THE YORK firm behind a new virtual job interview software programme is preparing to move to new offices as big contract wins demand a bigger team of staff.

Shortlister.com, currently based at York St John University's Phoenix Centre, was created to allow businesses to interview candidates with avatars - a virtual representation of the interviewer.

Following its commercial launch in February, the business's client now boasts Britain’s Top Employer and globally recognised fast food chain, a national mobile phone retailer, a Virgin Fast Track 100 company and a host of specialist recruitment agencies.

In light of business growth the Shortlister team has welcomed three news members of staff, with further positions due to be appointed over coming months.

The expanding team has resulted in the business investing in new premises in the York RI building in Queen Street, the business set to move in October this year.

Josh Mills, marketing and communications coordinator at Shortlister said: "It has been amazing the amount of maturity we have seen in the market in the past 12 months.

"Although we cannot name many of new clients at the moment it has been fantastic to win these contracts and we have other big names on the horizon."

A s well as securing new customers the team of five at Shortlister have been developing the product with an iOS mobile app for Apple devices currently under review, and several new features added to the platform including rolling deadlines, which allow larger companies recruiting volumes to continuously interview candidates, and automated rejection emails.

The Shortlister programme was developed by David Dewey in a bid to save employers time in the initial selection process by simulating real-life interviews, as well as managing liaison and feedback with candidates.

He said: "The advances in video conferencing and call technology in recent years have led to a dramatic increase in the use of video devices in every aspect of our lives, and recruiters are now taking advantage of these benefits.

"By using an avatar to conduct the interview, our software ensures that the process is professional and consistent while also enabling the recruiting company to hire higher quality candidates.

"For candidates, it makes the experience as natural as possible, simulating interaction with a real person."

In the early stages of the business David Dewey worked with the founder of clothing chain Republic, Tim Whitworth, who saw the potential in Shortlister.com and invested a substantial amount in the company to aid the technology in coming to market.