WorkWise
Enlighten your job search with WorkWise: a chrome extension that allows users to apply for jobs across multiple platforms through a single interface.
Problem Space
Problem Statement
How might we simplify the job searching process for job seekers so they may apply for more jobs while staying organized and avoiding burnout?
Problem Background
Job seekers often apply for jobs across multiple platforms, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, making keeping track of their applications challenging. They may have to log in to each platform separately and manually track the status of each application, which is time-consuming and can lead to missed opportunities.
According to a survey conducted by Jobvite in 2021, 87% of job seekers use at least two job search websites during their job search process, and 26% use three or more. In addition, a study by Indeed in 2018 found that the average job seeker applies to 27 jobs before receiving a job offer. A survey by Ladders in 2019 found that the average job seeker spends about 11 hours per week searching for jobs, and according to a survey by CareerBuilder in 2018, 54% of job seekers feel that searching for a job is a full-time job in itself.
Research Insights
User Pain Points
Our research, conducted through Instagram, Linkedin, and Co.Lab Sprint 18 participants, involved a survey consisting of 28 job-seekers. The survey allowed us to identify major themes and pain points in the job-seeking process, including:
- Job seekers use multiple job search platforms to apply for jobs
- Job seekers find it difficult to keep track of their job applications across platforms
- Job seekers desire a simplified job-hunting experience
Supporting Data
- 27% of jobs seekers find it very overwhelming to manage job applications
- 32% of job seekers find it very important to have all of their applications in one place
- 32% of job seekers want a more effortless job-searching experience
- 39% of job seekers don’t have a way of staying organized during their job search
- 41% of job seekers found it very important to stay organized during their job search
Feedback
Preliminary user research has revealed that job seekers increasingly use multiple job search platforms during their job-seeking process, making it difficult to stay organized and keep track of each application. Research has also revealed how time-consuming job applications can be for job-seekers, leading to exhaustion and frustration with the process. Our research highlights the need for a simplified job search process that helps job-seekers to stay organized and avoid burnout.
Landing on the Solution
Based on the identified user pain points, we want to build a solution for the following:
- Simplify the job application process by allowing users to apply for jobs across multiple platforms through a single interface
- Centralize job applications from multiple platforms into a single spreadsheet that is easy to manage and organize
- Allow users to track the status of each job application through the spreadsheet, so they can stay up-to-date and follow up if necessary
- Improve the user experience and satisfaction with the job application process"
Explanation of Solution
Workwise will be a chrome extension that allows users to apply for jobs across multiple platforms through a single interface. The extension will then convert the job applications into a working spreadsheet that will be saved on the user’s computer. The spreadsheet will include details about each job application, such as the job title, company name, salary range, job platform, application status, and date, if applicable.
Users will be able to track the status of each job application through the spreadsheet. The extension will also alert users when there is a change in the status of the job application, such as when the application is viewed, when an interview is scheduled, and when the application is rejected.
User Flows/Mockups
Future Steps
While WorkWise aims to simplify the job-seekers job search experience holistically, it would be beneficial to roll out the extension in stages. Stage 1 would target the pain point of applying to multiple jobs simultaneously through a single interface.
Stage 1:
- Conduct market research to identify user needs and pain points related to job search
- Identify the top job platforms that users are likely to apply to
- Determine the best way to integrate with each job platform for easy job application submission
- Design the user interface and user experience for easy job application submission
- Develop the MVP version of the web extension that integrates with the identified job platforms
- Test the extension with a group of beta users to ensure easy job application submission
- Address any issues or bugs found during testing
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Cheyanne Norman
Co.Lab was a very rewarding experience for me.
It taught me to fall in love with the problem and not the solution. Focusing on the problem allowed me to evolve with the problem as I conducted my user research.
I also learned to keep an agile mindset. I iterated my problem statement countless times, but by keeping an agile mindset, it allowed me to detach myself from any preconceived ideas I had and pivot quickly as my research evolved over time.
MVPs help you to avoid waste! Your product doesn’t have to hit the market with all the bells and whistles you originally envisioned it with. Launch your product slowly, allow user feedback to guide you, and help you avoid wasting time in resources on features that aren’t relevant.
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
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As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
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As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.