WO2004111866A1

WO2004111866A1 - Online employment recruiting system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2004111866A1
Application number: PCT/RU2004/000230
Authority: WO
Inventors: Teri Ann Lindeberg; Anthony Francis Manion, Iii; Andrei Vadimovich Okolovitch; Dmitry Olegovich Bagrov; Phillip Yurievich Korniets; Dmitry Igorevich Mozin
Original assignee: Interpid Marketing Associates Limited
Priority date: 2003-06-17
Filing date: 2004-06-16
Publication date: 2004-12-23
Also published as: RU2003117696A

Abstract

The invention can be summarized as follows. An online employment recruiting system and method, the system comprising A) a computer readable and recordable medium comprising one or more searchable databases, the one or more databases comprising information regarding one or more employment positions posted by an employer and B) an information processing system comprising software for interacting with the computer readable and recordable medium, and receiving 1) a first set of instructions from a candidate for searching the database to identify one or more employment positions of interest and 2) receiving a second set of instructions from a candidate and submitting an application for the one or more employment positions of interest, and 3) establishing a direct electronic communication link within the online employment recruiting system between the candidate and employer for each application submitted by a candidate in response to a specific employment position of interest. The invention also pertains to a method of online recruiting.

Description

ONLINE EMPLOYMENT RECRUITING SYSTEM AND METHOD

The present invention relates to systems and methods for online recruiting. More specifically, the present invention relates to online employment recruiting systems and methods of online employment recruiting using such systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Employment recruiting is a complex process comprising several steps. A company or individual wishing to staff an employment position usually posts an employment position at a site where it may be reviewed by potential candidates interested in finding an employment position. If the posting is read by an interested candidate, the candidate must apply to the position, usually by preparing and submitting an application comprising a cover letter, resume and other information to the employer. The employer must then review and process all the applications received for one or more employment position postings and then communicate with potential candidates regarding the position. Each of these steps is complex and can be time consuming.

The development of computer technology and the internet have profoundly influenced how employment recruiting is performed. Companies interested in staffing positions may have their own web pages listing employment positions within their company. Similarly, a variety of internet accessible sites for online employment databases exist, wherein employers can post employment positions for searching by potential candidates. However, despite the recent advances in the field of computer technologies, the process of online employment recruiting still remains fragmented and inefficient, largely due to the complexity of the recruiting process.

There have been attempts to address several of the shortcomings that exist in the field of online employment recruiting. However, these attempts have fallen short of providing a more complete and efficient process and system. Thus, there is a need in the ait for a more complete and efficient online employment recruiting process and system. In particular there is a need in the art for a centralized online employment recruiting system for managing the online employment recruiting process. There is also a need for an online employment recruiting system that enhances the communication potential between candidates and employers, particularly in respect of applications for employment submitted by candidates to employers. In addition, there is a need in the art for an online employment processing system wherein a communication link is established in the system between a candidate and an employer for each application that is submitted in respect of an employment position. Further, there is a need in the art for online employment recruiting systems capable of posting, searching and processing employment positions postings, resumes and cover letters in multiple languages.

It is an object of the invention to overcome disadvantages of the prior art.

The above object is met by the combinations of features of the main claims, the sub- claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided an online employment recruiting system comprising, a) a computer readable and recordable medium comprising one or more searchable databases, the one or more databases comprising information regarding one or more employment positions posted by an employer, and; b) an information processing system comprising software for interacting with the computer recordable medium, and;

1) receiving a first set of instructions from a candidate for searching the database to identify one or more employment positions of interest;

2) receiving a second set of instructions from a candidate and submitting an application for the one or more employment positions of interest, and

3) establishing a direct electronic communication link within the online employment recruiting system between the candidate and employer for each application submitted by a candidate in response to a specific employment position of interest.

The present invention is also directed to an online employment recruiting system as defined above, wherein the one or more databases comprise information regarding one or more a) employment positions; b) employers; c) resumes of a candidate; d) cover-letters of a candidate; e) employment positions of interest identified by a search of one or more candidates; f) applications in preparation for submission to an employer in response to an employment position of interest; ^■ ' g) applications submitted by a candidate in response to an employment position of interest posted by an employer; h) correspondence forwarded from a candidate to an employer, from an employer to a candidate or both, the correspondence transmitted via the direct electronic communication link, or; any combination thereof.

The present invention also provides an online employment recruiting system as defined above wherein interacting comprises searching, extracting, compiling, editing, modifying, creating, transmitting, receiving, or any combination thereof, any information stored or to be stored in the computer readable medium, and any database stored thereon, or to be stored thereon.

The present invention also provides an online employment recruiting system, wherein the information processing system is capable of receiving additional instructions from an employer for one or more of a) processing an employment position, the processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, posting an employment position on the searchable database, or any combination thereof, and; b) processing one or more applications submitted by one or more candidates, the processing comprising reviewing applications, listing applications, storing applications, sorting applications, searching applications, responding to candidates, or any combination thereof.

Similarly, the information processing system may be capable of receiving instructions from a candidate for one or more of a) processing a resume, the processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, or any combination thereof, in one or more languages on the computer readable medium of the present invention; b) processing a cover letter, the processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, or any combination thereof in one or more languages on the computer readable medium of the present invention, and; c) processing one or more applications in response to one or more posted employment positions, the processing comprising reviewing applications, listing applications, storing applications, sorting applications, searching applications, submitting applications, withdrawing applications, corresponding with employers, or any combination thereof.

Also contemplated by the online employment recruiting system of the present invention, the online system may be accessed by a candidate, employer or both by Internet. Alternatively, the system may be accessed by one or more direct lines.

The present invention also provides an online employment recruiting system wherein the information processing system comprises a windows based program for receiving and transmitting information to a candidate, employer or both.

The online employment recruiting system also contemplates an information processing system that displays one or more pages, windows or screens electronically linked by one or more icons, drop-down menus, scroll-though menus, pop-up menus, button systems keystrokes, or a combination thereof. The pages, windows or screens may comprise one or more sections for displaying, providing or receiving information from a candidate or employer. Further, the one or more sections may comprise one or more text-boxes, checkboxes, drop-down menus, scroll-through menus, pop-up menus or a combination thereof.

The online employment recruiting system may also comprise a window, page or screen for responding to candidates, for example, but not limited to, rejecting an application from a candidate. The rejecting an application may comprise forwarding to the candidate one or more reasons the application is rejected via the direct electronic communication link within the online employment recruiting system. Similarly, the online employment recruiting system of the present invention may permit a candidate to withdraw an application from consideration and provide the employer with one or more reasons the application is withdrawn via the direct electronic communication link within the online employment recruiting system. The present invention further provides an online employment recruiting system accessible by both an employer and a candidate, the system comprising a) a computer readable and recordable medium, and; b) an information processing system, wherein; the information processing system is capable of receiving one or more instructions from the employer to process one or more employment positions, process one or more applications for employment positions submitted by candidates, or a combination thereof, and; the information processing system is capable of receiving one or more instructions from a candidate to search a database for an employment position, process a resume, process a cover letter, process one or more applications for submission to an employer in respect of an employment position, and; the information processing system establishing a direct communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within the online employment recruiting system, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to correspond regarding the employment position.

