Ranjit blogs about his experiences here. Some interesting comments also.
If a new portal aims to replicate Naukri, Monster or Times–all very successful ‘vanilla’ platform models– that would not work since the space is already clutterred. If it aims to go beyond ‘vanilla’ and also value add that recruiting vendors do, then that will limit scalability with clients. Therefore a 100% Tech enabled value add led by new-age technology that matches Profiles with job descriptions to get ‘the right fit’, could be an idea that is innovative — and if another idea on the Sources of Revenue (from candidates rather than companies) is implemented, perhaps disruptive as well to the way existing portals operate.
Well, I disagree with Ranjit. Technology that attempts to match resumes with job descriptions will be open to manipulation by smart jobseekers and end up wasting a lot more time of the clients. I would be a lot more interested if jobsites can leverage the existing social networks where Indians hang out. Making apps that make sharing and applying to jobs and ride on the platforms that Orkut and Facebook provide. Wonder why nobody has thought of that?
Jatar has some thoughts on management structures for startups also
In addition , I would urge all budding entrepreneurs who plan to partner to also spend quality time–as they would do building up their business plans — to carve out strategic and operational Roles at the outset. I would strongly advise co-founders to work out a Founders agreement during the incubation phase where future situations and how they would be tackled are thought through. Perhaps –and it would be interesting to get reader comments – it may not be a bad idea to also have a “First among equals” leadership Role assigned to one of the co founders at the outset for operational and strategic business decisions that will need to be taken after the launch( eg a casting vote in Board meetings) , though there would obviously be guardrails in place to ensure that consensus is enshrined for key strategic decisions e.g. exits, new partners, changes to Founders agreement etc.
Blogged with the Flock Browser
In USA, the job-search portal market is moving towards more emphatic, emotional search. Instead of matching resumes to jobs, it is now matching skills to jobs. You don't just upload a resume anymore, you enlist your skills, state your dream job scenario and those are the attributes that are used to match relevant jobs for you now. Interesting,right
ReplyDeleteI wonder how this new trend will manifest in the Indian market...
Jinal Shahs point is absolutely right by emphasising the need to go beyond a "vanilla" of trying to match Resumes with Jobs. Gautam, commenting on the need to innovatively use social network channels and use technology productively to "link up" with them is also correct. In fact what he says does not differ from what I have said --he has added a channel link to Tech ( which I had not covered in my Blog on venturewoods for various reasons including the need to keep my post concise). Thanks both Jinal and Gautam for your views.
ReplyDeleteRanjit Jatar
Gautam, do not agree with you that the Referral jobsite idea in India is premature....Reffster is an idea which will change the way recruitments are done and this takes time. Like Jobster in the US give Reffster 2 years before you decide to write us off.
ReplyDeleteDo not forget it took Naukri a number of years before they tasted success.
What matters is that the people behind Reffster still have the conviction in thier idea. We do not think exit of a team member makes any difference.
Arun Yadav
Founder
Reffster.com
Gautam - Stale news.I got a mail from reffster early march about ranjeets exit.In my opinion founding member exiting soo early could mean anything-including being asked to leave.
ReplyDeleteSuggest get the other 2 founders to respond.
Arun is right that Reffster must get more time.... It was my baby too when it was born and its success even though I am not involved on the website any more is important to me. My comments on the venturewoods Blog emphasising the need for high technology is in line with what Reffster has attempted. There are a number of ways to take high Tech forward though and Gautams idea /innovation suggested is very interesting.
ReplyDeleteWell.... This surely shows that Jatar has left after a tiff with board members. A few things that raise a question...
ReplyDelete* Arun's viewpoint that people dont make any difference. Really?
* Jatar's blog post - is it meant to defend his reputation after exit?
* The NEW idea - is it not really a stolen idea considering that Yellojobs.com and techtribe started this earlier?
I think what really MATTERS in this specific business & should have been planned in the business forecast to avoid losing patience are ...
1. Time (Referral process takes longer)
2. Money (Revenue is more volume based - since margins are low)
3. Employer Relationship (Strong BD guys required since this business depends a lot on trust & closelooping)
4. Advertise budget for cross-media (other than only internet) - In India even internet companies place ads in print,TV, etc.
5. Ability to quickly adapt - as its a new concept and many market feedback points may be urgent to implement.
WDYS??