Abstract:
An automated system and method for storing information from employment seeking candidates, evaluating each candidate&#39;s job-related qualifications based on criteria set by the employer, quickly eliminating unqualified candidates, and tracking the source that referred the candidate.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention is directed, in general, to an automated system and method for matching job seekers with employers having available positions, based on the job seeker&#39;s qualifications and employer&#39;s job requirements. In particular, the invention is directed to a online (World Wide Web) and/or voice-response system for storing information from employment seeking candidates, evaluating each candidate&#39;s job-related qualifications based on criteria set by the employer, quickly eliminating unqualified candidates, and tracking the source that referred the candidate.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     For many years, employment agencies (sometimes called search firms) have been attempting to match job candidates to specific job criteria as required by employers. Most employment agencies receive payment only for those positions which they fill with qualified employee candidates. Therefore, in a highly competitive environment, speed in identifying and presenting candidates and presenting to potential employers is very important. It is also extremely important to be able to handle a large number of potential candidates in various fields in order to be in the best position to fill employers&#39; job requirements as they open.  
         [0003]     The most commonly known method of matching personnel to job specification criteria requires a person trained in job placement skills to manually review documents such as resumes and other qualifications related documents while comparing such documents to criteria specified by the potential employer. Such a manual system has several drawbacks. It is obviously very slow in most cases since there is no fast way to sort unqualified candidates from qualified candidates on a large-scale basis. In addition, it can be very time-consuming and therefore quite costly. Further, the amount of applicants may be limited if much of the information about the candidates must be remembered by the search consultants themselves. The amount of candidates may also be limited by the factors such as the geographical location of the job placement center, interpersonal skills of the interviewer, and failure to widely distribute notice of the available position or failure to distribute notice to the appropriate group of individuals. Use of such a system makes it difficult to identify and present a list of qualified candidates together with resumes and other needed information to the requestor in a short period of time.  
         [0004]     Some automated systems for selecting personnel based on job criteria do exist. The majority of these systems merely store information regarding the qualifications of various candidates in a computer database as, for example, in the form of resumes. The searcher then types in certain key words which relate to the job qualification criteria hoping to match the key words with the job criteria. Such systems are limited by the fact that the use of keywords is very imprecise. This is due to the fact that job titles and, in particular, technological slang terms or “buzz” words have meanings which vary quite extensively from employer to employer and from one region to another. Further, such systems are not “user friendly” because they often require significant training and experience with the system before it can be used effectively. Such systems are further limited by misspellings which can commonly occur in large databases and which may cause candidates to be missed by a key word approach. Furthermore, these systems lack automated methods for immediately determining whether each candidate applying for a position meets the criterion for that particular position, while the application process is still being completed.  
         [0005]     High speed, a low cost to hire, and quality candidates are the keys to any successful recruitment program in today&#39;s rapid-fire employment market. Downloading resumes from a database saves time but there remains a need for a resume screening process that utilizes an understanding of the available position, the respective business and employer&#39;s needs to select suitable candidates for employment.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     In many ways the present invention performs much of the traditional functions of an employment agency. For instance, job-seeking candidates can submit resumes and various job preferences, or express interest in a particular position available, and the employer (“clients”) are saved the time and expense it would cost for them to find qualified applicants on their own. Recruiting, like most tasks, is vastly improved by computer automation and the Internet. The present invention makes use of both to offer advantages and improvements over previous systems by, among other things, providing a logically-reasoned though fully-automated and user-friendly method for determining in real-time whether a candidate suits a particular job based on the candidate&#39;s qualifications and client specifications.  
         [0007]     The present invention incorporates client-established requirements to screen candidates with the particular job-related criteria supplied by potential employers. Using the clients own criteria to screen candidates yields intelligently chosen candidates who are best suited for the available position, which is comparable to that of an experienced human recruiter. However, the present invention is much more versatile and cost-effective because clients from diverse industries can supply and tailor their criterion to suit their own particular needs, which may include details related to highly specialized areas. The screening criteria may include tests which evaluate the candidate&#39;s technical proficiency, work-related skills, fit with company culture, or any other area which the client deems pertinent to the position. The candidate&#39;s results may thereafter be reviewed by the client. Preferably, any questions posed to the candidate are answered by picking from multiple choice, yes or no, or otherwise easily gradable.  
