“The best way to appreciate your job is to imagine yourself without one.” August 1, 2010 9:21 AM Subscribe
Jobsfilter. A year and a half ago, the idea of a jobseeker section for Jobs was broached, but there was no definitive response from the mods. Has there been any movement on this? This would be a wonderful addition for those Mefites who find themselves among the unemployed.
Also, wow. I am reading this correctly that I'm the first comment in a MeTa thread 3 hours after it was posted?
posted by Deathalicious at 12:18 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by Deathalicious at 12:18 PM on August 1, 2010
Everyone's busy freaking out about SAotB again.
posted by axiom at 12:23 PM on August 1, 2010 [6 favorites]
posted by axiom at 12:23 PM on August 1, 2010 [6 favorites]
It seems to me that most professions, industries and locations already have better resources for jobseekers than Metafilter would be able to provide.
posted by box at 12:34 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by box at 12:34 PM on August 1, 2010
Deathalicious: "Oh jeez. It's like no matter how hard the mods try, MetaFilter is becoming Yahoo."
I would argue that the problem with yahoo isn't the features, but the users and lack of moderation. Yahoo is a mess and we're a community, right? Also, we've had a jobs board here for almost 4 years now; I think a jobseeker section is a logical extension of that, especially when unemployment rates are so high in so many parts of the world.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 12:40 PM on August 1, 2010 [2 favorites]
I would argue that the problem with yahoo isn't the features, but the users and lack of moderation. Yahoo is a mess and we're a community, right? Also, we've had a jobs board here for almost 4 years now; I think a jobseeker section is a logical extension of that, especially when unemployment rates are so high in so many parts of the world.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 12:40 PM on August 1, 2010 [2 favorites]
It does seem like a logical extension of Jobs and Projects. Other than MeFi, Inc. bandwidth, if we're going to help MeFites promote their gigs, there's no reason to not help them get work.
posted by ignignokt at 12:57 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by ignignokt at 12:57 PM on August 1, 2010
And by 'bandwidth' I meant available person-hours from the people that work at MetaFilter.
posted by ignignokt at 12:58 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by ignignokt at 12:58 PM on August 1, 2010
People don't look at Jobsdot. I am guessing the traffic is <1,000 weekly. Why not make an I need a jobs page and post it to projects? You would probably get more traffic.
posted by parmanparman at 2:01 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by parmanparman at 2:01 PM on August 1, 2010
Also, we've had a jobs board here for almost 4 years now
Wowsa. That long? I feel old.
posted by niles at 2:06 PM on August 1, 2010
Wowsa. That long? I feel old.
posted by niles at 2:06 PM on August 1, 2010
I'm not saying this is a good idea, but I am saying that I am unemployed and most of the job seeking avenues I've found out there seem so cold, impersonal and vaguely scammy. I'd love for Metafilter to help me out. Jobs.metafilter doesn't get anywhere near the activity I'd hope for.
P.S. This job is so perfect for me, I can't believe it. I just can't afford to be that busy on something I'm not getting paid for
posted by Brainy at 2:10 PM on August 1, 2010
P.S. This job is so perfect for me, I can't believe it. I just can't afford to be that busy on something I'm not getting paid for
posted by Brainy at 2:10 PM on August 1, 2010
Oh jeez. It's like no matter how hard the mods try, MetaFilter is becoming Yahoo.
You say this as if you don't like the idea of Billionaire Matt Haughey.
posted by MegoSteve at 3:12 PM on August 1, 2010 [2 favorites]
You say this as if you don't like the idea of Billionaire Matt Haughey.
posted by MegoSteve at 3:12 PM on August 1, 2010 [2 favorites]
I don't think Matt Haughey likes the idea of Billionaire Matt Haughey, or else he would have turned MetaFilter into Yahoo2ElectronicBoogaloo years ago. I honestly believe he's capable of doing BIG things, but instead he chooses to do GOOD things.
...most of the job seeking avenues I've found out there seem so cold, impersonal and vaguely scammy.
