Kungälv Municipality streamlines recruitment through digital reference checks and a clear, structured candidate approach
Industry
Municipal Operations
Head office
Kungälv, Sweden
Employees
4000+
Customer since
2022
“We’ve gone from frustration to flow – digital reference checking saves us time, improves quality, and gives candidates a better experience.”
Mirja de Bruin, Recruiter, Kungälv Municipality
Background: 800 recruitments per year – and a process that must deliver
With approximately 500–800 recruitments annually, Kungälv Municipality places significant demands on its recruitment function. Since autumn 2021, Karin Blomster and Mirja de Bruin have led the municipality’s centralized recruitment initiative, aiming to create a professional, fast, and cohesive process.
“We manage a high volume of applications, and it has to be easy for both candidates and managers to navigate. Otherwise, we lose both time and experience,” says Mirja.
Grade’s recruitment tool quickly became the hub of this work. By digitalizing the recruitment flow – and integrating efficient reference checking – the municipality has taken a major step toward modern, data-driven talent supply.
The Solution: Standardized recruitment and digital reference checking in synergy
The municipality uses Grade’s recruitment tool for the entire recruitment process – from job profile to feedback. Particularly appreciated is the ability to easily share tasks with managers, manage multiple stages of the process clearly, and gather all documentation in one place.
“It’s very user-friendly, even for occasional users. The fact that managers can handle their parts in the system themselves has saved a lot of time,” says Karin.
In spring 2022, Grade Refensa was also implemented – a digital reference-checking tool seamlessly integrated into Grade’s recruitment system. Candidates initiate the process themselves, and referees can respond whenever it suits them, including evenings and weekends.
The result? In just eight months, 973 reference checks were completed – equivalent to saving half a full-time position in working hours.
“We no longer have to chase people by phone, and we can easily compare responses since all referees receive the same questions. It has improved both quality and accuracy,” says Mirja.
of all requested references are completed
of references are submitted outside office hours
of referees verify their identity using BankID
saved in total – equivalent to 24 full workweeks
The Impact: Time savings, improved candidate experience – and a stronger employer brand
In a short time, Kungälv Municipality has created a more professional recruitment experience – both for candidates and internally.
“It’s not just time we’re saving – we also get a comparable, secure, and GDPR-compliant process. That creates a stronger impression of us as an employer,” says Karin.
Talent supply remains a challenge – particularly in healthcare and social care. The municipality therefore works actively with employer branding, screening questions, and smart job advertising through Grade’s recruitment tool.
At the same time, there is a strong focus on supporting existing employees, offering skills development, and creating flexibility in everyday work. Kungälv Municipality is also experienced as a dynamic organization where collaboration is easy – not least because all professional groups operate under the same roof.
“We have short decision-making paths, a great deal of freedom – and a world-class manager. That’s why we truly enjoy our work,” Karin concludes.
“We place strong emphasis on the candidate experience – from first contact to fast feedback. It’s about making people want to apply again.”
Mirja de Bruin
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