Trenkwalder implemented a new recruiting system called the Connexys Resource Manager to standardize and digitize its recruiting processes across 17 countries. The new system provides a single, user-friendly interface and integrates modern marketing and recruiting tools. It allows Trenkwalder to work more efficiently, have complete candidate and job data in real-time, and enhance the candidate experience through features like mobile application. The implementation involved all stakeholders and was rolled out in stages, starting with Germany and Slovakia.
2. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 2
Global recruitment marketing
HR service provider Trenkwalder International AG is one of the market leaders in Central and
Eastern Europe, with over 30 years of experience in staffing and recruiting. The organization
currently brings more than 55,000 employees together with 15,000 clients from over 200
locations in 17 different countries. “Trenkwalder is currently going through many changes: we
are becoming more and more digital, analytical, technological and customer-oriented,” says
Michael Pries, Head of International Marketing at Trenkwalder.
Candidate and user experience
The labour market is changing, and the war for talent is getting desperate, especially in the
DACH region (Germany, Austria and Switzerland). It has become increasingly difficult for
employers to find qualified and highly specialised workers. Pries: “Our goal is to develop and
implement innovative recruiting methods that enable us to always find and retain the best
candidates for our clients. Therefore, using marketing automation and optimising our recruit-
ment marketing are top priority. Attractive websites and a smooth and fast recruiting process
are essential for providing an optimal candidate experience. Moreover, we need a recruiting
system that allows our users in all 17 countries to work fast, flexibly, efficiently and effectively.”
A new recruiting system
Since their own tailor-made system did not meet the modern ambitious goals, Trenkwalder
decided to look for an innovative, state-of-the-art recruiting system that would support a
global blueprint and a single way of working for all countries. Karl Neumann, Head of Cor-
porate IT and Process Management at Trenkwalder: “We had a system-oriented recruiting
process that was different for each country. My mission was to find a software solution that
focuses on the user, the client and the candidate experience. One standard solution that
would harmonise all different processes and fit the needs of all. And in came Connexys.”
Standing ovation
In their tender, Trenkwalder asked different vendors to pitch their recruiting solution. In order
to involve all stakeholders, Trenkwalder invited no less than 35 representatives (users and
decision makers) from all 17 countries to join the pitch. Neumann: “Connexys really stood
“Trenkwalder is becoming more and more digital, analytical,
technological and customer-oriented. Marketing automation and
optimising our recruitment marketing are top priority.”
Michael Pries, Trenkwalder
Trenkwalder: International Recruitment
A global blueprint to cherish candidates, clients and users
3. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 3
out in the pitch because they thoroughly dived into our issues.
They understood our wishes and requirements and perfectly
knew how to meet them”. Frank Gielen, Business Development
Consultant at Connexys: “We presented our recruiting solution
and the opportunities our ATS could offer Trenkwalder. It was
amazing. We got a standing ovation from the audience.”
Connexys Resource Manager
The recruiting software is called the Connexys Resource
Manager. A powerful and complete recruiting solution for staffing
agencies, based on Salesforce.com, the world’s number one CRM
cloud platform. The recruiting system is connected with the back-
end systems of the different countries and integrated with the
company website.
Modern marketing principles
One of the main reasons for purchasing a new recruiting system was the wish to integrate
modern marketing techniques and social media features with sales and recruitment. The
Salesforce platform has over 3000 tried-and-tested apps, which can be used in addition to
Connexys. For HR service providers such as Trenkwalder, state-of-the-art CRM functionality
is key. And they can also integrate features such as Outlook and agenda integration, calen-
dar, e-mailings, newsletters, social media integration, surveys, talent management tools and
administration apps. “The Resource Manager helps us take our customer relationships as well
as the contact with our (potential) candidates to the next level. With the new ATS, we are intro-
ducing the same databases and CRM system for all countries. A challenging decision, but with
great synergetic possibilities,” says Neumann.
One size fits all
Up until 2015, Trenkwalder had different recruiting processes throughout all European
countries. Result: a lot of paperwork, a great deal of manual effort and inefficient workflows.
Moreover, Trenkwalder had insufficient transparency regarding candidates, jobs, customers
and performances. It was high time for a future-proof solution. Karl Neumann had a dream:
one single global blueprint for a recruiting system that could be effectively implemented in
all countries. It was quite a challenge to convince the Board of his opinion, because every
country had its own tailor-made operational procedures and specific requirements for ap-
proaching their local markets. But he succeeded.
Mobile customer overview
“Our goal is to develop and implement innovative recruiting methods
that enable our users in all 17 countries to work fast, flexibly, and
effectively in order to find and retain the best candidates for our clients.”