Also contemplated by the present invention, there is provided an online employment recruiting method comprising the steps of a) providing a candidate with an information processing system to search a database for an employment position of interest posted by an employer; b) providing the candidate with an information processing system to submit an application from the candidate to the employer in respect of the employment position of interest; c) providing the employer with an information processing system for processing one or more submitted applications, the applications received from one or more candidates in respect of one or more positions of interest posted by the employer, and d) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position. Preferably, steps a, b, c and d occur within the online employment recruiting system.

Further contemplated is an online employment recruiting method comprising the steps of a) searching an electronic database to identify an employment position of interest to a candidate, the position posted by an employer; b) applying to the position of interest by submitting an application from the candidate to the employer; c) providing the application to the employer and processing the application alone or in combination with other applications received in response to the employment position of interest posted by the employer; d) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recruiting system, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

The present invention also provides an online employment application method comprising the steps of a) searching an electronic database to identify an employment position of interest to a candidate, the position posted by an employer; b) applying to the position of interest by submitting an application from the candidate to the employer, and; c) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recruiting system, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

Also provided is an online employment recruiting method comprising the steps of a) posting an employment position on a searchable database; b) receiving and processing one or more submitted applications, the applications submitted by one or more candidates in response to the employment position; and c) accessing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recruiting system, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position,

The electronic communication link may comprise a mail link for transmission of mail messages between a candidate and employer in respect of a specific employment position. In an alternate employment, the electronic link may comprise an audio link, a video link or both.

Preferably, steps a, b, c and d occur within the online employment recruiting system. Also, as will be evident to a person of skill in the art, steps contained in the method are not limited to being performed in a particular order.

The present invention further contemplates a method as defined above, wherein the step of applying comprises creating or selecting a coverletter, resume, or both as part or all of the application, and transmitting the application to an employer, the transmitting occurring witliin the online employment recruiting system.

Also contemplated by the method, the step of searching may be effected by an information processing system comprising software for searching the databases by one or more keywords or criteria specified by the candidate. The cover letter, resume or both may prepared using an information processing system comprising software for processing resumes and cover letters in one or more languages. Similarly, an employer may search one or more applications received from a candidate by one or more keywords, criteria or a combination thereof.

This summary of the invention does not necessarily describe all necessary features of the invention but that the invention may also reside in a sub-combination of the described features. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 shows a sample introductory pre-log-in page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 2 shows a sample candidate registration page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 3 shows a sample registration confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 4 shows a sample candidate accessible section page comprising a resume organizer section, a vacancy organizer section and a candidate resource center section that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 5 shows a sample Set Search Criteria page for searching employment positions within the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURES 6A and 6B show sample pages that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system for creating a new resume.

FIGURE 7 shows a sample page listing current resumes stored for a candidate that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 8 shows a sample page entitled Cover Letter List that lists details regarding cover letters. The sample page may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 9 shows a sample search results page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. FIGURE 10 shows a sample page displayed by the online employment recruiting system pertaining to an employment position posting.

FIGURE 11 shows a sample page of a working folder that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 12 shows a sample application page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 13 shows a sample cover letter selector page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 14 shows a sample application page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 15 shows a sample resume selector page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 16 shows a sample page previewing a cover letter that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 17 shows a sample application confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 18 shows a sample page previewing a portion of a resume selected from the application confirmation page.

FIGURE 19 shows an application confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. FIGURE 20 shows a sample Applied List page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 21 shows a sample mail history page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 22 shows a sample application withdrawal page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 23 shows a sample page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system following log-out.

FIGURE 24 shows a sample registration log-in page for accessing the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 25 shows a sample registration confirmation page may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system in response to a new employer registration.

FIGURE 26 shows a sample employer accessible page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 27 shows a sample page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The page comprises an employment posting organizer section and a candidate organizer section. The page also comprises icons including an applicant's list, a working folder and a short list.

FIGURE 28 shows a sample order employment posts page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 29 shows a sample order confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. FIGURE 30 shows a sample page listing all employment positions posted by the employer.

FIGURE 31 shows a sample employment position post list page for posts that remain unpaid.

FIGURES 32A and 32B shows sample "create/edit" pages that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURES 33A and 33B show sample candidate criteria pages that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 34 shows a sample post list page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 35A and 35B show sample preview pages of an employment position post for review by the employer.

FIGURE 36 shows a sample page for employment position postings that are currently active in the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 37 shows a sample page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. The page lists filled and closed employment position postings and may include information such as date closed, post number, post details and status.

FIGURE 38 shows a sample applicant list page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 39 shows a sample page regarding applicant details that provides an employer with information concerning the candidate (applicant) and details of the application forwarded to the employer in response to an employment position posting. FIGURE 40 shows a sample candidate cover letter forwarded to an employer in response to an employment position posting.

FIGURE 41 shows a sample applicant details page that lists information concerning the candidate (applicant) including submitted cover letters and resumes.

FIGURES 42 A and 42B show pages depicting portions of a sample resume submitted by a candidate.

FIGURE 43 shows a sample working folder page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 44 shows a sample short list page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 45 shows a sample mail history page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 46 shows a sample application rejection page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 47 shows a sample deleted items page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

FIGURE 48 shows a sample log out page that may be displayed after an employer has logged out of the online employment recruiting system DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention relates to systems and methods for online recmiting. More specifically, the present invention relates to online employment recruiting systems and methods of online employment recruiting using such systems.

The following description is of a preferred embodiment by way of example only and without limitation to the combination of features necessary for carrying the invention into effect.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an online employment recmiting system comprising, a) a computer readable and recordable medium comprising one or more searchable databases, the one or more databases comprising information regarding one or more employment positions posted by an employer, and; b) an information processing system comprising software for interacting with the computer readable and recordable medium, and

By the term "applicant" or "candidate" it is meant a person using the online employment recmiting system to search posted employment positions, apply to or submit applications for a posted employment position, process resumes, process cover letters, correspond with an employer, or any combination thereof.

By the term "employer" it is meant a person, company, institution, organization or the like, or a representative of a person, company, institution, organization or the like, for example, but not limited to a recruiter, human resources manager, a project manager, or the like, using the online employment recmiting system to post an employment position, staff an employment position, process one or more applications received from one or more candidates, correspond with a candidate, or any combination thereof. In some cases it may be also possible for an applicant to be employer.

The terms "employment position", "position" or "vacancy" are used interchangeably herein. The position may be a volunteer position or a paying position. Preferably, the position is a paying position.

The online employment recruiting system comprises a computer readable and recordable medium comprising one or more searchable databases. The one or more searchable databases may comprise information regarding some or all employment positions posted by employers, for example, but not limited to employment position name, description, identification code or number, location, duration, salary, qualifications, company or employer posting the position, description of employer posting employment position, address of employer posting position, or any combination thereof. Other information may also be included within the searchable database for an employment position as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

The one or more databases may also comprise information regarding a candidate or employer, for example, but not limited to log-on identifiers, log-on passwords, email addresses, titles, current employers, contact information, for example, but not limited to addresses, emails, phone numbers, fax numbers and the like. Preferably, only the candidate or a person with a suitable log-in identifier and password, or the like is capable of searching the database or accessing information stored on the system by the candidate. Similarly, it may be preferred that only the employer or a person with a suitable log-on identifier and password, or the like is capable of posting employment positions or accessing information stored on the system by the employer.