That's just being consistent with most of the places offering jobs these days. If you can hold your nose and ignore the stench of the hiring process, you can survive Corporate America without puking your guts out.
posted by oneswellfoop at 3:25 PM on August 1, 2010
...most of the job seeking avenues I've found out there seem so cold, impersonal and vaguely scammy.
That's just being consistent with most of the places offering jobs these days. If you can hold your nose and ignore the stench of the hiring process, you can survive Corporate America without puking your guts out.
posted by oneswellfoop at 3:25 PM on August 1, 2010
I'm going to go ahead and say it: this feature already exists, and it's called "Going to Meetups."
I have almost exclusively fond feelings for the mefites I know in real life, and I have helped a number of them get or seek jobs in varying capacities. Furthermore, I have benefited from their job-seeking insight on many more than one occasion. But these things are based on personal offline relationships that we developed as a result of becoming friends through MetaFilter. And that's exponentially more useful than a subsite might be.
I love the idea of a place where I could just commodify myself, and sell myself on the shelf in the Nonprofit Wonk section of the Free Market Corner Store. But I don't think that model works for a number of reasons - not least of which is that it places the burden on the employer, and let's face it: employers are lazy! And with good right. It's a buyer's market even when it isn't a buyer's market.
One way that we could probably include this feature would be to make it a part of a user's profile that was searchable, possibly even by industry. A little ticky box that says, "I'm interested in employment" could generate a quick list for anyone interested in that list, narrowable by field or expertise.
Even still, I don't think something like that is going to give anything like the payoff that just going to a meetup and making friends will.
posted by greekphilosophy at 3:39 PM on August 1, 2010 [7 favorites]
I have almost exclusively fond feelings for the mefites I know in real life, and I have helped a number of them get or seek jobs in varying capacities. Furthermore, I have benefited from their job-seeking insight on many more than one occasion. But these things are based on personal offline relationships that we developed as a result of becoming friends through MetaFilter. And that's exponentially more useful than a subsite might be.
I love the idea of a place where I could just commodify myself, and sell myself on the shelf in the Nonprofit Wonk section of the Free Market Corner Store. But I don't think that model works for a number of reasons - not least of which is that it places the burden on the employer, and let's face it: employers are lazy! And with good right. It's a buyer's market even when it isn't a buyer's market.
One way that we could probably include this feature would be to make it a part of a user's profile that was searchable, possibly even by industry. A little ticky box that says, "I'm interested in employment" could generate a quick list for anyone interested in that list, narrowable by field or expertise.
Even still, I don't think something like that is going to give anything like the payoff that just going to a meetup and making friends will.
posted by greekphilosophy at 3:39 PM on August 1, 2010 [7 favorites]
I like this idea. It'd be a neat and worthwhile extension of the Jobs subsite.
posted by killdevil at 5:04 PM on August 1, 2010
posted by killdevil at 5:04 PM on August 1, 2010
I don't think Matt Haughey likes the idea of Billionaire Matt Haughey, or else he would have turned MetaFilter into Yahoo2ElectronicBoogaloo years ago. I honestly believe he's capable of doing BIG things, but instead he chooses to do GOOD things.
Yes, he has chosen to use his super powers for good.
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:20 PM on August 1, 2010
Yes, he has chosen to use his super powers for good.
posted by sgt.serenity at 5:20 PM on August 1, 2010
I honestly believe he's capable of doing BIG things...
Hey Matt, look, you mom got an account!
posted by cjorgensen at 5:32 PM on August 1, 2010
Hey Matt, look, you mom got an account!
posted by cjorgensen at 5:32 PM on August 1, 2010
I have helped a number of them get or seek jobs in varying capacities.
You totally, totally have. [BIG HUG] My new boss loooved that writing sample that you helped me wrap my head around.
I am intrigued by a better way to do professional networking here, but I don't know what would drive me to Jobs for it. The better way might be to not reinvent either the Metafilter wheel or the Human Interaction wheel -- just ask a specific question about your job concerns, and make note of who answers it. MeMail them to ask if you might be able to ping them for advice. If so, hey, you've made yourself a new internet-friend.
