postings to job boards or multiposters via a feed, which you can configure yourself. More details can be found in the Serena manual.
Serena also allows you to share vacancies on social media channels or display your social media content directly on your recruitment website.
Yes, Serena is already integrated with the most widely used ATSs. Here are the ATS systems Serena currently supports:
No, you don't need to be a designer or developer to use Serena.
Serena offers several themes that you can easily customise using the appearance module. The page builder allows you to create your pages with a simple drag-and-drop interface.
If you need additional assistance, we provide an online multilingual manual, a support team you can contact, or you can choose one of our partners who specialise in customising and managing Serena websites.
No, you don’t need programming skills to work with Serena. You can customise all the styling and content on your Serena website without writing any code, allowing you to create your unique recruitment website.
If you are a tech specialist, you can still work with Serena and have the option to add or modify HTML or override CSS styling in the code. The choice is entirely yours!
No, you don’t need to download anything to use Serena. Serena is a SaaS platform available online, meaning our development team can roll out updates on the back end for all users without the need to purchase new versions. We are continuously investing in the further development of Serena, focusing on security, stability, and usability.
First, get a Serena license through one of our partners. To implement your own look and feel, it is nice if you have a logo file, color codes of your corporate identity and possibly the font that fits your corporate identity. In addition, the most important thing you need is beautiful content to fill the website. If you do not have this, many of our partners can help you with this as well. Check out our Partner page to find the partner that can help you best.
Serena Onepager costs 50 euros per month, while the Serena Recruitment Website is priced at 250 euros per month.
What is A/B testing?
A/B Tests (Split Testing) refer to the process of comparing two different versions of a webpage, app, or ad to determine which one performs better in terms of specific goals like conversions, click-through rates, or user engagement. In an A/B test, two versions (A and B) are shown to different users, and their behavior is tracked to see which version produces the better outcome.
1. Direct A/B Tests:
These tests involve making a straightforward change to a webpage or element, such as altering a CTA button from "Buy Now" to "Shop Now". The performance of both versions is tracked, and data is collected to determine which option drives more conversions.
2. Indirect A/B Tests:
These tests focus on more subtle changes, like adjusting the color of a button or the text on a headline. The goal is to see if smaller variations have a significant impact on user behavior or engagement without drastically altering the overall user experience.
3. Advanced A/B Tests:
These involve more complex changes, such as testing entire layouts or workflows. For example, you might test whether a simplified checkout process results in a higher conversion rate than a more detailed process. These tests often require more time and larger sample sizes but can provide deep insights into user preferences and behavior.
What is an applicant pool?
An applicant pool is the collection of all job applicants who have applied for a position or have been added to a company’s talent database. It is a valuable resource for recruiters, enabling them to quickly find suitable candidates for current and future job openings.
1. Building a strong talent pool:
Companies gather résumés and applications from past candidates, even if they weren’t hired, to reach out to them for future opportunities.
2. Segmenting and managing candidates:
By categorizing the applicant pool based on skills, experience, and job preferences, recruiters can quickly identify the best candidates.
3. Maintaining active relationships:
Recruiters can stay in touch with candidates through newsletters, job alerts, or personal updates to keep them engaged for future job openings.
Keen to know how your applicant pool is doing? We’re happy to help you take a closer look.
What is an API? (Applicant Programming Interface)
An API (Application Programming Interface) is a set of rules and protocols that allow different software applications to communicate with each other. It acts as a bridge between systems, enabling data and functionality to be shared seamlessly without users needing direct access to the underlying code.
1. Data exchange between systems:
An API allows information to be shared between different applications, such as a website and a database or an ATS and a career site.
2. Automation and integration:
By using APIs, businesses can automate processes, such as automatically syncing job listings between a recruitment website and an external job board.
3. Expanding functionalities:
APIs enable developers to add new features to existing systems without having to rebuild them entirely, such as integrating a third-party job alert service.
Looking to understand how APIs work in practice? Let’s connect!
What is an ATS? (Applicant Tracking System)
An Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is a software solution that helps companies manage and streamline their hiring process. It automates application processing, maintains candidate databases, and improves recruiter efficiency.
1. Posting jobs and collecting applications:
An ATS allows businesses to easily publish job openings and receive and organize applications digitally.
2. Filtering and evaluating candidates:
The system analyzes résumés and cover letters, matches them against job requirements, and helps recruiters identify the best candidates.
3. Streamlining communication and follow-ups:
Recruiters can send automated emails, update application statuses, and efficiently follow up with candidates to ensure a smooth hiring process.
Wondering which ATS suits your organisation best? Get in touch to find out.
What is an article?
An article is a written piece of content shared on a website, blog, or platform, with the purpose of providing information, sharing opinions, or discussing a specific topic. Articles are generally more detailed than short posts and can contain in-depth information or analysis.
1. Writing an article:
An article starts with creating content such as text, images, or charts intended to explore or explain a subject in detail.
2. Publishing the article:
Once the article is written, it is published on a website, blog, or platform where users can read, share, or comment on it.
3. Engaging with the article:
The article is designed to provoke reactions, such as comments, social media interactions, or further exploration of the topic.
