BetterJobsFaster Review: Monster.com New Features

Last week Monster.com launched a new feature for job seekers named Multi-Apply.  This allows job seekers to apply to multiple jobs directly from their logged-in "My Monster" home page or the apply confirmation page.  You can now review the recommended jobs, check the ones to which you want to apply and click the "Apply to All" button to apply to all of the selected jobs in sequence.

You'll be able to select different resumes and cover letters for each application. It doesn't use the same one for all.

This introduces a new way for you to organize your job application process and separate the applying process from the search process.  Of course, you could save your jobs to the Saved Jobs area and apply from there, but this is an attempt to make it easier in-line.  

Tip:  This will only be launched for 10% of Monster users.  If you clear your cache, you might be able to get it to show up for you if you're not seeing it.  You'll know because the checkbox will appear when you view all recommended jobs.

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Monster's Chrome Extension

Monster also just launched a new "beta" extension for Google's Chrome browser application.  It can be found here:  https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/eocaeafeojdmijlfeheaeabellldmbcc

This extension loads into the browser and creates a Monster tab on the right hand side of your screen that shows up when you visit different sites.  For example, I visited Apple and the Monster folder on the right shows "31" at the top of the tab, suggesting that Monster has 31 jobs at Apple.  Clicking the Monster tab expands it to show the most recent jobs.  You can then click on them and it takes you to the job on Monster.com.

It's clear that this is still a "beta."  Here's a few issues I have with the extension:

1. It web-jacks the page you're visiting.  For example, I went to YouTube.com and the Monster tab sits right over the video in the upper left.  That's annoying. Also, I wouldn't want anyone else to be putting stuff on top of my website without my permission.


2. There's no way to close the extension without disabling it in the extensions window.


3. The jobs aren't all for the company's site. I could understand messing up if I go to jobs.com and didn't see jobs from Monster.com (which you don't - it shows Professional Sports Franchise Jobs)  On Apple.com it did bring jobs from Apple, but it also brought jobs at Applebee's.  That's not right.


4. It ignores "me."  It should know based on my Monster profile where I live, what I want and give me what's relevant.  Odds that I'll be working at Applebee's in Kansas City - zero.  Don't waste my time.


5. How many people use Chrome?  Why not a Safari extension so it runs on all iPhone/iPad/iPod devices?  Why not have a Firefox extension.  Odd that they would choose Chrome, since Monster doesn't even support Chrome for their own platform.

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Overall, I'd rate both applications a healthy C-.  Good to see the innovation and that they're trying, but there's great room for improvement.