         [0008]     The present invention may be accessible online at an internet website in its entirety, but also offer certain features via a telephonic voice recognition system.  
         [0009]     The present invention may be accessed by directly typing in the uniform resource locator (URL) of its host website, via hyperlink on a client&#39;s web page, or by using an internet search engine such as Metacrawler, Yahoo, Infoseek, etc. Preferably, clients pay a system usage fee for each candidate upon that candidate completing the registration process. Additionally, banner ads, buttons, or the like, that comprise links to the present invention may be incorporated in various other websites, such as Salon.com, Amazon.com or Ebay.com for example, thus increasing the group of possible candidates and providing convenient access to the inventive system. The present invention makes note of how each candidate arrives to its host site, and may thereafter pay a referral fee, if appropriate. Preferably, a referral fee is paid only if the candidate fully completes the registration process, thus providing incentive for referral sites to promote links with the present invention, and to encourage each candidate to complete the registration process. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0010]     The advantages, and the system and apparatus of the present invention will be understood from the following description taken together with the drawings, in which:  
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of a system for implementing the method of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram of the method for implementing another aspect of the present invention;  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the administration system feature of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 4  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the “modify positions” aspect of the administration system;  
         [0015]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the “find a job seeker” aspect of the administration system;  
         [0016]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the “gatekeeper” aspect of the administration system;  
         [0017]      FIG. 7  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the “hotline administration” aspect of the administration system; and,  
         [0018]      FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the “request a report” aspect of the administration system;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9  is a flow chart illustrating operation of the “hired protection system” feature of the present invention; 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0020]      FIGS. 1 through 9  illustrate an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0021]     In  FIG. 1 , a candidate enters the web site of the operator of system  10  from a client&#39;s homepage, as illustrated by process steps  12  through  16 . Each new transfer from a client homepage at process step  12  to system  10  accrues an identifying “token” at step  14 . Preferably, these tokens are used to charge the client for each candidate entering system  10  that fully completes the registration process.  
         [0022]     A first page comprising a main menu with selectable options is presented to the candidate at process step  16 . This represents the candidate&#39;s first contact with the inventive system. Preferably, the present invention comprises a first page and series of following pages for each individual client. It is preferred to have pages for each client that substantially resemble the style and substance of the client&#39;s own homepage, thus appearing as though the present invention is part of the client&#39;s website.  
         [0023]     In this embodiment, the main menu in process step  16  offers three options. Preferably, each option may be accessed by a representation of a three-dimensional button which may be “pushed” by placing the mouse pointer on it and clicking the left mouse button. At process step  16 , the candidate may search for jobs by job category, update his or her resume or search for jobs by location.  
         [0024]     If the candidate chooses to search for jobs by job category, a new menu is presented to the candidate comprising the available jobs listed by category as established by the client from whose homepage the candidate entered system  10 . Preferably, each new menu is a “pop-up” type menu. Process step  18  illustrates a menu as an example showing that the client has available positions as a programmer and sales representative. Selecting either job category would provide new menus, as illustrated in process steps  20 ,  22 ,  24  and  26 , listing further information regarding the available positions and providing the candidate with the opportunity to apply.  
         [0025]     If the candidate selects to search by location, process steps  28 ,  30 ,  32 ,  34 ,  36 ,  38  and  40  illustrate menus which are generated according to the candidate&#39;s geographical preferences showing the available positions at each location.  
