2006-09-07
What job boards need
as a followup to me "saga":http://feh.holsman.net/articles/2006/08/26/job-boards-and-strategy about "job boards":http://feh.holsman.net/articles/2006/08/28/job-boards-what-can-they-do I've got a brilliant addition that they should add (and I plan to add to "gypsyjobs":http://gypsyjobs.com ).
user-feedback and reputation.
for longer term jobs and contracts this kind of thing isn't as important, but for short term work I think it's critical.. especially if you don't have a signed contract, or lawyers to enforce it.
I think opening it up would provide a way to signal to potential employees (and employers) that the pairing will work out.
The hard part about all this I think is
1. anonymous cranks... just posting endorsements to fluff up a company or person, or to tear them down, without having actually worked for them
2. he-said she-said type arguments which come about when a pairing ends on less than friendly terms. personally I think these should be exposed so that potential employees know what they are getting in to.
so.. the plan is to allow feedback to be displayed at the option of the company/employee (you would be able leave feedback but only they would be able to see it if it is turned off). I'm also curious about how this kind of thing relates to defamation laws. .. anyone know about this?
Even if they don't have any feedback, allowing feedback to be left would be saying something I think.
Why am I doing this now?
well.. I just started working for a local startup (not mentioned on the blog at all) yesterday when a previous employee mailed me (and the founder) about lack of payment.
and.. to make matters worse another short-term contract is about a week behind in their final payment as well.
That being said.. I've had 4 other short term jobs over the last couple of months where I have been paid in full, and have had a great time doing the work.