Smarter, smoother — a fresh approach for New Zealand’s #1 Student jobs & career site
3 mins read
Student Job Search (SJS) is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting students and graduates with employers. As the largest student employment service in Aotearoa, their mission is to empower the rangatahi, recognising their potential and helping them take the first steps in their careers.
SJS offers its services for free to students and graduates, keeping the cost to employers minimal, through funding and donations. This unique model allows SJS to focus on what matters most — supporting the next generation of workers by providing a seamless connection between talented candidates and employers in need.
Smarter, smoother — a fresh approach for SJS
When Student Job Search (SJS) approached us at Applyflow, it was clear they were ready for a fresh perspective. While their platform did an important job of connecting students with employers, there were opportunities to make the experience even better.
Students found the site useful but felt it could be more intuitive and responsive to their needs. On the other hand, employers wanted a more streamlined process for posting jobs and connecting with candidates. Additionally, the lack of separate login portals and permissions for different roles — SJS admins, employers, and students — created a confusing experience for all users. Employers were also limited by the absence of tailored service packages, and managing employer payments in a different system added to the complexity. Multiple CRM and ATS systems also made operations inefficient, poor API reporting, limited data use, and the absence of feedback options and branding on system pages further highlighted areas for improvement.
We saw the potential to elevate SJS into something even more dynamic. Our goal was to make the platform smoother and more engaging for both students and employers, creating a user-friendly experience that would enhance its role as a trusted resource for job searching.
What we did for a smarter, faster SJS
To address SJS’s challenges, we implemented Applyflow, our SaaS solution, directly into their website. With readily available built-in features, we provided SJS with a centralised system that aligned perfectly with their needs.This all-in-one solution streamlined the management of candidates and employers, integrating job postings, applications, and user information into a single interface. We designed distinct dashboards for SJS admins, employers, and candidates, allowing for customised permissions and role-specific access.
Applyflow also offers a custom API, enabling SJS to efficiently run detailed reports with all the necessary data on candidates, jobs, employers, and users. To enhance transparency and engagement, we introduced a feedback system where candidates could review employers and the application process, and even report job posts. This feedback is seamlessly integrated into the employers’ dashboards, providing valuable insights for continuous improvement.
As a white-label product, Applyflow incorporated SJS’s branding elements, ensuring a cohesive look and feel across the platform that strengthens brand recognition. We also added email trigger capabilities, allowing employers to contact candidates directly through the portal using branded emails, EDMs, or phone/video calls. Additionally, we implemented filters to prevent the use of inappropriate language and content, maintaining a professional and safe environment for all users.
The results? A future-ready platform for SJS
The revamped SJS platform powered by Applyflow is now more dynamic and user-friendly, featuring stronger branding and clear calls to action. By centralising all functionalities, we’ve significantly improved website efficiency and provided a seamless experience for both candidates and employers. SJS admins can manage users, payments, and data for reporting within a single platform, streamlining operations and enhancing their ability to support users effectively.
The introduction of tiered employer packages allows SJS to cater to diverse needs of various employers, making the job posting process more flexible and attractive. The application process has also been simplified and sped up, benefiting job seekers and employers alike by improving overall satisfaction. Additionally, more comprehensive job posts provide candidates with detailed insights into roles, helping them make informed decisions. With a customisable and retrofittable platform, SJS can easily adapt its branding and specific requirements to align with their needs, enhancing brand consistency and recognition.
These improvements position SJS to continue empowering the next generation of workers with a robust, engaging, and efficient job search experience.
