Qld jobs: Brisbane tech whizz’s jobseeker app swipes left on resumes

Forget Tinder, this Brisbane-based entrepreneur has created a new app that lets employers swipe right on jobseekers without the hassle of resumes or cover letters. And, in a huge bonus, it will be mandatory for employers to disclose salaries.

Jobseekers who hate resumes but love social media can soon swipe right to meet their future employer.

Inspired by the likes of Tinder, the new Getahead app has been designed to fast track matches between employees and employers without the fuss of resumes and cover letters.

Users would simply create a profile, answer questions about what work or career development they are seeking, upload pictures and add links to social media platforms of their choosing, just like dating apps.

Getahead founder Sam McNamara said he came up with the idea to “cut through the crap” of tedious and expensive hiring processes.

“I saw how much companies were spending on recruitment and marketing job ads on various platforms, it was crippling,” Mr McNamara said.

“Resumes are horrible. It's hard for employers to receive 1000 applicants on Seek and sometimes it’s the best written resume that wins when that’s not necessarily the best employee.

“And the first thing employers do is stalk you on social media to see what you're like in the real world, so I thought why not cut through the crap and do both … create something where businesses have the ability to post a job, match with candidates directly and then propose an interview.”

New app that acts as a Tinder for jobseekers and employers called 'Getahead'. Founder and CEO Sam McNamara with the app in Brisbane CBD. Picture: Jerad Williams

The Getahead app will be free for jobseekers and will charge businesses a flat $50 monthly fee for unlimited job ads however, it will be mandatory for them to disclose salaries.

“I hate when recruiters post fake jobs and I hate when companies aren't transparent with what they’re offering, so it’s compulsory for them to show salary,” Mr McNamara said.

“You can connect your social media, your channels and websites, photos, anything you like and clever algorithms will ask you questions to learn you as a person and to show you jobs that match your fit, which will hopefully help with retention for the companies as well.

“Because while some might not be good at writing resumes, almost everyone is creative when it comes to making a dating profile.”

A number of popular fast food chains such as McDonalds and Guzman Y Gomez have expressed interest in signing with the Getahead app, joining the likes of Coffee Commune, Acai Brothers, Wyndham Hotel Group and a variety of gyms and construction companies.
The app is currently in its final trialling stage and is expected to officially launch to the public in less than six weeks time.

COMPANIES LOOKING TO SIGN UP WITH GETAHEAD

The Coffee Commune

Corbett & Claude

Tetto Rooftop Bar

Acai Brothers

Factory Ground

Fiction Bar

Comuna Cantina

Wyndham Hotel Group

A variety of gyms and construction companies, plus a number of fast food chains such as McDonald’s and Guzman Y Gomez.

Originally published as Qld jobs: Brisbane tech whizz’s jobseeker app swipes left on resumes