On the other hand, I keep thinking of little ways that I wish we could connect for more commerce-y or barter-type reasons, and wonder if Jobs could be expanded in scope a little. Like, if someone risks the evil yellowjackets and does the U-pick, I'll make jam and just keep some for myself as payment. Is that a Job?
posted by desuetude at 5:49 PM on August 1, 2010
You totally, totally have. [BIG HUG] My new boss loooved that writing sample that you helped me wrap my head around.
I am intrigued by a better way to do professional networking here, but I don't know what would drive me to Jobs for it. The better way might be to not reinvent either the Metafilter wheel or the Human Interaction wheel -- just ask a specific question about your job concerns, and make note of who answers it. MeMail them to ask if you might be able to ping them for advice. If so, hey, you've made yourself a new internet-friend.
On the other hand, I keep thinking of little ways that I wish we could connect for more commerce-y or barter-type reasons, and wonder if Jobs could be expanded in scope a little. Like, if someone risks the evil yellowjackets and does the U-pick, I'll make jam and just keep some for myself as payment. Is that a Job?
posted by desuetude at 5:49 PM on August 1, 2010
Meetups for jobs is totally cool if you live in a part of the country where you have more than 5 mefites in a 100 mile radius. If I were looking for a job (not) I'd be screwed unless Homeskillet Freshy Fresh needed a babysitter.
posted by cjorgensen at 6:03 PM on August 1, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by cjorgensen at 6:03 PM on August 1, 2010 [1 favorite]
I understand meetups, but not all of us are comfortable with IRL, and there's definitely something to be said for in person networking, but there's also something to be said for, "oh, i know [mefi username], they seem like a good sort on the board, their resume's a good fit, i'll put them on top of the pile." then, yes, you're going to know my real name, but for a very specific, real reason.
i network a lot, constantly, not just when I need a job, so it's not that i don't understand the value of networking. but i like the anon level here.
posted by micawber at 6:53 PM on August 1, 2010
i network a lot, constantly, not just when I need a job, so it's not that i don't understand the value of networking. but i like the anon level here.
posted by micawber at 6:53 PM on August 1, 2010
I support this only because if things go sideways during my next contract re-up (and it's looking increasingly likely that they might), I'm going to be looking for gainful employment. And I kind of forget how.
*cries, a little*
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:46 PM on August 1, 2010
*cries, a little*
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:46 PM on August 1, 2010
Well, as the person who posted the original pony request, I still support this idea, especially as I am still looking for work.
Anybody need a biochemist?
posted by Quietgal at 8:18 PM on August 1, 2010
Anybody need a biochemist?
posted by Quietgal at 8:18 PM on August 1, 2010
ONE WHELK:
Seeking employment.
Experienced. Trusted. Professional.
posted by The Whelk at 8:23 PM on August 1, 2010
Seeking employment.
Experienced. Trusted. Professional.
posted by The Whelk at 8:23 PM on August 1, 2010
I don't think Matt Haughey likes the idea of Billionaire Matt Haughey, or else he would have turned MetaFilter into Yahoo2ElectronicBoogaloo years ago.
Besides, Drew Curtis already beat him to it.
posted by MikeMc at 9:28 PM on August 1, 2010
Besides, Drew Curtis already beat him to it.
posted by MikeMc at 9:28 PM on August 1, 2010
I like the idea of a tickbox in your profile that marks you as seeking a job.
Using a meetup to look for a job is rough when you're looking to relocate, though. I'm in TX looking for a job in the Portland or Seattle area. Maybe I can attend a meetup through video conferencing. :)
posted by WowLookStars at 5:18 AM on August 2, 2010
Using a meetup to look for a job is rough when you're looking to relocate, though. I'm in TX looking for a job in the Portland or Seattle area. Maybe I can attend a meetup through video conferencing. :)
posted by WowLookStars at 5:18 AM on August 2, 2010
greekphilosophy: I'm going to go ahead and say it: this feature already exists, and it's called "Going to Meetups."