         [0026]     The remaining option in the main menu of process step  16  provides the opportunity for the candidate to update his or her resume. Candidates choosing to update their resume have entered system  10  at this client&#39;s particular page previously and submitted a resume. These candidates are immediately directed to the registration manager in process step  42 . Preferably, a candidate must go through the registration process and submit a resume for each client even if that candidate has undergone the registration process for another client. Furthermore, the candidate may be made to go through the registration process as many times as that candidate applies for different positions with the same client. This may depend on the relative degree of similarity between the particular positions or client specifications.  
         [0027]     The registration manager illustrated in process step  42  of this embodiment prompts the candidate for identification to proceed within system  10 . Each candidate is provided with a unique Universal Identification Number (UIN), and may choose a password. A candidate entering system  10  to update his or her resume must enter the information he or she received previously. Preferably, the candidate must correctly enter their password only when returning to process step  42  of system  10 , or when returning to password-required areas of system  10  from non-password-required areas of system  10  or another website.  
         [0028]     After the candidate submits the pertinent data in process step  42 , a search for the candidate&#39;s resume in client&#39;s database  44  is performed in process step  46 . If it exists, the resume template, with information as previously submitted by the candidate, is displayed on the screen in process step  48  and it can be updated by the candidate. If a resume does not already exist, the candidate is presented with client&#39;s job specific questions in process step  50 . Preferably, these questions are multiple choice, answerable by a “yes” or “no”, or otherwise capable of being evaluated and scored immediately in process step  52 . The scoring feature is optional and the values for each question may be set by the client. If the candidate meets the criteria, the candidate will be directed to submit further information in process step  48 . If the candidate does not meet the criteria, then the candidate will be directed to the main menu of process step  16 , as illustrated in process step  54 , where the candidate may select a different position or quit the search.  
         [0029]     Preferably, the resume template, illustrated as process step  48  in this embodiment, comprises a plurality of defined areas for entering data. This data may include any information typically found in a resume, such as objectives, previous employment, technical experience, education, professional skills, affiliations, etc. The resume template may also include areas for the candidate to provide written responses to questions provided by the client. For example, the client may provide an area for the candidate to explain why he or she believes they should be hired by the client.  
         [0030]     Newly submitted information or updated resumes entered in process step  48  are directed to the client&#39;s resume database  44 , and a copy is also stored in database  56  of system  10 .  
         [0031]     Another aspect of the invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Here, a candidate enters the website of the operator of system  10  via a link from a web site other than the client. The web site the candidate originated from, that is, the referral source, is noted by system  10  which generates a “token” identifying the referral source in step  60 .  
         [0032]     Preferably, a referral fee is paid only when the candidate has fulfilled the requirements necessary to earn a system usage fee (i.e., fully completes the registration process) from the client. System  10  notes each candidate and the referral source. If the candidate does not fulfill the requirements to earn a system usage fee, but returns to system  10  at some later time and does so, the referral source then earns its referral fee. Preferably, this holds true even if the candidate returns to system  10  from a second source other than the first referral source. However, if the candidate were to enter system  10  from the second source, after fulfilling the requirements as described above, and apply for a position with a different client, that second source has potentially earned a referral fee.  
         [0033]     After entering system  10 , a screen listing available job opportunities is displayed to the candidate in process step  62 , which may be include information regarding the client, type of position or location of position. If the candidate is interested in applying for a position, he or she is directed to the registration manager screen in process step  64 , which is analogous to process step  42  in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated in process steps  66 - 70 , a previously registered candidate may update his or her resume or further pursue a job search. If the candidate is not registered, the candidate will be asked to fill out the resume template in process step  70 . The completed resume template is kept in the system database  72 . If there is a reason to contact the candidate, such as an available position that the candidate may be qualified for, based on information provided in the resume template screen, such as skills, experience, job preferences, etc., the candidate will be notified in process step  74 , preferably by email.  
         [0034]     Preferably, the candidate may eliminate particular employers from consideration or choose to restrict certain personal information from being forwarded to certain clients in process step  70 .  
