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