Want to know how articles support your employer branding? Let’s have a chat!
What is a blog?
A blog is a regular online publication typically consisting of informal, personal, or opinionated content. Blogs are often used to share knowledge, express opinions, or spark conversations about specific topics.
1. Writing a blog post:
A blog starts with creating content that is often personal or informative, aimed at highlighting a particular topic or initiating a conversation.
2. Publishing the blog:
Once written, the blog is published on a website or platform, where it is available for readers interested in the subject.
3. Engaging with the blog:
The blog is designed to provoke responses and interaction, such as reader comments, social media discussions, or sharing the blog post.
See how blogging makes a real impact – our own stories might just inspire you!
Or,
Schedule an online demo now and experience the ease of Serena!
What is a bounce rate?
The bounce rate is a metric that shows the percentage of visitors who leave a website after viewing only one page, without taking any further action. It helps measure how engaging or relevant your content is and indicates whether visitors find what they’re looking for when they land on your site.
1. Indicates user engagement:
A high bounce rate may suggest that visitors aren’t finding your content useful or engaging enough to explore further.
2. Helps identify weak pages:
By analyzing bounce rates per page, you can pinpoint which pages need better content, design, or calls-to-action to keep users interested.
3. Influences SEO and conversion:
Search engines may interpret high bounce rates as a signal of low relevance, which can affect your rankings and ultimately your conversion goals.
Got questions about your bounce rate or site engagement? Let’s connect!
What is branding?
Branding is the process of creating and promoting a unique image for a company or product. It is about how people see, feel and experience your company, through logos, colors, communication and overall appearance.
1. Developing identity:
Branding begins with creating a clear and unique image for your company, including name, logo, colors and message you want to convey.
2. Communication and consistency:
It's about consistently communicating this identity through various channels, such as advertising, social media, your website and your customer service.
3. Influencing perception:
The goal of branding is to influence consumers' perceptions so that they recognize your brand, trust it and feel an emotional connection, which drives them to loyalty and purchase.
Wondering how branding can boost your recruitment? Get in touch!
What is a call-to-action (CTA)
A call to action (CTA) is a prompt on a website or in marketing materials that encourages users to take a specific action, such as “Apply now,” “Download the guide,” or “Sign up for free.” It guides visitors toward a desired goal and is essential for driving engagement and conversions.
1. Gives direction to visitors:
A clear CTA tells users exactly what step to take next, reducing doubt and encouraging action.
2. Boosts conversion rates:
Strong, well-placed CTAs can significantly increase the number of users who complete valuable actions on your site.
3. Comes in many forms:
CTAs can be buttons, text links, banners, or even pop-ups — as long as they’re attention-grabbing and aligned with your goals.
A strong call to action can make all the difference – we’re here to help!
What is candidate assessment?
Candidate assessment is the process in which an employer or recruiter evaluates whether an applicant is suitable for a specific position. This involves reviewing skills, experience, and personal attributes.
1. Gather information:
Review the candidate's resume, cover letter, and other submitted documents.
2. Evaluate competencies:
Analyze the candidate's skills, experience, and personal qualities through methods like interviews or tests.
3. Make a decision:
Determine if the candidate fits the role and company culture, and provide feedback on their suitability.
Wondering which assessment methods suit your organisation best? Let’s explore together!
What is candidate experience?
Candidate experience is the total experience an applicant has during the application process, from the first interaction to the final outcome. It includes all steps, from job search to communication to the application or interview experience.
1. Application process:
Candidate experience begins as soon as a candidate finds your job opening and applies, including how easy or difficult the application process is.
2. Communication:
It continues with communication throughout the process, such as timely feedback, clear information and respectful interactions.
3. Outcome and aftercare:
Finally, it includes how a candidate feels after the interview, regardless of whether they get the job, and whether they are left with positive or negative impressions of the company.
A strong candidate experience helps attract top talent – we’re here to support you!
What is a candidate journey?
The candidate journey refers to the process a candidate undergoes from the moment they become aware of a job opening to applying and (potentially) completing the onboarding process. It is the pathway a candidate follows when discovering a company and considering a potential job, guiding them through several stages until they submit their application.
1. Awareness:
The journey begins with awareness. This is when the candidate first comes across your organisation. This may occur through social media, job search engines such as Google for Jobs, or even out-of-home advertisements. At this point, the candidate isn’t yet interested in the specific job vacancy, but they begin to familiarise themselves with your brand and culture.
2. Consideration:
During the consideration phase, the candidate has formed an initial impression of your organisation and begins to explore further. They visit your careers website, review available positions, read about your company culture, and look at testimonials from other employees. They assess whether your company aligns with their career aspirations.
3. Application:
The application stage occurs when the candidate decides to apply. They click the apply button, complete the necessary details, and submit their CV and cover letter. A well-designed careers website ensures that this process is as straightforward and user-friendly as possible, preventing candidates from dropping off midway.
Want to optimise the candidate journey for your applicants? We're here to help!
What is candidate marketing?
Candidate marketing is a strategy where companies focus on attracting, engaging, and convincing potential candidates by presenting their job openings and employer brand in an appealing way. It involves using marketing principles to attract talent.