         [0035]     After the resume template in process step  70  is completed, the candidate is directed to the menu in process step  76 . The menu comprises options for searching available positions by job category and by location, as in process step  16 . Process step  76  illustrates a further option allowing the candidate to access a specific position by entering a reference code, such as an alphanumeric identifier. Each position is given a unique reference code. Entering a reference code in process step  76  directs the candidate to that job description in process step  106 , and then on to the client-specific questions in process step  108 .  
         [0036]     In this embodiment, after the candidate selects a job to apply for, he or she is directed to the client&#39;s page within the present invention, as described in the discussion of  FIG. 1 . Therefore, a candidate passing from process step  76  into process steps  78  through  108  would be in the same series of pages or screens as if the candidate had entered the inventive system from a client&#39;s homepage.  
         [0037]     If the candidate is not qualified, process step  112  directs the candidate to the menu illustrated in process step  76 . If the candidate successfully completes the client-specific questions, the candidates resume, i.e., data entered in process step  70 , is transferred to the client resume database in process step  114 .  
         [0038]     Process step  116  provides the opportunity for the client to review and approve a candidate&#39;s submission of information. The client may also wish to set the present invention to automatically approve of candidates that fully complete the registration process. Preferably, approval of a candidate in process step  116  triggers a referral source check and payment of the referral fee, as illustrated in process steps  118  and  120 .  
         [0039]      FIGS. 3-8  illustrate the administration system of the above embodiment of the present invention. As shown in process step  130 , entry to this area is restricted, thus maintaining confidentiality and the security of the system. Access may be granted to those client administrators for all or only some functions and areas within the inventive system. For example, a designation, such as in this embodiment: enterprise, corporation, multi-business unit corporation, region, etc., may be used to indicate the level of security accessible Process step  136  illustrates the administrative options in this embodiment.  
         [0040]     The “modify positions” option is illustrated by process steps  138 - 152  in  FIG. 4 . Preferably, various positions are predefined in the inventive system, thus allowing the client administrator to enter the inventive system and quickly open new positions in any desired location.  
         [0041]     The “find a job seeker” option is expanded in  FIG. 5 , and as illustrated by process steps  154 - 166 , allows the client administrator to search their client database for candidate information by identification number, name or position. In this embodiment, the search may be further defined by entering the time period the candidate submitted information or by the location in which the candidate expressed interest, as illustrated by process step  158 . Candidates resumes may be viewed, printed, sent via e-mail, or locked. Preferably, resumes are locked while those candidates are being considered for a position with the client.  
         [0042]     The “gatekeeper” option is expanded in  FIG. 6 . In this embodiment, there are three accessible areas within process step  182 . The security function, as illustrated by process steps  206 - 208 , allows the client gatekeeper to control the amount and duration of resume locks available to each administrator. The utility function, illustrated by process steps  210 - 222 , provides a means for sending email broadcasts to candidates, generate reports and create general press releases to be transmitted via email to candidates that were interested in being on the client&#39;s mailing list. The resume function in process step  182  comprises a menu in process step  184  providing various options regarding the client&#39;s collection of resumes. Resumes may also be manually added to the client database as illustrated in process step  186 . Resumes may be modified or deleted as illustrated in process steps  194 - 196  and  188  and  198 . Resumes may be approved or rejected in process steps  200  and  202  by the client if that client has not chosen to automatically approve those candidates that have completed the registration process. If the client has chosen automatic approval, then incomplete registration would result in a rejection and the candidate would be notified by their chosen method of notification and asked to submit the missing information. The client may manually adjust the candidate&#39;s score in process step  204 . For example, a client may wish to add or subtract points based on a telephone interview.  
         [0043]     Process step  190  allows the gatekeeper to remove locks which are placed on candidates during the hiring process as also illustrated in  FIG. 5 , and mark candidates as hired in process step  192 . Preferably, marking the candidate as hired prevents that candidate&#39;s resume from any further searches for available candidates but does not remove the candidate&#39;s resume from system database  72 .  
