Google For Jobs: A game changer or another costly candidate channel?

In 2017, tech giant Google launched its AI-powered job search function ‘Google For Jobs’. This week, the product finally debuted in the UK. According to Google, the service is said to use AI to streamline relevant jobs to candidates in one central location. The latest Jobs Outlook report cites 50% of UK employers expect a shortage of appropriate candidates. So whilst many businesses see this as a welcome addition to one of the most challenging problems facing them: recruiting quality candidates, it could mean a drastic change for the recruitment landscape as a whole.

The new Google system features an efficient job search experience for users which will provide simplicity to job seekers, acting as a “one-stop shop” for candidates, gathering relevant roles into one location. Organisations will also be able to tap into passive candidates easier, who will become notified of job opportunities they weren’t seeking. This means candidates will be less likely to miss available opportunities. As a result, businesses could see an increase in the amount applicants to future roles.

Smarter job search criteria such as filtering by commute time rather than distance could also lend itself to providing more suitable candidates to organisations. This is because job seekers are able to fine-tune their search more specifically than job boards have ever been able to.

As Google For Jobs pulls roles from the major job boards and also career websites, organisations may spend time building out their careers pages in an attempt to host roles for free on the Google platform. As Google looks for relevancy and quality, jobs posted on a careers page website have a fair shot of competing against paid adverts on other sites. More unknown job boards which integrate with Google will also be able to break free from the stranglehold of Indeed due to fairer algorithms. Smaller businesses may be able to compete better with larger corporate organisations who sink thousands of pounds into their recruitment job boards. The real losers here could therefore be the businesses with no jobs on their website.

Google For Jobs will play a large part in recruitment businesses attempting to improve their customer service. The platform combines job postings from employees with Glassdoor and Google ratings, so candidates can explore an employer’s ratings, testimonials and culture before applying. Whereas before, it was up to the candidate to do this research themselves, there is now no escape. This is great if a company has multiple 5 star reviews but not so great for those without this. It’s often human nature to ignore lower star reviews and jump to those with more positive ones, so companies with negative reviews may have a harder time attracting talent than before. There will be a greater focus on recruiters developing their brand and candidate experience, to ensure positive reviews to attract new batches of candidates.

Although the service is currently free, as one business-watcher said, this arrangement could change at any point.

“Google is a behemoth of search, it controls the gateway to the internet - so I can understand why others feel they have to be part of its jobs service, but undoubtedly it will start charging for placement and other premium services.”

It begs the question, will the recruitment industry become so reliant on Google’s new service that there is no other option than to pay. Will those who don’t be able to attract the level of candidates needed for their business to function effectively? Time will tell.

Google For Jobs provides people with an easier and quicker way of finding jobs extremely tailored to the individual. A more tailored role and reviews to showcase company culture allows candidates to only find roles they want and self-eliminate from roles they don’t feel they fit. There is a chance for employers to gather more appropriate candidates and reduce dropouts. As a result, Google For Jobs has the possibility to drive economic growth, personal aspirations and business efficiency for all. And that tool is readily accessible now. It’s up to recruiters and businesses to make the most of it.