How Lincoln Park Zoo Tamed Their Hiring Process

LINCOLN PARK ZOO

- LINCOLN PARK ZOO TAPPED HIREOLOGY FOR A MODERN HIRING PROCESS WITH DATA-DRIVEN SUCCESS -

A hiring process that fits every role

The Lincoln Park Zoo is one of the most historic zoos in North America in the heart of Chicago. While looking to staff across their wild assortment of hiring needs, their previous hiring process was outdated and clunky. Without an efficient technology solution in place, thousands of applicants were asked to submit their information to an email address that needed to be manually reviewed. Applications were then forwarded to the department’s hiring manager. 

Without a consistent process in place to identify top talent, Lincoln Park Zoo’s recruiting department had no insight into the process being run by hiring managers and no data to support their actions.

1
Applicants Reviewed
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Days to Hire
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Hires in 2021
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applicant review rate

A change for the better

Hireology partnered with Lincoln Park Zoo in 2018 to define the hiring processes for each position, by building out specific interview guides, ensuring hiring managers were able to run compliant processes that are also position-appropriate for roles like Animal Keepers, Horticulturists, and Wildlife Management.

“Before Hireology, we had an outdated and inefficient hiring process,” said LaDora Robinson-Locke, the zoo’s Human Resources Director. “We now have a consistent and compliant process that allows us to make decisions backed by data to hold hiring managers accountable.”

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Before Hireology, we had an outdated and inefficient hiring process. We now have a consistent and compliant process that allows us to make decisions backed by data to hold hiring managers accountable.”

– LaDora Robinson-Locke,
Human Resources Director at Lincoln Park Zoological Society

Automation made simple

From pre-screen surveys to background checks, the automated capabilities of Hireology’s all-in-one system give LaDora and her team peace of mind that they are only reviewing the highest quality applicants for their many open positions.

“I like that I can filter the prescreening survey to get through to figure out what’s important right now and what the non-negotiables are for a position,” said LaDora. “And once it’s completed by the applicant, I can see a score, immediately telling me if I want someone to continue on in the hiring process.”

Consistently improving the process

And Hireology insights give the recruiting team the ability to look into the reality of hiring managers’ actions and course-correct as needed.

“I love the insight reports,” said LaDora. She’s able to see which steps in the hiring process are lagging behind, and can make adjustments at all levels to ensure hiring efficiency.

A faster, more fair hiring process

In 2021, Lincoln Park Zoo received over 2,700 applicants for their specialized positions. The new process allows Lincoln Park Zoo to surpass their time to hire goal by 15 days, taking around a month to hire.

“I feel as though we are completely more efficient and fair,” said LaDora. “Across the hiring process for various positions, everyone’s asked the same questions.” This makes the zoo’s objective of hiring diverse talent much easier, as all candidates for the same position are run through the same interview process, allowing for equitable opportunity across the board. 

Thanks to the Lincoln Park Zoo for being such a great Hireology customer!

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