550 words, 5 minute read.
The short: Looking for a job is hard. Job seekers need to use a ton of hiring resources, and struggle to know which jobs they should actually apply for. Google is set to bring their world-leading search algorithms to the job search with Google Cloud Jobs API and we want to tell you what it means for job seekers.
What is it?
A couple months ago Google Jobs announced the Google Cloud Jobs API. While still in beta, it is set to launch publicly in 2018. The API will be publicly available to companies to integrate directly into their service offering (What is an API?). Hiring resources and ATS systems will be able to use Google Jobs in the same way AirBNB uses Google maps.
Why should you care?
Instead of searching multiple job boards or company websites, you will be able to browse for opportunities directly on Google. Google explained that their world renowned search functionality will improve a job seeker’s experience by providing “the most relevant recommendations to job seekers, Cloud Jobs API uses machine learning to understand how job titles and skills relate to one another and what job content, location, and seniority are the closest match to a jobseeker’s preferences.”
Who should be worried?
Major job boards and aggregators have focused on a click-driven model, with a search process that is focused keyword matching titles. Currently, searches are organized not by skill or job summary, instead, they are listed by keywords in job titles. Because of this, job seekers are recommended jobs unrelated to them, which explains why 83% of candidates still rate their job search experience as poor.
Google has recognized that a lack of industry standards for defining and describing occupations has created a sizeable disconnect between attracting the right candidates and matching them with employers. Paired with the barrage of openings on job boards, and lack of job search organization, it is clear to see that this is an industry ripe for disruption.
Here is an example of how Google Search will improve the job search process:
As you can see – Google is looking to drive more contextually relevant search results with their Job Search Discovery.
So, Indeed is probably pretty worried.
What is the opportunity?
Software companies looking to differentiate in the job search ecosystem will need to focus less on delivering the job seeker opportunities as they are unlikely to be superior to Google Search. Instead thy will need to focus on delivering value in areas unrelated to search.
For companies like CareerJSM – who focus on improving the job search process for job seekers and our customers – Google Jobs API presents a large opportunity.
CareerJSM will be able to leverage Google Jobs API to deliver a superior search experience for job seekers directly in our application. After creating their resume and preparing to look for a job, job seekers will be able to search across the internet directly from the Google Jobs API.
We will let Google focus on finding opportunities while we focus on helping job seekers prepare to execute a successful job search, manage all opportunities they engage in, and help job seekers execute once they find opportunities.
If you want to learn more about how we will be leveraging Google Jobs API to improve employment outcomes for our job seekers, please book a demo and get in touch with our team.