The one or more databases may also comprise information regarding one or more resumes and cover letters of a candidate. For example, but not to be considered limiting, the database may comprise a plurality of stored resumes, cover letters or both in a plurality of languages. The one or more databases may also be capable of receiving and storing newly created resumes, cover letters in one or more languages. Thus, in an embodiment the online employment recruiting system provides for the creation, storage, listing, managing of resumes in multiple languages. In a specific embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting in any manner, a candidate may be required to specify the language of the resume, cover letter or the like via a dropdown menu or other selector menu. At the time the resume, cover letter or the like is saved, it may be stored with details concerning the language selected for effective organization of the documents.

The one or more databases may also comprise information regarding employment positions of interest identified in a search performed by one or more candidates. The information may be similar or identical to that listed for employment positions posted by an employer, or it may comprise a portion thereof. For example, but not wishing to be limiting, in embodiments wherein the maximum salary possible for an employment position is provided by an employer, it may be preferable that such information is not provided to the candidate. Similarly, it is preferable that a candidate's salary selection employed to identify employment positions of interest is not transmitted to the employer.

In an embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting, the online employment recruiting system allows a candidate (applicant) to search a database comprising employment position postings using set criteria, for example, but not limited to position level, occupation, industry, minimum acceptable salary level or any combination thereof. Further multiple set criteria may be employed in the search. For example, but not to be considered limiting, the system may permit a candidate to search up to five occupations at a time.

The one or more databases may also comprise information regarding applications submitted by a candidate in response to an employment position of interest posted by an employer. The application may comprise a cover letter, resume, or both in one or more languages. Also, the application may comprise information regarding the employment position being applied for, or an electronic link to the employment position, or an identifier thereof. Other information, as would be known in the art, may also be associated with an application.

The one or more databases may also comprise information regarding correspondence forwarded from a candidate to an employer, from an employer to a candidate, or both. In a preferred embodiment, the correspondence comprises electronic mail correspondence transmitted between the candidate and employer for a particular employment position of interest. Preferably the correspondence is transmitted between a candidate accessible section and an employer accessible section within the online employment recruiting section via a direct electronic communication link, the link capable of being accessed by the candidate and employer from within the online employment recruiting system of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, a candidate must access the online employment recruiting system, for example, but not limited to by providing a suitable log-on identifier and password, in order to review correspondence received from an employer, or to send correspondence to an employer. Similarly, it is preferced that an employer access the online employment recruiting system in order to review correspondence received from an candidate, or to send correspondence to an candidate. As will be appreciated by a person of skill in the art, during access to the online employment recruiting system, information may be transmitted outside the system, for example to a remote terminal, display or the like. Also, as will be understood by a person of skill in the art, a candidate may be provided access to some but not all databases and likewise an employer may be provided with access to some but not all databases in the online employment recruiting system. For example, but not wishing to be limiting, a candidate will not typically have access to information regarding applications received by an employer. Similarly, an employer will not typically have access to information concerning applications submitted by the candidate to other employers.

The online employment recruiting system comprises an information processing system comprising software for interacting with the computer readable and recordable/writeable medium. The information processing system is controlled by computer readable software for example, one or more computer executable programs. The computer executable programs may be written in any appropriate language as would be known in the art, preferably a language, scripting language or the like, such as, but not limited to HTML, Java, JavaScript, C++, Microsoft SQL, Oracle and the like. Further the computer executable programs may be based on Linux, Unix or Sun Microsystems. As will be apparent to a person of skill in the art, the software may prompt a user, for example, a candidate, employer, or service provider for information or permit choices to be made during execution.

The information processing system is capable of interacting with the computer readable medium. By the term "interacting" it is meant the information processing system is capable of searching, extracting, compiling, duplicating, editing, modifying, creating, receiving, transmitting, formatting, or any combination thereof, any information stored in the computer readable medium or a database thereon, or any information to be stored on the computer readable medium or a database thereon. Other types of interactions are also contemplated.

The information processing system is capable of interacting with the computer readable medium based on instmctions received from a candidate, employer, or both. In addition, as will be known to a person of skill, the h formation processing system may be capable of interacting with the computer readable medium based on instmctions contained in the software thereof, or based on one or more instmctions, or set of instructions provided by a service provider.

As an example, but not to be considered limiting in any maimer, the information processing system is capable of searching a database of employment positions by one or more search terms or criteria provided by a candidate. Other types of searches are also possible.

The information processing system may extract information from a database. For example, but not to be considered limiting, the information processing system may extract information regarding employment positions comprising a specific keyword or criteria from a database comprising information regarding employment positions. Similarly, the information processing system may compile information, for example, but not limited to identify, collect, or group information of the same type, for example, comprising similar criteria or keywords.

The information processing system may copy or duplicate information contained in one or more databases, as well as edit or modify information contained therein. The information processing system may also create new databases and optionally store them on the computer readable medium. For example, but not to be considered limiting in any manner, a new database may be created and optionally stored for a candidate for information identified following a keyword search of an employment position database.

The information processing system may receive and transmit information to a candidate, employer or both, for example, but not limited to a remote computer terminal, display or the like. In this manner, the online employment recruiting system is capable of receiving instructions from an employer for one or more of a) processing an employment position, the processing comprising reviewing an employment position, listing an employment position, creating an employment position, editing an employment position, deleting an employment position, storing an employment position, or posting an employment position on the searchable database, or any combination thereof, and; b) processing one or more applications submitted by one or more candidates, the processing comprising reviewing applications, listing applications, storing applications, sorting applications, searching applications, responding to candidates, corresponding with candidates, or any combination thereof.

Similarly, the online employment recruiting system is capable of receiving instructions from a candidate for one or more of a) processing a resume, the processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, or any combination thereof, in one or more languages on the computer readable medium of the present invention; b) processing a cover letter, the processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, or any combination thereof in one or more languages on the computer readable medium of the present invention; c) processing one or more applications in response to one or more posted employment positions, the processing comprising reviewing applications, listing applications, storing applications, sorting applications, searching applications, submitting applications, corresponding with employers, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, which is not meant to be limiting in any manner, there is provided an online employment recruiting system accessible by both an employer and a candidate, the system comprising a) a computer readable medium, and; b) an information processing system, wherein; the information processing system is capable of receiving one or more instructions from the employer to process one or more employment positions, process one or more applications for employment positions submitted by candidates, or a combination thereof, and; the information processing system is capable of receiving one or more instmctions from a candidate to search a database for an employment position, process a resume, process a cover letter, process one or more applications for submission to an employer in respect of an employment position, and; the information processing system establishing a direct communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within the online employment recmiting system, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to correspond regarding the employment position, for example, but not limited to exchange electronic mail messages concerning the employment position. In a preferred embodiment the electronic link is established between a candidate accessible section and an employer accessible section within the online employment recruiting system, preferably in each of a respective candidate accessible section, and a respective employer accessible section. In such an embodiment, it is preferred that the candidate and employer log onto the online employment recmiting system and access the respective candidate and employer accessible sections, for example, one or more pages, windows, or the like displayed by the online employment recruiting system, to check, review and send correspondence.

In a preferred embodiment, the online employment recmiting system of the present invention is accessed by internet. However, it is possible that access to the online employment recruiting system may be provided by a direct communication line between a candidate and the system, employer and the system, or both.

Preferably, the information processing system comprises software for displaying one or more electronic pages or screens, the pages or screens electronically linked by one or more icons, drop-down menus, scroll-though menus, pop-up menus, button systems, keystrokes, or a combination thereof. In a further embodiment, the information processing system may provide a windows-based program for receiving and transmitting information to a candidate, employer or both.