Completely agree. I've hired three people from MeFi over the years, and two were people I randomly met at Meetups.
Two more reasons not to do this:
- I think a lot of people will be uncomfortable tying a CV to their online MeFi persona.
- If MeFi starts hosting resumes, it'll be overrun by recruiters in a matter of days and turn into a nightmare for the mods. $5 is a total steal for that kind of access.
posted by mkultra at 5:51 AM on August 2, 2010
Completely agree. I've hired three people from MeFi over the years, and two were people I randomly met at Meetups.
Two more reasons not to do this:
- I think a lot of people will be uncomfortable tying a CV to their online MeFi persona.
- If MeFi starts hosting resumes, it'll be overrun by recruiters in a matter of days and turn into a nightmare for the mods. $5 is a total steal for that kind of access.
posted by mkultra at 5:51 AM on August 2, 2010
I think the point about networking at meetups is a good one. I think I've been to six of the last seven Boston-area meetups, and have certainly made some fantastic new friends who also keep their eyes out for job opportunities.
I'm not suggesting a full blown job brokerage, I just want the ability to post a "looking for work" type post with an outline of what I'm looking for and my skill set. Perhaps it will stay active for a couple of weeks. After the post expires, I'll have to post a new one. If someone sees my post and thinks they know of a position somewhere, ideally, they'll drop me a memail with details. Exactly the way that Jobs currently works, just in the opposite direction.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:04 AM on August 2, 2010
I'm not suggesting a full blown job brokerage, I just want the ability to post a "looking for work" type post with an outline of what I'm looking for and my skill set. Perhaps it will stay active for a couple of weeks. After the post expires, I'll have to post a new one. If someone sees my post and thinks they know of a position somewhere, ideally, they'll drop me a memail with details. Exactly the way that Jobs currently works, just in the opposite direction.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 6:04 AM on August 2, 2010
I am presently looking for a job and I can say that I would be uncomfortable directly approaching people at a meetup and asking for employment. This is partially based on the fact that I'm looking for something unrelated to my educational background and training, so I'm in the position of not being able to say, "Oh you're in the field of squishy socks, I'm also in that field and looking for a job; do you know anyone hiring right now?" I have to say things like, "I have a fairly esoteric skill set and am good at getting things done." Of course the last time I had that conversation with someone they suggested that I'd be a good drug dealer. I'd rather not.
So, while I'm not sure that a place to post a skill set and desired job would help me, I like the idea of having it. I also think that the jobs site would have more postings of available jobs if it had both sides of the equation.
posted by sciencegeek at 7:06 AM on August 2, 2010
So, while I'm not sure that a place to post a skill set and desired job would help me, I like the idea of having it. I also think that the jobs site would have more postings of available jobs if it had both sides of the equation.
posted by sciencegeek at 7:06 AM on August 2, 2010
Hey metafilter! I'm looking for both a girlfriend and a job. I like skinny nerdy girls who can do math in their head, and I'd like a job in the event industry, preferable moving heavy things and telling stand-up comedians to shut up. I'm conveniently located in the New York metropolitan area. Memail me.
kthx bye
Metafilter: supplying all of life's needs, only 5 dollars.
posted by fuq at 8:27 AM on August 2, 2010
kthx bye
Metafilter: supplying all of life's needs, only 5 dollars.
posted by fuq at 8:27 AM on August 2, 2010
Speaking of ponies, I motion that we change "IRL" to "Meatspace" WHO'S WITH ME HERE???
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:08 AM on August 2, 2010
posted by KevinSkomsvold at 10:08 AM on August 2, 2010
Marking yourself as "hireable" would be a nifty pony. I'd braid its mane.
Going to meet-ups really does generate leads and even jobs - I've seen it in action.
Agree with those who say having CV/resume tied to profile would lead to ungoodness.
posted by batmonkey at 11:47 AM on August 2, 2010
Going to meet-ups really does generate leads and even jobs - I've seen it in action.
