While flipping through resumes in search of a new accountant, Uvie Ugono found himself creating a grid – with a list of specific skills and experiences he wanted in a new employee.
Then serving as the chief financial officer for HSBC’s Project & Export Finance business in London, Ugono discovered he could best assess each candidate’s suitability by individually marking each resume against his desired checklist.
“That’s when the idea hit me,” said Ugono. “Why not create a website where you could search for candidates by specifying the skills and experience you were looking for to fulfill the role, and immediately receive a short list of matching candidates who meet that criteria, with the closest match first.”
Fast-forward two years and approximately $150,000, Ugono’s vision has become a self-financed reality. Launched on Sept. 12 in Atlanta, www.urecruitme.com is already making waves in the local job industry. Since then, more than 800 people have filled out profiles on the website, which serves as more of a matchmaking service than a traditional job board.
Visitors to the website are subject to a test that utilizes psychometric assessments to score candidates on communication levels, teamwork, resilience and the ability to lead and make crucial business decisions. Once a job seeker takes that free test and sets up a profile, companies can find them. Consider it the eHarmony of the recruitment world.
“We’ve basically reverse-engineered the process,” Ugono said. “Candidates don’t have to apply for jobs and search job boards every day. They’re found. Also, it helps reduce the time companies spend looking for quality candidates.”
Although Ugono plans to eventually expand the service to an international market, he chose Atlanta as the launch pad due to the city’s high unemployment rate, low business costs and appealing climate. He was also drawn by the presence of the Advanced Technology Development Center.
“I’m hoping that ATDC can help me secure the funding and management team necessary to take the business to the next level,” said Ugono. “Atlanta is just the starting point. The business model is applicable in practically every country in the world.”