The pages or screens may display information or prompt for information in one or more sections or windows. Without wishing to be limiting the sections or windows may comprise one or more text-boxes, check-boxes, drop-down menus, scroll-through menus, pop-up menus or a combination thereof.

As discussed, the online employment recruiting system may provide the candidate and employer with access to different sections within the system, for example, but not limited to different databases, or access to different electronic pages or screens. For example, upon verification of a username and password from a candidate or employer, the online employment recruiting system may connect to a) a candidate accessible section, or b) an employer accessible section.

The candidate accessible section may provide the candidate with a plurality of options within the system. For example, but not wishing to be limiting a candidate that has successfully logged on to the online employment recruiting system may be presented with an electronic page, screen, or the like displaying one or more icons, wherein the icons permit the applicant to execute commands by clicking, or double clicking on the appropriate icon. These commands may include, but are not limited to searching the employment database to identify potential employment positions, accessing a resume organizer section, accessing a vacancy or employment position organizer, accessing a cover letter organizer section, or a combination thereof.

The online employment recruiting system of the present invention may also comprise a continuous search function, whereby a candidate can search a database comprising employment positions by one or more search terms or criteria for employment positions of interest. The continuous search function may be set by the candidate to perform a search at specific times, or the search may be performed periodically, for example, but not limited to weekly, monthly or yearly. In addition, employment positions of interest identified by the searches may be stored in a database accessible to the candidate. In this manner, the candidate is not required to perform a search, but rather review the results of one or more searches that have automatically been perfonned by the continuous search function.

The resume organizer section, cover letter organizer section or both may be accessed by clicking on one or more appropriate icons. In this section a candidate may create, edit, duplicate, save and delete resumes and cover letters. In addition a candidate may review one or more sample resumes and cover letters to compare different styles and to determine which style may be best for submission of an application. If a sample resume or cover letter is selected from within one or more of these sections, the system may prompt the candidate for information to be included within the resume, cover letter or both, and then compile the information to produce a properly formatted resume, cover letter, or both. The resume and cover letter may be saved by the candidate with an appropriate filename or with other linked information, for example, but not limited to an application for an employment position.

The resume organizer, cover letter organizer, or both also may be employed to create resumes and cover letters in one or more other languages. Such an embodiment may be advantageous for an online employment recruiting system comprising one or more databases posting employment positions in different languages, as it allows a candidate fluent in more than one language to apply for positions in more than one language. Additionally, such a feature permits an employer to request and receive applications for employment positions from candidates in a preferred language of choice.

Candidates may apply to employment positions using an electronic "Application form". The application form may be displayed by clicking on the appropriate icon associated with a particular employment position. In an embodiment, a blank application form comprises the title of the employment position being applied for, a place to attach one or more cover letters, a place to attach one or more resumes, and a place to save and store notes on the employment position.

Preferably, the application form is displayed by clicking the appropriate icon, for example an "Apply" icon associated with the employment position. At this stage, the candidate may select the "select cover letter" icon and is brought to the cover letter list. From the cover letter list the candidate may create, duplicate or edit a cover letter and then may select the cover letter that should be used for the employment position. The selected cover letter may be attached to the application form. The process may then be repeated for the resume. After the candidate is finished, the candidate may select "done" to be brought to a page entitled "application confirmation". At this stage the candidate may elect to perform changes to the application, for example, additions, deletions, spellchecks prior to accepting that the application is complete and transferring the application to the employer. After the application form has been checked and accepted, the completed application form may be automatically sent to the employer's "New Applicants list" on the online employment recruiting system. After a candidate has applied to a position, details concerning the employment position is automatically moved to the candidate's "Applied list". From here, when a candidate clicks on the employment position listing, a file may be opened providing details of the position, and date applied for, the cover letter and resume sent in response thereto and any notes that the candidate may have made concerning the employment position. Completed applications submitted in response to employment position postings are forwarded to employer and are preferably stored in a file or database for "New applications", for review by the employer or representative thereof. Following a review by the employer, the application may remain stored under "New Applications" or transferred to one or more other databases, for example, but not limited to, comprising titles such as "Working", "Short List" and "Deleted Candidates".

The online employment recruiting system offers a candidate searching for a new employment position or career to manage the entire process from searching for a employment position to submitting an application for an employment positions of interest to communicating directly with the employer, all from within a centralized system without necessarily having to use email, telephone or facsimile outside of the online employment recmiting system. Thus, an additional advantage of such a system is that it may eliminate the need for candidates to fax resumes to employers or follow up with telephone calls, which can be cumbersome and annoying to employers.

A further advantage of such an online employment recmiting system is that applications for employment positions, and correspondence from candidates to employers is maintained separately from an employer's corporate and/or personal email, where resumes and questions about positions could potentially be lost with other incoming emails including those from work, friends, business associates, spam and the like.

An additional advantage of the online employment recruiting system of the present invention is that the system permits employers to communicate and respond directly to each candidate's submitted application for an employment position received via the electronic communication link. Thus, such a system ensures that the recraitment process is streamlined and highly efficient to communicate, track communication and review communication history with candidates. A company is able to prescreen candidates, ask for additional information, for example, but not limited to references, letters of explanation, additional resumes, lists of clients, interview questions, tests, set in-person interview times and meeting places, follow up for additional interviews, extend job offers and negotiate job offers all through a direct communication link. In an alternate embodiment, the online employment recmiting system may be employed by recruiters wishing to staff positions for employers. In such an embodiment, a recmiter may search a database comprising information to identify candidates that may be suitable for an employment position. A first electronic communication link may be established between the recmiter and candidate in a recmiter accessible section and a candidate accessible section, respectively of the online employment recruiting system. Further, a second electronic communication link may be established between the recmiter and the employer in a recruiter accessible section, and an employer accessible section, respectively of the online employment recmiting system. The candidate and recmiter may exchange or discuss information concerning the employment position, for example, but not limited to cover letters, resumes, test scores, language fluency, salary, bonuses, incentives, or other information. The recruiter may then prepare a cover letter to submit the names and details of one or more suitable candidates to the employer for whom the position is to be filled. In such an embodiment the cover letter may comprise details, notes and the like about the candidate. The second electronic communication link may be used by the recmiter and employer to exchange or discuss information concerning the candidate, employment position or both. Such an embodiment may be attractive to companies that do not wish to be concerned with the hiring process, but that would rather handle such matters through a recmiter.

The present invention also contemplates an online employment recruiting method, comprising the steps of a) providing a candidate with an information processing system to search a database for an employment position of interest posted by an employer; b) providing a candidate with an information processing system to submit an application from the candidate to the employer in respect of the employment position of interest; c) providing an employer with an information processing system for processing one or more submitted applications, the applications received from one or more candidates in respect of one or more positions of interest posted by the employer, and d) providing an information processing system for establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

Steps a, b, c, and d are not necessarily limited to being performed in the order listed.

Preferably, steps a, b, c, and d occur within an online employment recmiting system. Further, the information processing systems may comprise a plurality of information processing systems or the information system may comprise a single information processing system.

