A UX research project about an online jobs board
Overview
JobsDB, our client is the leading online job board and career marketplace in Hong Kong.
As the rise of social media has had a significant impact on the recruiting industry, JobsDB would like to explore and analyze the local competitor landscape focus on social media, and new opportunities being addressed through the use of new and innovative channels.
My Role
UX Research
Team
Yik Chung
Leona Chan
Melody Hung
Vivian Hui
Software
Figma,
Adobe illustrator
Objective
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To understand the user experience and behavior with JobsDB and social media and messager for job seeking.
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To study the changes in users' needs after they experienced social media and find out the Ideal features of the job search platform
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To discover new opportunities and provide suggestions for improving the user experience on job seeking.
Target Audience
Grey collar roles
( e.g. Part time workforce, hospitality, retail, etc. )
Secondary to Postgraduate or above
25-34
Hypothesis
We assumed that....
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Job seekers prefer the job searching process should be quick and easy.
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Job seekers prefer to use JobsDB for seeking full-time jobs and only use social media for seeking part-time jobs
Research Process
Research Methods
In-depth Interview
22
Interviewee
20
Question
Qualitative Research
6 Focus:
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Behavior/ Patterns
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Pain Points
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Expectations
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Thoughts & Feelings
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Experience with job searching platforms & New channels
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Suggestions
Insightful Quotes
“Applying for a job already requires a lot of effort on my side, why can’t companies also put in the same effort in their job ads to help people see if they are suitable right away?
- Kenny, 26 (F&B)
“I can compare hotels and appliances online, why can’t I do the same when looking for a job?
- Dan, 25 (F&B)
Survey
61
Interviewee
14
Question
Quantitative Research
7 Focus:
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Experience during & post Application
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Requirements of a Quality Job searching Platform
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Interviewees' Preference
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What Do They Value Most in Job Ad
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What Details Should be Added
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Post Application Expectations
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What Application Status Do They Want to Know
Important Number
92%
preferred using job searching websites
80%
want compare job function and more specific filters
98%
want to receive updates for company recruitment status
Affinity Map
We categorize key findings into :
6
Standard Criteria
1. Job Details
2. Reliability
3. Professionalism
4. Convenience
5. Systematisation
6. Insights
Analysis
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the details shown in job ads are important elements in improving users’ satisfaction in their job search.
Top 5 further details that they want for a better understanding of the job
1. Employee benefits
2. Actual working location
3. Company culture
4. Salary Information
5. Team Structure
2.
Direct message is the key to users using social media for job hunting
Interviewees think direct messaging is more reassuring to know they will reach a human on the other side compared to sending their application through the system where they are not 100% sure it will reach HR/hirer.
We also did a SWOT analysis to have a better understand the current job board industry in HK.
PainPoint
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Job ads do not have enough information relevant to users’ needs and want
2.
Long periods of uncertainty upon application submission
Most of the users having bad feelings when got no response after the job application.
Problem Statment
"How might we further enhance the quality of job ads to entice candidates to apply?"
"How might we keep people engaged and committed to using JobsDB post-application?"
User Persona
Solution
1.
Provide detailed jobs ads, espically in company culture & benefit, to the job seeker
According to our survey, we suggest incorporating, Employee benefits, Actual working location, Company culture, Salary Information, and Team Structure in job ads to showcase the company through text, video, and photos. This shows the human side of the company and the visuals help attract people’s attention.
More application statuses
Our interviewees understand that companies are not obligated to respond to every applicant, however, they would still like to be updated on the advertised position’s status to help manage their own expectations.
Our suggestion would be to add application statuses from the company’s side: Receiving Application, Screening Application Conducting Interview, and Job Filled
2.
3.
Advanced filter options for the searching process
our survey showed that users would like to have more filters such as benefits, work locations, and skills to help quickly narrow down their searches. Having an advanced filter option will enhance user experience and reduce their time sorting ads manually.
4.
Compare job ads function
job seekers need to compare job ads, they want to view and compare job duties, salary range, benefits, etc. at one glance. Many participants advised that they spend a lot of time scrolling and go back and forth between job ads of similar positions.
5. Direct Messaging
Our research finds out that the ideal way of job searching, interviewees would like to humanize the standard job search process and create a two-way communication channel so finding a job is not so one-sided. By creating an internal messaging system on JobsDB, will keep both candidates and employers on the platform and prevent data collection loss when the job search moves to email or phone calls.
User Journey Map
Competition Map
Implementing new features to address users’ pain points will increase the reliability and amount of information on the platform.
Colusion
1.
New application channels can't be a disruptive force to JobsDB
Based on our research, Jobsdb is still a leading platform in the job market since people still prefer using traditional job search platforms to find jobs. And we discovered the ideal job ads and gained an understanding of how people currently interact with JobsDB. By adding additional features that address their needs and wants, we anticipate that JobsDB will be able to attract more users from niche industries and keep both candidates and employers engaged on the platform.
Let's Connect!!
If you are thinking about offering an opportunity to me or would like to discuss a project, feel free to reach out!