People interested in a career with the air force will soon be able to investigate their options by text.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) today announced it has joined the text generation with the launch of a new recruitment tool targeting the youth market.
In conjunction with specialist mobile enablement company Run the Red, the air force aims to open its recruitment doors in an easy and cost effective manner that appeals to young people, it says.
RNZAF aims to recruit more than 250 extra staff, boosting numbers to close to 3000 personnel, within the next few years.
Future advertisements will offer the option of replying by text message, and the air force hopes this will open the doors to an entire generation of young, technically-savvy, phone-dependent new recruits.
By just flicking off a one-word message, potential recruits can register their interest and order brochures and other recruitment material.
Spokesman Squadron Leader Glenn Davis said it was the obvious method of communication preferred by young people.
"The messages link back to our call centres, and people will still be able to ring them, but picking up the phone and calling 0800 numbers, kids just don't do that any more.
"They would much rather use texting than pick up the phone."
He said the text method would also allow the air force to better trace what advertising had the most impact on attracting recruits.
RNZAF recruiting director, Squadron Leader Shaun Sexton, said that by introducing text messaging, the air force hoped to improve engagement with the today's youth in a "technologically savvy manner".
"Today's job market is competitive and we can no longer rely on the tried and true methods of the past," he said.
Further information is available at www.airforce.mil.nz or www.bringiton.co.nz. |