In a preferred embodiment, the electronic communication link is an electronic mail link for transmission of mail messages between a candidate and employer, for example, but not limited to a candidate accessible section and an employer accessible section in respect of a specific employment position. In an alternate embodiment, the electronic communication link may comprise a video link wherein the candidate, employer or both may process, for example, but not limited to record and send video messages. In such an embodiment, an employer and candidate may conduct one or more interviews, meetings or the like by video. Preferably the interview, meeting or the like is live. As will be evident to someone of skill in the art, both the employer and candidate may require a camera and additional software in order to record and transmit video images to the online employment recmiting system.

Thus, the "further aspects of the employment position" may comprise, but is not limited to one or more of scheduling an interview, scheduling a meeting, extending a job offer, requesting references, clarifying information, requesting additional information regarding the employment position, declining an employment position, withdrawing an application, rejecting an application or any combination thereof.

In an altemate embodiment, the present invention comprises an online employment application method comprising the steps of a) searching an electronic database to identify an employment position of interest to a candidate, said position posted by an employer; b) applying to the position of interest by submitting an application from the candidate to the employer, and; c) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recmiting system, said direct communication link permitting said candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

In still an alternate embodiment, the present invention comprises an online employment recruiting method comprising the steps of a) posting an employment position on a searchable database; b) receiving and processing one or more submitted applications, the applications submitted by one or more candidates in response to the employment position; and c) accessing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recmiting system, said direct communication link permitting said candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

In the method of the present invention, the step of applying may comprises creating or selecting a cover letter, resume, or both as part or all of the application. Further, the step of searching is effected by an information processing system comprising software for searching said databases by one or more keywords or criteria specified by said candidate. Further, the cover letter, resume or both are prepared using an information processing system comprising software for processing resumes and cover letters in one or more languages.

The above description is not intended to limit the claimed invention in any manner, furthermore, the discussed combination of features might not be absolutely necessary for the inventive solution. The present invention will be further illustrated in the following examples. However it is to be understood that these examples are for illustrative purposes only, and should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention in any manner. In regards to the following figures, each figure comprises a representative page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The pages may comprise more infonnation or less information than those shown in the examples and may be formatted or arranged differently without departing from the present invention.

Examples

Referring now to Figure 1, there is shown a sample introductory page or pre-log-in page for the online employment recmiting system. The prelog-in page may be encountered by a candidate (applicant) or employer upon accessing the online employment recruiting system. As shown, log-in pages may be displayed in English or Russian by clicking or the like on icons (10) and (20), respectively. However other languages are also contemplated by the online employment recmiting system. New and existing candidates as well as new and existing employers may access the log-in page by clicking on the same icon for example, but not limited to icon (30) or on different icons, for example, icons (40) and (50), respectively.

Referring now to Figure 2, there is shown a sample candidate registration and log-in page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. New candidates may be requested to complete a registration form that may include a profile title, personal information, an email address, password, password confirmation, or any combination thereof. Additional information may also be requested. Candidates that have previously registered may require only a user ID and password to access further the online employment recruiting system.

Referring now to Figure 3, there is shown a sample registration confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system in response to registration of a new candidate. In addition, the online employment recruiting system may generate and send an email to the candidate that registration has been received. A previously registered candidate may receive a similar page or the candidate may be linlced to another page displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

Referring now to Figure 4, there is shown a sample candidate accessible section page comprising:

1) a resume organizer section (105) comprising subsections accessible by icons, the icons including but not limited to "set search criteria" (110), "resume list" (120), and "cover letter list" (130) for selecting search criteria for searching a database of employment positions; and reviewing, editing, creating or storing resumes, and reviewing, creating, and storing cover letters, respectively. Clicking, double clicking, or the like on the appropriate icon, button, or the like may provide a direct link to that subsection or page within the online employment recmiting system. Alternatively, as will be evident to someone of skill in the art, one or more keystrokes may be entered, for example on a keyboard or the like to access the subsections or pages.

2) a "vacancy organizer" section (170) comprising subsections accessible by icons. The subsections including, but not limited to "search results" (140), "working folder" (150) and "applied list" (160). Also displayed within the vacancy organizer there may be information concerning the number of active vacancies, an indication of whether the vacancies are new or old as well as an indication of whether mail has been received. For example, but not to be limiting, an open envelope icon may be employed to signal that mail or correspondence has been received and read, or a closed envelope may be employed to signal that mail or correspondence remains unopened.

A candidate accessible page may optionally include a "Candidate Resource Center" section (180) including subsections accessible by icons or the like for example, but not limited to for accessing announcements (190) of the online recruiting service provider, or career building resources (200). Also shown by Figure 4, the page may provide text boxes for news (210) or how to use the candidate accessible page (220).

As shown in Figure 5, there is provided a sample "set search criteria" page for searching employment positions within the online employment recmiting system. As indicated, the page provides a series of position level boxes (230) that may be selected to assist in searching for positions of a specific level. In the example shown, a candidate may select from entry level, junior professional, mid-level professional, senior professional, manager, senior manager, and executive/general manager. Other position levels are also possible. Also shown is an occupation select box (240) listing a plurality of positions and an industry box (250) listing different types of industries for selection in the search. In each box, a candidate may select "all" to indicate that the candidate is interested in all occupations or all industries. The set search criteria page may also comprise a salary requirement section (260) that permits the candidate to search for employment positions having a nήnimum salary. Other search criteria as would be known in the art could also be used to search for employment positions. Alternatively, no search criteria may be used with the results returning all employment position in the database of the online employment recruiting system.

Referring now to Figure 6A and Figure 6B there are shown sample pages for creating a new resume. As shown in Figure 6A, the online employment recruiting system may provide a page prompting for specific information, for example, but not limited to information concerning schools attended, degrees awarded, address of the school and dates attended, personal certifications including date and details of the certification, skills and details of skills possessed by the candidate, language skills, fluency, and the like, hi addition, personal information may be included as free text within a personal information section.

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a sample page listing current resumes stored for a candidate. As indicated, the page identifies resumes saved by language, for example, English, Russian and German and each with a corresponding identification number, title, resume status, a preview option button/icon and a drop down organizer menu section that permits a candidate or applicant to organize resumes, for example, but not limited to edit, duplicate, create, delete, translate resumes or any combination thereof.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is shown a sample page entitled "cover letter list" that may be displayed by the online system of the present invention. The cover letters list may list cover letters currently on file by ID, type or title of positions applied, language of cover letter or both, and may include a button or icon that allows a candidate to preview one or more cover letters. The page may also comprise an organizer section, toolbar, icon or the like that allows a candidate or applicant to edit, duplicate, delete, or create a cover letter. Also, the page may provide a section for creating and saving a new cover letter.

Referring now to Figure 9 there is shown a sample search results page that may be obtained by searching an employment position database within the online employment recruiting system. The page may comprise a section for search results indicating the number of employment positions or vacancies identified by a search, or one or more previously executed searches, a working folder providing information on vacancies that are being considered by the candidate and an applied section, icon or the like that lists information concerning the vacancies for which an application has been made. Selection of the appropriate icon, for example, by clicking or the like, as would be known in the art may display information contained in that section. For example, as shown in Figure 9, a series of employment position vacancies may be displayed with information such as, but not limited to date, vacancy title, company or search firm posting the employment position, and location of the positions. The displayed vacancies may also comprise a mail indicator to indicate whether there is unread correspondence, read correspondence or no correspondence. Further, the page may provide icons, buttons, toolbars or the like that permit a candidate to apply to a employment vacancy, send information concerning the vacancy to the candidate's working folder or to delete one or more employment vacancies.

