Local companies partner on new job site

Some of the nation's top corporations have partnered with a Northbrook software company to help put Americans back to work using a new job recruiting Web site.

UnitedWeWork.org, a nonprofit Web site launched Monday, provides free candidate searches for companies and free matches for job seekers.

Northbrook-based QuietAgent with recruitment network AllianceQ have aligned with Sears Holdings, Allstate, 7-Eleven, ADP, AT&T, Hewitt Associates, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, Office Depot and Starbucks to produce the site. The idea started last fall when the recession hit and spins off a similar network that many of them participated in on a private basis for some time, said Jason Kerr, chief technology officer for QuietAgent.

"We're hoping this will stimulate employers to hire a lot sooner," said Kerr.

The corporations have merged their contacts and already the site has about 300,000 job seekers and about 3,500 companies. The companies have access to advanced matching technologies to get a shortlist of qualified job seekers. The database will include candidates with experience levels and skills that range across the board.

The site will be free to corporations for one year. After that, they'll be asked to pay a fee, said Kerr.

However, job seekers can participate for free, even after the first year, Kerr added.

"The fact is, this is a great opportunity for smaller companies to leverage what we do as larger corporations," said Chris Gould, global strategic sourcing leader for Lincolnshire-based Hewitt. "It's time we get everybody back to work."

Sears also likes the idea of getting quality candidates for less recruiting costs.

"During this challenging economic environment, we believe that employers should be able to hire without the financial burden of recruitment fees," Gina Turner, Sears vice president of talent and human capital services, said through a spokeswoman.