Josh, Thanks for the overview of this application. It looks like it can be helpful for tracking search activities for those of us who are wired for tracking our work electronically. Having used CRMs for sales and recruiting activities in the past, I find it very appealing. However,- as career consultant, I'm quite concerned about the jobs application focus. Remember most jobs are found via networking NOT applying to jobs. So targeting X number of applications sent per month might feel good temporarily but it really won't get the users of this application much closer to their ultimate goal. And, just like with any CRM, garbage in is garbage out. You can spend a lot of time entering data but if you aren't "beating the streets" in a productive manor. All you'll have is ... a lot of data. There needs to be a lot more networking activities planned/scheduled and happening then job applications sent in order for job seekers to land their next job. Did/could the developers include guidelines for how many activates in what area per month is most beneficial? Thanks again for the overview of this application. I hope you'll share my comments with the developers.
You must have read our minds, as this is exactly the direction we'll be taking Becomed next. We absolutely agree that networking is a primary source for finding your next job and managing your career, and we have a lot of new functionality around that in the works. We're planning a new networking section with controls and goals around that, as well as event management capabilities and analytic information to help you analyze and optimize your job search. We've actually already started working on this, and as we complete the various components we'll put them on Becomed for all to use.
It's gratifying to read your comments and know that we're on the right track with our plans for Becomed. We thrive on ideas and suggestions from our users and from experts such as yourself, and we'd love to hear your opinion on what Becomed should be. If you have more comments and suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact us directly at support@becomed.com
That is a great point. A successful job search is not based on the # of applications that go out. Becomed.com It is just a tool, and the results of anyone's job search will depend on how they use the tool. Though I don't think the system itself has a built in system or methodology. Based on conversations with the developers, the reporting of the # of applications was based on unemployment requirements to prove "active job seeking", whatever that means.
But you have inspired me! I'm going to do a video series on my job seeking methodology, using this tool (and others), just as soon as their next feature release comes out. Meanwhile, I'll pass on your comments to the developers and see if they'll get in touch. Perhaps a better way of tracking "info interviews" and networking is in order!
Joshua Waldman, MBA
Social media strategist since 2006.
Author of The New Connected Career; speaker|trainer|Consultant, and creator of The Job Seeker's Guide to Social Media. Read More...