Michael Pries, Trenkwalder
4. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 4
Partnership
Neumann: “We worked at it in close partnership. I put together
a project team that included our IT and recruitment specialists
and Connexys’ consultants. Together, we thoroughly investigated
the workflow in all stages of the recruitment process for each
individual country. Then we selected the essential requirements
to cover the essential needs. These formed the basis of our new
recruiting system. A formula that could be effectively used in every
local office.”
Staged implementation
Implementing the Resource Manager in all 17 local markets is a
huge global project. Trenkwalder chose a staged implementation,
starting with two important countries: Slovakia and Germany.
Both countries had different ways of working, so this would be a
perfect showcase for Connexys to see if harmonizing procedures
would really work. And it did.
Project teams, scrums and trainings
Implementing the new ATS was a comprehensive project. “But it was clear to everyone
that this was a step we had to take. We all know the market challenges and the com-
pany’s growth ambition. Therefore, we didn’t fear what would happen if we switched to
a new system; rather we feared what would happen if we didn’t.”
All key users were involved in application training and scrum meetings from the start.
This provided them with a good insight into how the system worked and what pos-
sibilities it offered. The scrum method allowed them to think along in developing and
improving the recruitment process to the max. Neumann: “Moreover, they experienced
how intuitive the new recruiting system was. They were all looking forward to taking the
system into use.”
Chatter collaboration
“It was great working with the Trenkwalder team. They were
enthusiastic partners, quick learners and marvellous hosts.”
Frank Gielen, Connexys
5. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 5
Effective, fast and reliable
The Resource Manager is a user-friendly system with a clear struc-
ture. It is mobile, so the user can just as easy access the ATS with a
smartphone, tablet or desktop. The recruiter always knows exactly
where he stands in the process, what steps have been taken and
which actions still need to be taken. Furthermore, the Salesforce
App gives you access to your CRM data anywhere, anytime. You
can even call your client directly through your App. Neumann: “We
now have a modern and completely digitized recruitment process.
We can easily manage our database, current assignments and
projects. This allows us to work faster, more effectively and more
reliably. Our data is complete and always available real time. We
keep up with everything and know whether it is necessary to adjust
or intervene.”
3600 overview of candidate behaviour
Neumann: “We invested a lot in getting to know our candidates.
What do they find important in a job and in an employer? What
makes them switch jobs? Explore the question behind the an-
swers; get to know what really impresses them.” Based on that
knowledge, Trenkwalder gave their website a rigorous makeover.
Not just the look & feel, but also the content is now in line with the
employer brand.
Real-time dashboards and reports
The Resource Manager provides optimal transparency of the
application process and a real-time insight into performances.
Recruiters can intuitively navigate through the application
and easily adjust dashboards and reports to fit their own
needs. The reporting feature gives real-time management
information, measures different KPIs and shows how teams
and recruiters perform.
Mobile access to complete
CRM & ATS
“The Apply With feature really enhances the candidate experience.
Over 30% of all candidates are currently applying via their smartphone
or tablet.”
Michael Pries, Trenkwalder
Real time mobile dashboard
6. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 6
Local language
To ensure the system is easy to use for all users, the system will be multilingual, so each
country has its own user interface. Neumann: “Being multilingual is one of the major assets
of the Connexys Resource Manager. We can now communicate with every candidate in his
or her own language and target all content and recruitment features to the specific markets.
Connexys is now developing a feature that allows the ATS to recognise the candidate’s cur-
rent location so we can match and show the relevant vacancies accordingly.”
Talent pools
An important asset of the new recruiting system is the possibility to establish talent pools. This
way, Trenkwalder can retain and build relationships with valuable candidates. Should a suitable
job opening occur, it will be easy to find and contact the right candidate.
Advanced Searching & Matching
The integrated Textkernel semantic search & match engine makes it easy to efficiently and
effectively find the right candidates and internal and external job openings. The multilingual
Extract! CV parsing feature makes it possible to automatically turn every CV or social media
profile into a complete and searchable candidate record. Easy for both the candidate and
the recruiter. The integration with multiposter Mimir allows recruiters to easily post job open-
ings on relevant job boards, social media and search engines.
Full integration Textkernel Search
“Connexys understands recruiting and knows what is necessary to
deliver an enjoyable user experience as well as an outstanding candi-
date experience. It is refreshing that they take recruitment goals as a
starting point and not the recruiting system. Both of us work according
to the ‘Quality First’ concept.”
Karl Neumann, Trenkwalder
7. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 7
One-click mobile application
Connexys also integrated in the ATS Textkernel’s ‘Apply With -widget’ feature. Candidates can
simply choose whether they want to apply with their XING, LinkedIn or Facebook profile, or with a
Word or PDF file from their local hard drive, Google Drive or Dropbox. Trenkwalder is one of the
first personnel service providers in the German-speaking area to offer a one-click application
process optimised for mobile devices. Pries: “This really enhances the candidate experience. Over
30% of all candidates are currently using the option to apply via their smartphone or tablet.”
