Steve's Blog (for Jobseekers & those hiring)

I’m looking for feedback on the next generation of Web 2.0 tools that integrate formal job search into their functions.  Do they work, can they be improved? If you had the developers in front of you and could give them a tongue-lashing, what would you say?

I thought I would provide some examples of what I mean by “Web 2.0 tools integrating formal job search” here:

Jobirn.com – Insider Referral Network:

This site purports itself to offer “Real Time Job Chat with Company Insiders and Recruiters.”  It allows candidates to post profiles, upload resumes, and connect using existing instant messenger without having to be constantly logged in all of the time.   It also offers candidate search and job requisition upload for free to their site (granted that the number of resume downloads are based on the # of job postings you have up).

LinkedIn Jobs:

Tied to their web-based networking tool, job search on LinkedIn allows the added functionality of reaching out to contacts within your network to provide referrals, expertise requests, and the means to research jobs, firms, and potentially hiring managers.  On the recruiter side, LinkedIn is a valuable sourcing tool for accessing detailed information on prospects, for measured and controlled communication and a way to market yourself and your firm to potential hires.  NOTE: this is different from working directly for LinkedIn, as their job posts are listed elsewhereon their site.

Jobscore.com

Jobscore seems to be a direct competitor to Jobirn.com.  It ties traditional job search and requsition uploads to the social networking/Web 2.0 tools to provide closely matched hires for positions listed.

TwitterJobSearch.com:

I have blogged about this beta site before.  This site leverages a targeted job search function against Twitter’s vast onslaught of micro-posts to attain job realted leads for it’s users.  Reflective of the power of new media and how we can use it to obtain needed and necessary job lead information.  Will be as useful as Twitter stays around.

Have at it!  Or better yet, let them have it!  Either post here with your comments on how they should change, be improved, cease to exist, or do better at bringing you the job leads you need.  Also, if you have any other recommendations on sites that provide similar services, let me know and I will blog about them.

Thanks.