Figure 10 shows a sample employment position posting that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. As shown, the posting may comprise information such as, but not limited to the name of the company, organization, individual or the like posting the position, candidate requirements, compensation and benefits, the name of the person to whom resumes should be addressed and languages that a resume and cover letter should be forwarded for consideration.

Referring now to Figure 11, there is provided a sample page of a working folder that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. As indicated, the worldng folder may list information concerning those vacancies that a candidate has chosen to pursue, which is in this representative example a single vacancy. The page may also comprise a section providing information concerning the vacancy being pursued, for example the date, title of the vacancy, company, search firm, organization or individual posting the vacancy, the location of the vacancy, whether there is correspondence associated with the vacancy and optionally a check box. The page may also comprise buttons, icons or the like to permit a candidate to apply to a vacancy or delete the vacancy.

Referring now to Figure 12, there is shown a sample application page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. As shown, the page may comprise one or more sections prompting a candidate for information. The page may comprise one or more buttons, icons, dropdown menus or the like, for example, but not limited to select cover letter(s), create new cover letter, select resume(s), create new resumes or the like. The application page may be configured in a manner that the person to whom the application is to be submitted is automatically entered into an appropriate field of the cover letter, resume or application.

Refening now to Figure 13 there is shown a sample cover letter selector page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system the online system. As shown, the cover letter selector page allows a candidate to select one or more cover letters identified by ID, title of employment position, language of cover letter, or any combination thereof. The page may comprise icons, buttons or the like for previewing a cover letter, organizing a cover letter, for example but not limited to duplicating, editing or deleting a cover letter. In addition the page may provide buttons, or the like that permit a candidate to create a new cover letter or select an existing cover letter.

Refening now to Figure 14, there is shown a representative application page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system of the present invention. As shown the page may comprise an indication that a cover letter that has been selected to apply to a specific position. The page also provides icons that permit a candidate to select an existing resume or create a new resume.

Upon selection of the appropriate icon, a resume selector page, such as, but not limited to as shown in Figure 15 may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system of the present invention. The page may group resumes by language and/or identify saved resumes by ID number, title, resume status and the like. The page may also provide buttons, icons, dropdown menus or any combination thereof for previewing, organizing, for example, but not limited to editing, duplicating, deleting or other action. The page may also comprise one or more check boxes to indicate whether one or more actions have been performed.

Refening now to Figure 16 there is shown a sample page previewing a cover letter that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system in response to actions of a candidate.

Refening now to Figure 17, there is shown a sample application confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The application confirmation page may indicate a profile name of the candidate, the employment position and the company or the like, the name of the individual within the company or the like that the application is addressed to, the cover letter, and resume(s) selected by the candidate for submission in an application to the employment position posting. The page may also provide an icon or the like to preview a cover letter or resume.

Refening now to Figure 19, there is shown an application confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system.

Refening now to Figure 20, there is shown a sample "Applied list" page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The page may indicate the number of vacancies pending in the search results section, the number of vacancies in the working folder and the number of vacancies for which applications have been submitted or Applied. The page may also display the information about the vacancy, for example, but not limited to the date of vacancy, vacancy name, company, employer, individual, or organization posting the vacancy, the location of the vacancy, whether new conespondence, read conespondence or unread conespondence is present. The page may also comprise a checkbox. Also shown in Figure 20, the page may comprise a button, icon, dropdown menu or the like permitting a candidate to withdraw an application that has been submitted to an employer for consideration of an employment position or vacancy.

Refening now to Figure 21, there is shown a sample mail history page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system of the present invention. The page may display only the most recent conespondence between the candidate and the employer or it may comprise all the conespondence between the candidate and employer. The page may also comprise conespondence according to conespondence sent or received. As described previously, preferably an internal communication link is established within the online employment recruiting system of the present invention between the applicant and employer for each employment position in which an application has been submitted from a candidate to an employer. The page may also comprise a button, icon or the like to mark a mail message as "read" to allow a candidate to easily determine whether mail messages have been read or are unread.

Referring now to Figure 22 there is shown a sample application withdrawal page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. The application withdrawal page permits a candidate to withdraw an application that has been sent to an employer and optionally provide a reason why the application is being withdrawn. The page may comprise a drop down menu listing a plurality of reasons as to why the application is being withdrawn, for example, but not limited to industry no longer of interest, as shown in Figure 22. In addition, the page may provide space to provide written comments. The withdrawal page and optionally the reason or reasons that an application is being withdrawn may provide valuable feedback to an employer in regards to posting employment positions. For example, but not to be considered limiting in any mamier, if a suitable candidate withdraws an application for reasons such as insufficient compensation, the employer or company posting the position may wish to consider whether increased compensation should be provided for the employment position.

One or more of the pages described previously may comprise a button, icon or dropdown menu permitting a candidate to log out or disconnect from the online employment recruiting system of the present invention. Once the log out command is selected the online employment recmiting system may display a page similar or identical to the one shown in Figure 23. Alternatively, one or more pages may be displayed asking the candidate whether he or she is sure that disconnection from the online employment recmiting system is requested.

Refening now to Figure 24, there is shown a sample registration log-in page for accessing the online employment recmiting system of the present invention. New users may be required to enter specific information such as, but not limited to, company information, name, title, email address, telephone number, password and confirmation of password. Other information may be requested as required. Alternatively, for employers that are previously registered to access the online system, the system may prompt for information such as, but not limited to a userlD, email, password, or any combination thereof.

Refening now to Figure 25, there is shown a sample registration confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system in response to a new employer registration. In addition an email may be sent to the address provided in the employer registration form. Optionally, for security purposes the account may remain inactive until the employer clicks on or activates the link contained in the email confirming registration.

Refening now to Figure 26, there is shown a sample employer accessible page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The page may comprise a section for do-it-yourself recmitment, for example, allowing an employer to post employment positions, vacancies or the like on a searchable database of the online ^* employment recmiting system. The page may also comprise an executive search section that provides more traditional executive search services as would be known to those of skill in the art, and a resource section to access employer related resources. Clicking, double clicking, or the like on the appropriate icon, button, or the like may provide a direct link to that section within the online employment recmiting system of the present invention. Alternatively, as will be evident to someone of skill in the art, one or more keystrokes may be entered, for example on a keyboard or the like to access the sections. Referring now to Figure 27, there is provided a sample page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. As shown, the page may comprise an employment posting organizer section listing the number of active employment postings, providing icons for ordering or posting employment positions or to review a list of postings presently pending. The page may also comprise a candidate organizer section to allow the employer to organize employment postings, and applications submitted in response to employment positions posted. The section may comprise icons including, but not limited to an applicant's list, a working folder and a short list. The applicant's list may provide a complete list of all applications that have been submitted for one or more employment positions. The working folder may comprise applications being reviewed for an employment position. The short list may provide a list of applications that the employer has deemed worth pursuing. For example, candidates that are suitable for a position by an employer, may be added or transfened to this section, if desired.

Refening now to Figure 28, there is shown a sample order employment posts page that may be displayed by the online employment system. As shown in Figure 28, the page indicates that all employment posts have a duration of 60 days from the date of activation. Thus, the page may provide a set duration, for example but not limited to between about 1 day and 365 days, preferably about 2 weeks to about 6 months, more preferably about 60 days from the date of activation that the employment position is posted for searching. Alternatively, an employer may be able to choose the duration. A set duration for posting of an employment position ensures that most of the positions available for searching by a candidate are cunent and not old. Similarly, a set duration requires an employer to review postings from time to time to determine whether the posting should be amended in some manner. For example, an employer that posts an employment position for a long duration without applications from candidates may wish to review the posting to determine whether the compensation is in line with the requirements of the position. This type of information may be valuable to an employer.