1. Define your audience:
Identify your ideal candidates, such as their skills, experience, and preferences. Use this to create targeted campaigns.
2. Create content:
Develop engaging content like job descriptions, videos, and stories that highlight why your company is a great place to work. Share this on social media, job boards, and your website.
3. Analyze and optimize:
Track the impact of your marketing efforts (e.g., website visits or applications) and adjust your strategy to achieve better results.
With smart candidate marketing, you reach the right talent faster – we’re here to assist.
What is candidate segmentation?
Candidate segmentation is the process of dividing candidates into different groups based on shared characteristics, such as experience, skills, or interests. This helps recruiters target their search and communicate more effectively with candidates.
1. Define criteria:
Identify the characteristics you want to use for segmentation, such as education level, work experience, or industry.
2. Create groups:
Categorize candidates into specific segments based on the selected criteria, such as junior professionals, experienced managers, or IT specialists.
3. Target effectively:
Use the segments to offer relevant job opportunities or tailored communication, ensuring you reach the right candidates more efficiently.
Questions about segmenting candidates? We’re ready to support you!
What is a career site?
A career site is a dedicated website where an organization showcases its job openings, employer branding, and hiring process. The goal is to attract potential candidates and give them a clear understanding of the company culture and career opportunities.
1. Showcase the employer brand:
Highlight what makes your company unique through employee stories, company videos, and a strong visual identity.
2. Make applying easy:
Ensure a user-friendly application process, such as a short and clear application page or even a one-click application option.
3. Offer multiple conversion options:
Not every visitor is ready to apply right away. Provide options like a job alert, a chat with a recruiter, or an invitation to an open house event.
A strong careers site increases your chances of finding the right candidates – we’re here to help!
Or,
Check out our blogs about career sites in different sectors!
What is click-through rate (CTR)?
CTR (Click-Through Rate) is a crucial metric in digital marketing that indicates the percentage of users who click on a specific link or ad compared to the total number of people who have seen it. It is often used to measure the effectiveness of online ads, email campaigns, or web pages.
1. CTR Calculation:
CTR is calculated by dividing the number of clicks on a link or ad by the number of times the link or ad was shown, and then multiplying the result by 100 to get the percentage.
2. Why is CTR important?
CTR helps marketers understand how well their ads, search results, or emails are performing. The higher the CTR, the more effective the message is in capturing user attention. A low CTR may indicate unclear messaging, an irrelevant target audience, or an unattractive call-to-action (CTA).
3. Optimizing CTR:
There are various ways to improve CTR:
With a better CTR, you’ll get more from your online campaigns – we’re here to assist.
What are consumer expectations?
Consumer expectations refer to the needs, desires, and standards that customers have regarding a product, service, or brand. These expectations are shaped by past experiences, marketing efforts, and industry trends. Companies that effectively meet consumer expectations can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.
1. Understand your target audience:
Research what matters most to your customers through feedback, market research, or data analysis.
2. Ensure transparency and consistency:
Make clear promises about your product or service and always follow through. This builds trust with consumers.
3. Continuously innovate and improve:
Consumer expectations evolve over time. Stay responsive to feedback and adapt your offerings to remain relevant and competitive.
What is content?
Content refers to all the information shared on a website or platform, such as text, images, videos, and other media. The purpose of content is to inform, entertain, or engage the user, depending on the context.
1. Creating information:
Content starts with creating text, images, videos, or other forms of media that provide valuable information to your audience.
2. Publishing on a platform:
This information is then placed on a website, blog, social media, or other digital platforms where users can view it.
3. Interaction and engagement:
Content is designed to trigger reactions, whether it's clicking, sharing, commenting, or purchasing, to establish a connection with the user and actively involve them.
Wondering how to best use content for your organisation? We are happy to help you!
What is a content delivery network (CDN)?
A content delivery network (CDN) is a network of servers distributed across various locations that deliver website content to users from the server closest to them. It helps improve website speed, reduce latency, and handle large volumes of traffic efficiently.
1. Improves load times:
By serving content from a nearby server, a CDN reduces the distance data has to travel, making websites load faster for users.
2. Enhances reliability and performance:
CDNs can balance traffic across servers and handle spikes in visitors, keeping your site stable and responsive even under pressure.
3. Provides security benefits:
Many CDNs offer protection against DDoS attacks and include secure delivery options, helping keep your site safe.
With a properly set-up CDN, you enhance user experience – Get in touch!
What is a content management system (CMS)?
A content management system (CMS) is a software platform that allows users to create, edit, and manage digital content on a website without needing to write code. It makes it easy for marketers, editors, and other non-developers to keep a site up-to-date and organized.
1. User-friendly content editing:
With a CMS like Serena CMS, users can effortlessly update text, upload images, and manage pages through an intuitive interface.
2. Separates content from code:
Developers handle the design and structure, while content managers work independently. In Serena CMS, that means freedom without the fuss.
3. Supports collaboration and scalability:
Multiple users can manage content, workflows, and updates at scale — whether you’re running a blog or a high-traffic career site.
Schedule a online demo here and experience the ease of Serena CMS!