Seeking examples of using Google Maps in Job Search/Display

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Permalink Reply by Scott Jacksoon on July 8, 2009 at 21:35

The new platform for CVB.co.nz coming out will have this... Monster.com has a mapping system pn selected jobs

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Shaw on July 9, 2009 at 12:23

dose Thomas get a sneak peek?

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Permalink Reply by Kate Harris on July 9, 2009 at 10:12

www.jobx.co.nz has this technology

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Shaw on July 9, 2009 at 12:24

Really? I can't seem to find it. quite confusing.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Jacobs on July 9, 2009 at 12:42

I'm not bought into the whole mashing google maps with job search / display thing. Yes, they look nice and web 2.0 and all, but are they really that vital for job seekers? Spotjobs.co.nz (R.I.P) had an enormous map on their homepage and I always wondered whether it really added to the job seeker experience. Do we need this extra level of complexity added in NZ and Oz? Challenge my thinking pls ... am I missing the point somehow?

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Permalink Reply by Eion Robb on July 9, 2009 at 13:01

The only benefits I could see maps having for job seekers is for helping them find the place of job interview, and as a tool to help filter out the 'fake' jobs that recruitment companies place to fish for CVs.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Shaw on July 9, 2009 at 13:12

Take this example.

Jason is currently looking for work in his local area close to home, he completes a general search using a form and the results are displayed all over the place. He then focuses his attention to zooming in on the map and finds jobs in his area.

He notices that the workplace is close to a train line, major shopping centre etc...
etc..

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Permalink Reply by Paul Jacobs on July 9, 2009 at 15:34

Good example Thomas and I can see how Jason could get some value from a map. Jason could even use Streetview and see how aesthetically pleasing a work location could be. I would prefer a virtual tour of the office, but that's just me. True, many jobseekers want to work in certain suburbs, close to transport etc. I quite like those boards that ask in the search the preferred radius from a locale - it would be cool if the job seeker could specify amenities they want to be close to. But there is always a danger of bloat - and sometimes all the bells and whistles distract from making a simple match and from employers showcasing their brands and roles.

What would be really useful is when Jason goes on a bender on a Friday night - as he stumbles from the train station on the way home, and passes a number of workplaces, his smart phone presents him with those workplaces that have work opportunities that meet Jason's capabilities and preferences.

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Permalink Reply by Thomas Shaw on July 10, 2009 at 2:27

My blog post here

Use of Google Maps in a Job Search
http://www.recruitmentdirectory.com.au/Blog/use-of-google-maps-in-a...

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Permalink Reply by Steve Wilson - CITI Recruitment on July 10, 2009 at 17:33

HI,

I used the My Maps feature and started to post my job adverts in the areas they were located - then when someone searched that area my Jobs would appear in the list - improved my SEo if nothing else..!
Don't think anyone else has done this yet..

I also played with SecondLife - used to hang around the Sapphire Technolgies building picking up canddiates ;-)

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