The sample order posts page may comprise one or more sections prompting an employer to provide information such as, but not limited to the company name, name of person posting the employment position, the title of the person posting the employment position, the email of the person posting the position. Other information may also be requested. In addition, a section, menu or the like may be provided permitting the employer to decide on the quantity of employment position postings to be selected. The section may automatically list the price per post and display a total cost for the quantity requested.

Referring now to Figure 29, there is shown a sample order confirmation page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system of the present invention. The page may include one or more sections listing company name and address, and other information of the person posting the employment position, for example, title, email address, telephone number, fax number or any combination thereof. The page may also provide one or more sections providing a purchase order number, company name, contact, quantity of employment posting requested, the price of each posting and the total of all postings desired.

After one or more employment position posts have been purchased, the employer may receive confirmation that the posts have been purchased and one or more pages may be updated to include information on the number of employment positions, posts available, the number of posts active, the number of posts inactive, or a combination thereof

Refening now to Figure 30, there is shown a sample page listing all employment positions posted by the employer. The page may comprise one or more sections providing information on the total number of vacancy posts, the number of posts awaiting payment, the number awaiting activation, the number cunently active and the number filled or closed. In addition the employment position posts may be viewed according to status, for example, but not limited, to by those awaiting payment, awaiting activation, those currently active and those filled/closed, or any combination thereof. As shown in Figure 30, the page may comprise a section listing a plurality of employment posts, each post characterized by a date activated, a post #, post details, for example, but not limited to a title of the employment position. The page may also comprise, a button, drop-down menu or icon permitting the employer to create or edit the employment position posting and the status of the employment posting. As indicated by Figure 30, clicking or the like on a specific post may provide a link to a separate page providing a more complete description of the posting.

Refening now to Figure 31, there is shown a sample employment position post list page for posts that remain unpaid. As shown, the page may comprise a section listing posts awaiting payment along with information concerning the post, such as, but not limited to the date ordered, the post number, post details, including an indication that a post may be incomplete and require additions or edits to complete the posts. The page may also provide icons, toolbars, dropdown menus, or the like for editing an employment position posting. Further the page may provide a section providing information concerning the status of the posting.

Refening now to Figure 32A and Figure 32B there are shown sample "create/edit" pages that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. As shown, the page may be blank if a new employment position is being created, or one or more of the sections shown in the figures may comprise information. The page may request information concerning the employment position vacancy, for example, but not limited to the title, description, location of the vacancy, candidate requirements, compensation benefits, the name and title of the person to whom the resume and cover letter should be addressed, the language in which the application should be submitted and any other information that an employer may deem worth providing for the employment position.

Refening now to Figure 33A and Figure 33B, there are shown sample candidate criteria pages that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The pages permit an employer to select one or more categories that describe an employment position to be posted and include one or more occupations that described the employment position. In addition the pages permit an employer to select one or more industries that best describe the employer. Also, the page may comprise a section for the highest monthly net salary that the employer could offer for this position. As indicated, candidates are generally not shown such information, however, the information may be useful for search purposes, for example, to identify candidates that have commensurate compensation expectations. As shown, the one or more occupations may be selected from a list of occupations, for example from a drop down or scroll-through menu or the like.

Referring now to Figure 34, there is shown a sample post list page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system of the present invention. The page shows all posts available for activation, for example, posts that have been paid but that not yet been activated. The page may also comprise information regarding the employment postings, for example the date payment for the posting was received, the post reference number, and details of the post for example, but not limited to the title of the posting or other information concerning the posting. Additional information concerning the employment position post may be obtained by clicking or the like on the appropriate post. Also shown the page may comprise one or more icons, toolbars, drop-down or scroll-through menus for editing, deleting, previewing and creating and employment position posting and one for activating the post.

As shown in Figure 35A and Figure 35B, there are provided sample previews of an employment position post for review by the employer. The previews may include information concerning the vacancy such as, but not limited to the title of position, location, company description, date posted, vacancy ID, vacancy description, candidate requirements, compensation and benefits, the person to whom a resume and cover letter should be addressed, the prefened language of the cover letter or resume and any additional information that may be considered by the employer posting the employment position. The page may also comprise a prompt requesting confirmation that the post should be activated.

Refening now to Figure 36, there is shown a sample page for employment position postings that are cunently active in the online employment recmiting system. The page may comprise a list of currently active posts along with information of the employment position post such as date activated, post number, post details, for example, but not limited to title of the post, and other information. In addition, the page may comprise an icon, toolbar, dropdown, scroll-through menu or the like permitting the employer posting the employment position to edit the post. The page may also comprise information concerning the number of days remaining in an employment position post.

Refening now to Figure 37, there is shown a sample page that may be displayed by the online system. The page lists filled and closed employment position postings and may include information such as date closed, post number, post details and status. In addition a post that is closed or inactivated may be reactivated by clicking or the like on the appropriate icon, button or section of the page.

Refening now to Figure 38, there is shown a sample applicant list page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. The page may be displayed by an employer to identify candidates that have applied to a specific employment position posting. The information provided may include date the applicant applied for the post, the name of the candidate, the current occupation of the candidate, the cunent company of the candidate, an indication as to whether the candidate has sent mail to the employer, or alternatively whether the employer has sent mail or conespondence to the candidate, or both, and an indication as to whether the mail or conespondence has been opened and read or is unopened and unread. The page may also comprise an icon, toolbar, dropdown menu, scroll through menu or the like to send infonnation within this page to a short list, or a working folder. Similarly, an icon or the like may be provided to reject a candidate's application.

Refening now to Figure 39, there is shown a sample applicant details page that provides an employer with information concerning the candidate (applicant) and details of the application forwarded to the employer in response to an employment position posting. The page may also comprise a section for the employer to make notes about the candidate. Also shown the page may provide an icon, button or the like to save the candidate's application or to return to a previous page.

Refening now to Figure 40, there is shown a sample candidate cover letter forwarded to an employer in response to an employment position posting. Refening now to Figure 41, there is shown a sample applicant details page that lists information concerning the candidate (applicant) including submitted cover letters and resumes. The page permits an employer to review an application submitted by a candidate and send the application to a working folder, send the application to a "short list" or reject the application. The page may also comprise notes that the employer has made regarding the application.

Refening now to Figure 42A and Figure 42B, there are shown portions of a sample resume submitted by a candidate. The resume may be viewed by the employer by clicking on the appropriate icon or button.

Refening now to Figure 43, there is shown a sample working folder page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. The page may comprise a section listing information regarding applications from candidates in the working folder for example, but not limited to the date of the application, the candidate, the current occupation of the candidate, the cunent company of the candidate, whether conespondence has been received and a checkable box or the like to indicate whether an action has been performed. The page also allows an employer to transfer an application from a candidate to a "short list", for example, but not limited to highly desirable candidates, or reject the application from the candidate.

Refening now to Figure 44, there is shown a sample short list page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system of the present invention.

Refening now to Figure 45, there is shown a sample mail history page that may be displayed by the online employment recmiting system. The page may provide an employer with a list of all conespondence sent to, received or both from one or more candidates in regards to a specific employment position.

