Image: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/07/15/16/07/internet-search-engine-1519471_960_720.jpg
Image credit: Pixabay
On May of 2017, tech giant Google entered the recruitment business by rolling out its very own job search engine. In a blog post, product manager Nick Zakresak explained that Google for Jobs is a company-wide initiative “focused on helping both job seekers and employers through deep collaboration with the job matching industry.” In essence, it is a search engine that collects job listings from all over the web. To make this work, Google has partnered with recruitment sites like CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Monster. Zakresak further explained that Google for Jobs builds on the Google Cloud Jobs API, which uses machine learning to streamline searches closest to a job seeker’s preferences. This feature is primarily how Google distinguishes itself from other job search sites today.
Did Google make the right move? Well, digital marketing consultant and University of California instructor John Lincoln has described it as a game-changer for recruiters. This is because Google for Jobs introduces a more efficient approach to the widely dreaded job hunt. It pulls up job listings from sites as soon as they’re posted and automatically eliminates any duplicates.
As a job seeker, how should you utilize Google for Jobs? One look through the user interface and you’d be surprised by how customizable and easy it is to use. You can start by typing “jobs” or “internships” in Google’s search bar. You’ll then notice a blue Jobs label appear in the results. From there, you can narrow your search by including other keywords in the search bar, such as “marketing” or “programming”.
If you click on the Jobs label box, you’ll be directed to a separate search page. This is where you can get more specific. For instance, Google for Jobs allows you to search by category, title, date posted, type, city, company type, and employer. Ayima’s November digital round-up discussed Google for Jobs in more detail, stating that it zones in on other essential data that Google has added to its job search. You can do specific searches relevant to your salary expectations and focus on specific locations to help narrow down your search for jobs available near you. With regard to location, you can even see information on how long it will take to commute to a certain regions. Google will also show you job listings from your preferred job site. So if you usually use Glassdoor, the engine will show listings from there and disregard duplicate listings from other sites.
When you select a posting, Google will show you an overview of the job description. You then have the option to apply directly without leaving the page. As for the searches you make, Google provides you the option to sign up for job alerts. If you turn on this feature, new search results related to your query will be sent directly to your email. Take note that Google for Jobs has also been optimized for mobile, so that you can look for listings on the go.
CNN reported that there were 6.7 million job openings at the end of April. While the news mentioned how there are now more openings than there are seekers, it also pointed out the fact that the current unemployment rate is higher than it was in the late 2000s. This means that an efficient tool like Google for Jobs is very much in need nowadays.
All in all, it usually takes an average of 10 weeks for an unemployed person to find a new job — although innovations like Google for Jobs may serve to shorten this process. Getting a new job is definitely more difficult today, since many recruiters are looking for talent with specific skills. So if you’re one of those job seekers, consider Career Treasure’s guide on how to fast-track your job search.
Content intended only for the use of careertreasure.com
Contributed by Allia Culver
Author bio: Allia Culver is a Sacramento-based HR consultant and mother of two with a passion for connecting people through technology. When she’s not working, she enjoys hiking and long walks with her children.