         [0044]     The “hotline administration” function is expanded in  FIG. 7 . This embodiment of the present invention comprises an automated voice response system for applying for available positions in addition to the inventive online system. Changes made using the online hotline administration functions make immediate changes to the automated voice response system program. Preferably, the voice response system is used for positions which the client feels does not necessitate formal resume submission. Candidates may submit information through the phone. If a candidate using the voice response system decides to apply for a position where a resume is required, the candidate will be prompted to use the online system or given a mailing address and phone number. Process steps  234 ,  252 ,  254 , and  256  allow the client administrator to set the available interview times to be filled automatically by the present invention. It is preferred to preset an interview schedule for only certain types of job openings. The modify positions process step  236  is the same as that described by process step  138  in  FIG. 4 . Find a job seeker in process step  240  is the same as process step  154  in  FIG. 5  except that it would search candidates that have been pre-screened in the hotline administration whereas the resume system allows the client to view candidates that have submitted resume information in the inventive system. Requesting a report in process step  244  directs the client through process step  168  in  FIG. 8  although the resulting report would regard the hotline administration system.  
         [0045]     The training function in process step  248  directs the client administrator to an online training system on the different features of the present invention. The homepage function in process step  250  transfers the client administrator from the administration system to the present invention&#39;s homepage. The system settings function in process steps  246 , and  268 - 272 , provide a mechanism for changing telephone “scripts”, checking statistical data regarding calls to the system, and adjusting voice response settings. The auto outreach function in process step  238  and  256 - 266  allows the client to contact various agencies, such as community organizations, employment agencies, the department of labor, school career offices, etc., to send notification of newly available positions.  
         [0046]     The “request a report” option is expanded in  FIG. 8  as illustrated by steps  168 - 176 . The administrator may view and select from pre-designed reports comprising various system performance data or order a custom made report comprising the particular categories desired. Some of the types of reports are listed below:  
         [0047]     SELECT REPORT LISTING—List and description of all reports available.  
         [0048]     ALL POSITION INFORMATION REPORT—Listing of open positions and all positions that have ever been activated by a particular location. Also provides general information about the activated positions.  
         [0049]     INTERVIEW REPORT—List of interviews scheduled during the current interview schedule window, or for a date or range of dates selected. This report can be used for past or present interviews.  
         [0050]     GENERAL QUESTIONS SCRIPT REPORT—List of all general questions now being asked as part of the Evaluation Survey, the order in which asked, and the acceptable answers.  
         [0051]     POSITION SPECIFIC QUESTIONS SCRIPT REPORT—List of all position specific questions now being asked as part of the Evaluation Survey; the order in which asked, and the acceptable answers.  
         [0052]     CALLBACK SYSTEM CANCELLATION REASONS—Detail of reasons, caller by caller, as to why they canceled an interview appointment.  
         [0053]     NAMED ADVANCE INTERVIEW REPORT—List of interviews scheduled during the current interview schedule window, or for a date or range of dates selected.  
         [0054]     PASSING CALLER RESULTS SUMMARY—List of applicants who passed the evaluation for a specified date range. Includes: interview date, time, and score.  
         [0055]     FAILING CALLER RESULTS SUMMARY—List of applicants who failed the evaluation for a specified date range. Includes: call status and score.  
         [0056]     CORPORATE POSITION LIST BY DISCIPLINE—List of all positions sorted by name.  
         [0057]     CORPORATE POSITION LIST BY POSITION NUMBER—List of all positions sorted by number.  
         [0058]     OPEN POSITION SCHEDULE REPORT—List of open positions, their respective interview schedules, the number of interview slots remaining available, if always open, if wait list active.  
         [0059]     AUTO-OUTREACH NOTIFICATION REPORT—Auto Agency Notification Report.  
         [0060]     AUTO OUTREACH AGENCY LIST REPORT—Lists all job agencies you notify about open positions.  
         [0061]     AUTO AGENCY PERIOD STATUS REPORT—Lists all job agencies you notify about open positions.  