Refening now to Figure 46 there is shown a sample application rejection page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. The page may provide a button, icon, pull-down menu or the like permitting an employer to select one or more reasons the application is being rejected. The page may also comprise a section wherein text may be entered to explain why the application is being rejected. This application rejection page can provide important feedback information to the candidate being rejected. For example, but not wishing to be limiting, the candidate in Figure 46 is rejected because bis or her desired compensation level is too high for this employment position. The candidate may consider the rejection to determine whether desired compensation levels should be lowered.

Refening now to Figure 47, there is shown a sample deleted items page that may be displayed by the online employment recruiting system. Shown is a list of all the candidates and applications that have been deleted by the employer. The page may permit an application to be restored to a working folder.

Refening now to Figure 48, there is shown a sample log out page that may be displayed after an employer has logged out of the online employment recruiting system.

All citations are herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention has been described with regard to prefened embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art that a number of variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described herein.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OF PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. An online employment recruiting system comprising, a) a computer readable and recordable medium comprising one or more searchable databases, said one or more databases comprising information regarding one or more employment positions posted by an employer; and; b) an information processing system comprising software for interacting with said computer readable and recordable medium, and

1) receiving a first set of instmctions from a candidate for searching said database to identify one or more employment positions of interest;

2) receiving a second set of instmctions from a candidate and submitting an application for said one or more employment positions of interest, and

2. The online employment recmiting system of claim 1, wherein said one or more databases comprise information regarding one or more a) employment positions; b) employers; c) resumes of a candidate; d) cover-letters of a candidate; e) employment positions of interest identified by a search of one or more candidates; f) applications in preparation for submission to an employer in response to an employment position of interest; g) applications submitted by a candidate in response to an employment position of interest posted by an employer; h) conespondence forwarded from a candidate to an employer, from an employer to a candidate or both, said correspondence transmitted via the direct electronic communication link, or; any combination thereof.

3. The online employment recruiting system of claim 1, wherein said interacting comprises searching, extracting, compiling, editing, modifying, creating, transmitting, receiving, or any combination thereof, any information stored or to be stored in said computer readable medium, and any database stored thereon, or to be stored thereon.

4. The online employment recmiting system of claim 1, wherein said information processing system is capable of receiving additional instructions from an employer for one or more of a) processing an employment position, said processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, posting an employment position on the searchable database, or any combination thereof, and; b) processing one or more applications submitted by one or more candidates, said processing comprising reviewing applications, listing applications, storing applications, sorting applications, searching applications, responding to candidates, or any combination thereof.

5. The online employment recruiting system of claim 1, wherein said information processing system is capable of receiving instructions from a candidate for one or more of a) ' processing a resume, said processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, or any combination thereof, in one or more languages on the computer readable medium of the present invention; b) processing a cover letter, said processing comprising reviewing, listing, creating, editing, deleting, storing, or any combination thereof in one or more languages on the computer readable medium of the present invention, and; c) processing one or more applications in response to one or more posted employment positions, said processing comprising reviewing applications, listing applications, storing applications, sorting applications, searching applications, submittmg applications, withdrawing applications, conesponding with employers, or any combination thereof.

6. The online computer recruiting system of claim 1, said system being accessible to a candidate, employer or both by internet.

7. The online computer recmiting system of claim 1, said system accessible by a candidate, employer, or both by one or more direct lines.

8. The online employment recmiting system of claim 1, wherein said information processing system comprises a windows based program for receiving and transmitting information to a candidate, employer or both.

9. The online employment recruiting system of claim 1, wherein said information processmg system displays one or more electronic pages or screens, said pages or screens electronically linked by one or more icons, drop-down menus, scroll-though menus, popup menus, buttons system, keystrokes, or a combination thereof.

10. The online employment recruiting system of claim 9, said pages or screens comprise one or more sections for displaying, providing or receiving information from a candidate or employer.

11. The online employment recmiting system of claim 10, wherein said one or more sections comprise one or more text-boxes, check-boxes, drop-down menus, scroll- through menus, pop-up menus or a combination thereof.

12. The online employment recruiting system of claim 4, wherein said step of responding to candidates comprises rejecting an application from a candidate.

13. The online employment recruiting system of claim 12, wherein said rejecting an application comprises forwarding to said candidate one or more reasons the application is rejected via the direct electronic communication link within the online employment recruiting system.

14. The online employment recmiting system of claim 5, wherein said withdrawing applications comprises forwarding to said employer on or more reasons the application is withdrawn via the direct electronic communication link within the online employment recmiting system.

15. An online employment recruiting system accessible by both an employer and a candidate, said system comprising a) a computer readable and recordable medium, and; b) an information processing system, wherein; said information processing system is capable of receiving one or more instmctions from said employer to process one or more employment positions, process one or more applications for employment positions submitted by candidates, or a combination thereof, and; said information processing system is capable of receiving one or more instmctions from a candidate to search a database for an employment position, process a resume, process a cover letter, process one or more applications for submission to an employer in respect of an employment position, and; said information processing system establishing a direct communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within the online employment recmiting system, said direct communication link pennitting said candidate and employer to conespond regarding the employment position.

16. An online employment recruiting method comprising the steps of a) providing a candidate with an information processing system to search a database for an employment position of interest posted by an employer; b) providing said candidate with an information processing system to submit an application from said candidate to said employer in respect of said employment position of interest; c) providing said employer with an information processing system for processing one or more submitted applications, said applications received from one or more candidates in respect of one or more positions of interest posted by the employer, and d) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer, the direct communication link permitting the candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

17. An online employment recmiting method comprising the steps of a) searching an electronic database to identify an employment position of interest to a candidate, said position posted by an employer; b) applying to said position of interest by submitting an application from said candidate to said employer; c) providing said application to said employer and processing said application alone or in combination with other applications received in response to the employment position of interest posted by the employer; d) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recmiting system, said direct communication link permitting said candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

18. An online employment application method comprising the steps of a) searching an electronic database to identify an employment position of interest to a candidate, said position posted by an employer; b) applying to said position of interest by submitting an application from the candidate to the employer, and; c) establishing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recruiting system, said direct communication link permitting said candidate and employer to discuss frirtlier aspects of the employment position.

19. An online employment recmiting method comprising the steps of a) posting an employment position on a searchable database; b) receiving and processing one or more submitted applications, the applications submitted by one or more candidates in response to the employment position; and c) accessing a direct electronic communication link for each submitted application between each candidate and employer within an online employment recruiting system, said direct communication link permitting said candidate and employer to discuss further aspects of the employment position.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein said electronic communication link is a mail link for transmission of mail messages between a candidate and employer in respect of a specific employment position.

21. The method of claim 16, wherein said further aspects of the employment position comprise one or more of scheduling an interview, scheduling a meeting, extending a job offer, requesting references or any combination thereof.

22. The method of claim 16 wherein steps a, b, c and d occur within an online employment recruiting system.

23. The method of claim 16 wherein said step of applying comprises creating or selecting a coverletter, resume, or both as part or all of the application, and transmitting said application to an employer, said transmitting occuning within the online employment recmiting system.

24. The method of claim 16, wherein said step of searcliing is effected by an infonnation processing system comprising software for searching said databases by one or more keywords or criteria specified by said candidate.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein said cover letter, resume or both are prepared using an information processing system comprising software for processing resumes and cover letters in one or more languages.