Agree with those who say having CV/resume tied to profile would lead to ungoodness.
posted by batmonkey at 11:47 AM on August 2, 2010
Meetups for jobs is totally cool if you live in a part of the country where you have more than 5 mefites in a 100 mile radius. If I were looking for a job (not) I'd be screwed unless Homeskillet Freshy Fresh needed a babysitter.
I'm not sure Metafilter Jobseekers would help with that - unless you're looking for work outside that 100 mile radius?
posted by Mike1024 at 2:01 AM on August 3, 2010
I'm not sure Metafilter Jobseekers would help with that - unless you're looking for work outside that 100 mile radius?
posted by Mike1024 at 2:01 AM on August 3, 2010
I'm not sure Metafilter Jobseekers would help with that - unless you're looking for work outside that 100 mile radius?
Dude, people are willing to move pretty far afield for a job. But not to go to a meetup where they might meet someone who might know someone who can line them up for a job interview.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:13 AM on August 3, 2010
Dude, people are willing to move pretty far afield for a job. But not to go to a meetup where they might meet someone who might know someone who can line them up for a job interview.
posted by Deathalicious at 10:13 AM on August 3, 2010
I have to admit that I'm feeling pretty frustrated at the lack of any mod response. Hey, just like jobhunting!
Huh. I guess my Feature Requests really do suck that much.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 8:18 AM on August 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Huh. I guess my Feature Requests really do suck that much.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 8:18 AM on August 4, 2010 [1 favorite]
Sorry I didn't answer this Cat Pie Hurts, it was posted on a Sunday and I was busy with family stuff and never got around to popping in the following Monday.
It's definitely something that has come up before and I've sort of turned down as being too much of a LinkedIn clone or honeypot for resume spam but I've reconsidered and would firmly put in the "someday we'll do it" pile.
Jobs is pretty low traffic, so having a directory of users free for work and their skills would be pretty handy for anyone looking to hire others, and would make things like freelance work much easier to find people for.
I can't give a firm date for when we'll do it, but if you want to flesh out the idea we could definitely take a look and if it fills the needs of everyone we'd be able to implement it much more quickly.
How would a "seeking work" directory look on the Jobs site? Would it be alphabetical, or by posting date, or both? Would it just be a statement of the type of work you are seeking and some skills? Links to offsite resume/CV or do we host those too?
Flesh out the idea, mock something up, and we'll definitely take a look.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 10:13 AM on August 9, 2010
It's definitely something that has come up before and I've sort of turned down as being too much of a LinkedIn clone or honeypot for resume spam but I've reconsidered and would firmly put in the "someday we'll do it" pile.
Jobs is pretty low traffic, so having a directory of users free for work and their skills would be pretty handy for anyone looking to hire others, and would make things like freelance work much easier to find people for.
I can't give a firm date for when we'll do it, but if you want to flesh out the idea we could definitely take a look and if it fills the needs of everyone we'd be able to implement it much more quickly.
How would a "seeking work" directory look on the Jobs site? Would it be alphabetical, or by posting date, or both? Would it just be a statement of the type of work you are seeking and some skills? Links to offsite resume/CV or do we host those too?
Flesh out the idea, mock something up, and we'll definitely take a look.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 10:13 AM on August 9, 2010
Oh, and Cat Pie Hurts, it's a pretty surprising coincidence to me that we've neglected to answer your last two feature requests, but they're both ones that have come up several times before, so I think in both cases every mod was like "oh that old thing, well I bet (other mods) will answer it with our stock answer from before" and it didn't happen.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 10:16 AM on August 9, 2010
posted by mathowie (staff) at 10:16 AM on August 9, 2010
Thanks a lot, Matt..I really appreciate, as I'm sure many other Mefites will as well. I've got what I think are good ideas, so I'll throw together a mockup tomorrow and post back. Thanks!
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:46 PM on August 9, 2010
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 7:46 PM on August 9, 2010
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The general consensus seemed to me that although it might be somewhat useful, there are already many, many avenues out there for posting your job info.
Of course, the mods finally caved and now we have IRL, so who knows. dating.metafilter.com might be just around the corner.
posted by Deathalicious at 12:17 PM on August 1, 2010