         [0062]     INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY REPORT—Total number of interviews scheduled and interview slots remaining in current interview window.  
         [0063]     GENERAL QUESTION RESPONSE REPORT—Summary of responses to general questions. Order by date or date range.  
         [0064]     ALL QUESTION RESPONSE REPORT—Detail of responses to all questions for all positions. Order by date or date range.  
         [0065]     GENERAL QUESTION RESPONSE REPORT—List of all general questions (with text) and responses. Order by date or date range.  
         [0066]     REAL TIME CALLER STATISTICS REPORT—Details of all calls with breakdown of how processed. Order by date or date range.  
         [0067]     INTERVIEW SCHEDULING RESULTS—Detail of all calls (called, ssn entered, interview scheduled) with breakdown by how many processed. Order by date or date range.  
         [0068]     USAGE ANALYSIS REPORT—Daily breakdown of hourly call volume. Order by date or date range.  
         [0069]     POSITION SELECTION TOTALS—Counts passing applicants by position selections.  
         [0070]     ZIP CODE SELECTION TOTALS—Counts number of callers in each entered zip code, along with its pass/fail count.  
         [0071]     EVALUATION LINE DAILY STATISTICS—Daily breakdown of calls in the Evaluation line by date range.  
         [0072]     SCHEDULING LINE DAILY STATISTICS—Daily breakdown of calls in the Scheduling line by date range.  
         [0073]     CORPORATE QUESTION LIBRARY—List of approved interview questions and question codes.  
         [0074]     CORPORATE APPLICANT STATUS LIBRARY—List of Applicant Status codes and message text.  
         [0075]     CORPORATE POSITION DESCRIPTIONS—List of Corporate Positions with the full descriptions heard by callers.  
         [0076]     ONLINE REPORT LISTING—List and description of all reports available on the present invention&#39;s website.  
         [0077]     DAILY RESUME ENTRY REPORT—List of resumes received by date or date range selected. Same report that can be automatically sent on weekdays.  
         [0078]     RESUME ENTRY NOTIFICATION—A report of containing a summary of one resume after it is entered by the job seeker.  
         [0079]     INDIVIDUAL FORMATTED RESUME—A formatted, printable resume for an individual.  
         [0080]     INVENTORY OF STORED RESUMES—LOCATION—Inventory of Stored Resumes—Location Level  
         [0081]     RESUME FILED DROP DOWN CHOICES—List of all dropdown box choices for field found on the resume tabs.  
         [0082]     DAILY RESUME ENTRY REPORT—List of resumes received by day or date range selected. Same report that can be automatically sent on weekdays.  
         [0083]     RESUME ENTRY REPORT BY POSITION—List of resumes received by position.  
         [0084]     RESUME ENTRY REPORT BY LOCATION—List of resumes received by day or date range selected. Same report that can be automatically set on weekdays. This is sorted by location rather than date.  
         [0085]     INVENTORY OF STORED RESUMES—CORPORATE—Inventory of stored resumes—corporate level  
         [0086]     INVENTORY OF LOCKED RESUMES—CORPORATE—Inventory of locked resumes—corporate level  
         [0087]     REFERRAL SOURCE REPORT—Checks all resumes within a specified time-frame for their referral source.  
         [0088]     ESSENTIAL FIELDS RESUME CHECK—Checks all resumes within a specified time-frame to make sure they have the essential information entered.  
         [0089]     CORPORATE POSITION REPORT—List of all position that have been setup on the system.  
         [0090]     RESUMES TO BE PURGED—List of resumes to be purged.  
         [0091]      FIG. 9  illustrates the hired protection system. After a candidate is interviewed, a check is made to determine whether or not that candidate was hired, as illustrated in process step  286 . If the candidate was hired then the candidate&#39;s resume is blocked from further access. If the candidate was not hired then nothing further is done with the candidate&#39;s resume. However, if the resume was locked, that lock should be released.  
         [0092]     The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, preferred and alternative features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.