Enhancing the candidate journey
Full integration Textkernel Search
8. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 8
Trenkwalder look & feel
As an HR service provider, it is important for Trenkwalder that all communication with our
clients is complete, reliable, accurate and has a Trenkwalder look & feel. Neumann: “Togeth-
er with Connexys and Textkernel Extract!, we succeeded in designing a single Trenkwalder
format for all candidate profiles, each with tailor-made content and a Trenkwalder look &
feel. This automation saves Trenkwalder a lot of time, reduces the possibility of errors, makes
work really simple and looks impressive as well.”
International rollout
After adjustments have been made based on the experience and the lessons learned during
the Germany and Slovakia pilot, the Resource Manager will be subsequently implemented in
other countries, starting with Poland. Neumann: “Poland used to have some specific proce-
dures and requirements. It was satisfying to see that very little adjustment was needed to
implement the system smoothly in this country too.”
Project partners entero & Talent Peaks
To facilitate the comprehensive project, Connexys worked together with implementing
partners entero and Talent Peaks. entero has extensive knowledge of the implementation
of Salesforce CRM and was therefore Connexys counter partner during the implementa-
tion, also providing advice on the implementation when required. International expert Talent
Peaks took on the role of project management from the Connexys side, working in close
collaboration with the Trenkwalder project and program management people.
Multilanguage approach
9. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 9
Michael Pries, Head of International Marketing, Trenkwalder
“It’s good to find that Connexys wants to improve just as we do. Together, we look for
and develop the best possible solutions. The ‘Quality First’ concept applies to both of us.”
Tim Gloger, Senior Salesforce Consultant, entero AG
“It is always nice to see people smile when they start to work with a new system. This
reaction underlines that Trenkwalder chose the right tool to enable their employees to
engage with customers and candidates in a whole new way.”
Stijn Vangenegten, Managing Partner, Talent Peaks
“As a Connexys implementation partner in this project, I really think we succeeded in
co-creating the new Trenkwalder talent journey. Sharing the same core values (quality,
transparency, co-creation) as a team was absolutely the most important success fac-
tor besides the right mix of skills, knowledge and experience.”
Frank Gielen, Business Development Consultant, Connexys
“We trained the Trenkwalder superusers to be experts in the field of Salesforce and our
recruiting system. With their knowledge, they are now able to make enhancements to
their blueprint with Connexys only as a consulting partner. It is great to see that they are
even carrying out the implementation at the three smaller countries themselves now.”
Karl Neumann, Head of Corporate IT and Process Management,
Trenkwalder
“Even before signing the contract, Connexys made a lot of effort to ensure they thoroughly
understood our needs and goals. When they pitched the Resource Manager, we could feel
that they were engaged and willing to work with us based on mutual interest.”
“I think it’s great to see that Connexys now offers the features they developed especiallyfor
us to all their customers. This way, we take our discipline to a higher level”.
10. INTERNATIONAL RECRUITMENT TRENKWALDER 10
About Trenkwalder
HR service provider Trenkwalder International AG is one of the market leaders in Central
and Eastern Europe, with over 30 years’ experience. The company has been part of the
Droege International Group AG in Düsseldorf since 2011. Trenkwalder is the market leader
in Austria, Hungary and Slovakia and has a turnover of roughly 850 million Euros. The
organization currently brings more than 55,000 employees together with 15,000 clients
from over 200 locations in 17 different countries.
About Connexys
Connexys is European expert in technological solutions for finding, matching, selecting
and retaining talent. The right person in the right position. Connexys has been specialist
in successfully addressing challenges in the field of resource management, such
as recruitment, hiring and labour mobility, since 2001. Want to fill a vacancy or find
someone for a task or project? Connexys allows purchasing, recruitment and HR to
work together efficiently.
More than 20,000 users are currentlyusing the Connexys solutions at over300 customers,
including AEGON, BAM, Boskalis, Engie, Friesland Campina, Heinz, KPMG, Manpower,
Randstad, Tempo-Team, TUI & Yacht.
Interested in brainstorming with us?
We connect ambitions. Not only by helping companies with our products, but also by
sharing our vision and advice. In partnership with our customers, we take a close look
at all stages of the user journey and the candidate journey. Together we achieve the
best results.
Wondering how Connexys can help you take recruitment to the next level? Feel free to
make an appointment for a consultation or a customised demo.
Connexys Head Office
K.P. van der Mandelelaan 68-70
3062 MB Rotterdam, The Netherlands
T +31 (0)10 41 33 906
F +31 (0)10 24 47 411
info@connexys.com
www.connexys.com/en
