Is ResumePal the Answer?

In an informal survey I performed last week utilizing many social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, and LinkedIn, job seekers’ dissatisfaction with the application process was identified as the top issue. With well over 50 comments in the form of emails, direct messages, answers, and general remarks, the response was overwhelmingly positive. Participants in the survey voiced concern about the length of the hiring process, particularly with the Talent Management Tracking Systems that the majority of mid- to large-sized businesses use to manage their job openings and applicant flow.

@JenniferHarper commented like many, (Biggest frustration) probably creating an account and entering your information on every organization’s website over and over again.

According to candidate evaluations and skill questionnaires that are required as part of the application process, candidates typically spend more than 20 to 30 minutes creating profiles and submitting applications for job board websites like Monster and CareerBuilder, and occasionally even longer for company specific career sites.

Job Fox, a company formed in 2004 aims to bring candidates and companies together with a new tool called, ResumePal.  ResumePal is a new service released earlier this year that hopes to make the application process easier for job seekers.  Candidates can visit www.jobfox.com or www.resumepal.com and create a candidate profile online once and have the ability to apply to thousands of company career sites.  Steven Toole, the VP of Employer Marketing compares ResumePal to PayPal.  Much like PayPal, job seekers can use the ResumePal service as a way to universally apply for positions.  Companies and Talent Management Systems who use ResumePal can do so at no cost which certainly makes the new tool attractive.

The main challenge for Job Fox will not just be getting applicants to visit their website and build a profile, but also persuading millions of businesses to make use of the free service. Even though ResumePal is a free tool for businesses, most businesses struggle to handle antiquated and pricey talent management systems. And most businesses, who have cut back on non-profit departments like Human Resources, Recruiting, and Information Technology during the present economic crisis, do not place updating career service sites at the top of their priority lists.

According to Cheezehead.com, Job Fox has also felt the effects of the what Job Fox called the new normal economy.  In early February 2009, Job Fox restricted its sales force and laid off 30 sales representatives.    For most  job seekers and recruiting professionals included, the jury is still out for ResumePal.

Jessica Miller-Merrell, SPHR is a new mother to Ryleigh (pictured above), blogger, human resource professional, and social media enthusiast.  Jessica’s blog at www.blogging4jobs.com provides job seekers tips and tricks for the job hunt allowing them to learn the unwritten rules of the job search.  Jessica’s upcoming book scheduled to be released this fall is called Tweet This! Her book discusses Twitter business strategies for small business, non-profits, and consultants.  You can follow Jessica on Twitter @blogging4jobs.