As a student navigating the challenging job market and witnessing my friend Nick's struggles after graduation, I realized there had to be a better way to connect job seekers with employers. Together with friends, we have embarked on a personal project to create ELEV8—a job search app that leverages short-form video content to revolutionize the recruitment process. Our aim is to make job hunting more engaging, authentic, and efficient for both candidates and recruiters.
ROLE
UX Designer
Product Strategist
Interface Designer
Co-Founder
THE TEAM
THE TEAM
Nick Acquisto — Co-Founder, LLC Setup & Business Research, UX Researcher
PROJECT TIMELINE
PROJECT TIMELINE
June 2023
Conceptualization of ELEV8 with initial brainstorming sessions
July – August 2023
Conducted user and market research
Completed competitor analysis
September – October 2023
Developed design sprints and created initial prototypes
Established E8 Labs LLC to formalize our venture
November 2023 – Present
Iterative design and development based on user feedback
Preparing for beta launch and user testing
The Inspiration
The journey began when my friend Nick, a recent graduate from Fordham University, shared his frustrating experience of being ghosted by employers despite his qualifications. Simultaneously, I faced challenges finding part-time jobs as a student in NYC, often handing out resumes in person with little to no success. These experiences highlighted a gap in the traditional job application process—it's impersonal, inefficient, and often discouraging.
We asked ourselves: How can we create a platform that brings authenticity and direct connection back into the job search experience?
The Problem
Lack of Personal Connection: Traditional resumes fail to capture a candidate's personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm.
Inefficient Communication: Job seekers often experience delayed responses or none at all, leading to uncertainty.
ATS Limitations: Applicant Tracking Systems may filter out qualified candidates due to keyword mismatches.
Comfort with Short-Form Content: The new generation is accustomed to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, favoring brief, engaging content.
Objectives
Introduce Video Resumes and Job Posts: Allow candidates and recruiters to create short, engaging videos to showcase themselves authentically.
Facilitate Direct Connections: Enable real-time interaction between job seekers and recruiters through messaging and live Q&A sessions.
Enhance Algorithm-Based Matching: Utilize AI to match candidates with suitable job postings and recruiters with ideal candidates.
Modernize the Recruitment Process: Align with the new generation's preference for short-form, dynamic content.
Understanding the Users
Job Seekers
New Graduates like Nick: Eager to enter the workforce but facing barriers with traditional application methods.
Students Seeking Part-Time Work: Balancing academics with the need for employment.
Career Changers: Individuals looking to pivot into new industries where traditional resumes may not highlight transferable skills.
Underrepresented Candidates: Those who may lack conventional qualifications but have the passion and aptitude for the job.
Recruiters and Employers
Progressive Companies: Organizations open to innovative recruitment methods to attract top talent.
Recruiters Facing High Application Volumes: Seeking efficient ways to assess candidates beyond paper resumes.
Companies Prioritizing Cultural Fit: Wanting to gauge a candidate's personality and soft skills early in the process.
Full Case Study coming soon! For now, gain a glimpse as to how we envision the platform to be.
The Inspiration
The journey began when my friend Nick, a recent graduate from Fordham University, shared his frustrating experience of being ghosted by employers despite his qualifications. Simultaneously, I faced challenges finding part-time jobs as a student in NYC, often handing out resumes in person with little to no success. These experiences highlighted a gap in the traditional job application process—it's impersonal, inefficient, and often discouraging.
We asked ourselves: How can we create a platform that brings authenticity and direct connection back into the job search experience?
The Problem
Lack of Personal Connection: Traditional resumes fail to capture a candidate's personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm.
Inefficient Communication: Job seekers often experience delayed responses or none at all, leading to uncertainty.
ATS Limitations: Applicant Tracking Systems may filter out qualified candidates due to keyword mismatches.
Comfort with Short-Form Content: The new generation is accustomed to platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, favoring brief, engaging content.
Objectives
Introduce Video Resumes and Job Posts: Allow candidates and recruiters to create short, engaging videos to showcase themselves authentically.
Facilitate Direct Connections: Enable real-time interaction between job seekers and recruiters through messaging and live Q&A sessions.
Enhance Algorithm-Based Matching: Utilize AI to match candidates with suitable job postings and recruiters with ideal candidates.
Modernize the Recruitment Process: Align with the new generation's preference for short-form, dynamic content.
Understanding the Users
Job Seekers
New Graduates like Nick: Eager to enter the workforce but facing barriers with traditional application methods.
Students Seeking Part-Time Work: Balancing academics with the need for employment.
Career Changers: Individuals looking to pivot into new industries where traditional resumes may not highlight transferable skills.
Underrepresented Candidates: Those who may lack conventional qualifications but have the passion and aptitude for the job.
Recruiters and Employers
Progressive Companies: Organizations open to innovative recruitment methods to attract top talent.
Recruiters Facing High Application Volumes: Seeking efficient ways to assess candidates beyond paper resumes.
Companies Prioritizing Cultural Fit: Wanting to gauge a candidate's personality and soft skills early in the process.
Full Case Study coming soon! For now, gain a glimpse as to how we envision the platform to be.
Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
This will hide itself!
Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
This will hide itself!
Smooth Scroll
This will hide itself!
This will hide itself!
Matthew McClane
New York, NY