Google Brings Jobs Search Feature To UK

Google has launched its jobs search service in the UK, a year after it debuted in the US, with listings from a number of major recruitment services.

One notable exception, however is Indeed, which claims to be the world’s biggest employment-related search engine.

Those participating in the Google for Jobs search service include Reed, Guardian Jobs, Haymarket and Totaljobs.com. Results from sites such as LinkedIn and Glassdoor also appear in the service.

Google said it isn’t looking to compete with such services, and, in fact, to follow up relevant listings users are required to click through and log into the third-party site.

Third-party links

The search giant said it isn’t currently charging jobs listings services to participate, and that anyone can use its guidelines on how to mark up listings so that they appear Google for Jobs.

But some may be wary of this latest offering from a company that has successfully taken over a middleman role in areas such as news publishing and online advertising.

Google for Jobs debuts as the European Commission is set to hand down to the search company what’s expected to be its largest-ever fine, exceeding last year’s record 2.4 billion euro (£2.13bn) penalty over Google’s shopping-search service.

This week’s expected fine is related to Google’s Android platform, and accompanies probes into the online shopping service and  Google’s AdSense search advertising service.

All three investigations revolve around Google’s alleged abuse of its dominant market position in search and mobile software.

That dominant presence makes it attractive for jobs listings providers to participate in the new Google for Jobs scheme, even as they may be wary of Google’s next moves.

Industry analysts said Google is likely to begin charging for placement on the service and for other premium features, which represents a competitive risk for third-party sites.

Personalised search

Indeed said its move not to participate in the programme was “the best decision for jobseekers”.

The decision means Indeed’s listings will appear further down in search results than those of other firms.

The feature is activated when users search for terms such as “jobs” in Google’s main search engine, giving users the option of clicking through to Google for Jobs.

They can then filter their search, set up email alerts and save searches for use on another platform.

“This new feature in Search lets you more easily explore jobs from across the web and find job postings that suit your needs and skills,” wrote product manager Joy Xi in a blog post.

Google’s search intelligence means searches for terms such as “programmer” will also turn up listings that use terms such as “developer” or “software engineer”.

And integration with Google Maps means the feature can display commute times from the employer’s premises.

Apart from the US, Google has also launched the Jobs feature in Spain and parts of Africa, where it claims to have already helped millions of people find job opportunities.