NotchUp is a site with a different twist on job searching. There isn't much that comes along that's new in the world of job searching, but NotchUp has certainly approached it from a different angle.
Employers Find You
Instead of searching for employers online and submitting your resume to apply for a job, job seekers can create a profile on NotchUp and set an interview price. Participating employers (including Google, Yahoo, and Baraccuda) pay candidates to interview. The goals are to save money for companies and earn money for candidates, as well as saving them job search time, because companies will be approaching you rather than the other way around. In theory, it's cheaper for a company to pay for a candidate's time than it is to pay a recruiter or post on a job site.
There are some checks and balances, so that candidates can't just interview for the sake of making money. Companies can rate candidates and you won't get paid if you're a no-show or late, aren't serious, or lied in your profile.
How NotchUp Works
To participate, you either have to be referred to NotchUp or accepted by NotchUp as an outstanding candidate. If you're invited, you're automatically approved. Otherwise, your application is screened by NotchUp staff to weed out unqualified candidates. The application process includes uploading a resume or providing a link to your online resume. You can use your LinkedIn profile URL.
Calculate Your Interview Price
If you would like to know what your interview time is worth, there is a calculator you can use to help determine your price.
Who Should Use NotchUp
NotchUp is seeking candidates who may be happy in their current job, but would consider an new opportunity, if a good one came along. Rob Ellis, Founder of NotchUp, explains, "The benefit for job seekers who don't have time to actively search is that you can set up up your profile and forget about it - companies will find you."
There are a broad range of companies using NotchUp. Utilization crosses industries and you'll find everything (or rather, the companies will find you) from Fortune 500 companies to 10 people start-ups to small businesses, in a wide variety of locations.
Tips from NotchUp
Rob Ellis shares his suggestions for using NotchUp and for being prepared for a job search.
- Fill Out Your Profile - Regardless of where you have a profile, fill it out completely. The more you add to your profile, the more likely it is that companies will want to talk to you.
- Be Open to New Opportunities - You never know when you might be out of work through no fault of your own. Be prepared to job search, rather than waiting to look for a new job until you have to.
- Protect Your Privacy - For those who are currently employed, use the privacy settings that block your current employer (and any other company) from viewing your profile.
