KATHMANDU: The classified section of newspapers used to be the only resource centre for the latest job posting, hiring and openings, but the scenario has changed dramatically with the advent of job search portals. “The idea of launching a job search portal dates way back, but we launched merojob.com only in 2009,” shares Shailendra Raj Giri, managing director of the comp-any. According to him, starting a job search portal was envisioned while operating Real Solution — a human resource consulting agency. Giri claims Real Solution is the first consulting agency in the country to set up a human resource department in corporate offices, assist them with human resource policies, regulations, guidelines and train them for administ-rative tasks.

Merojob.com employs 19 staffs, who are constantly working on revising the site with updates, upgrades and new features. It allows job hunters to post their résumés and job providers to post vacancies for free. “Job portals are gaining a foothold among those hiring and looking to be hired,” says Giri, adding that once jobseekers post their résumé, they will get a list of openings of prospective jobs and can easily apply for the position. Suitable candidates will receive a notification via e-mail or SMS, saving time and effort.

The portal has categorised the job search under two segments — vacancies published in newspapers (The Himalayan Times and The Kathmandu Post) and direct post from companies. “Through our service, candidates can conduct intensive job search according to their respective field, as we include vacancies in all sectors, which can be quite a tedious search in print media,” shares Giri, boasting that the site receives 120,000 hits per day. However, slow internet speed and power cuts are some challenges they face while operating the portal.

Merojob.com is also planning to provide training and guaranteed jobs for prospective candidates. For example, if a company needs sales executives, merojob.com will provide them with a suitable and qualified candidate. For this, they are tying up with some organisations and plan to launch the programme by July.

The company is not just targeted to white-collar workers. It also entertains blue-collar jobs through their recently launched website, ‘rojgari.com’. According to Giri, the first of its kind site is funded by European Union and supported by Practical Action. For this, they will be operating stations at different places across Nepal and collecting vacancies for blue-collar workers like plumbers, painters, electricians, et cetera. Rojgari.com has set up its station in Doti, Achham, and Kailali and gradually plans to extend to other parts of the country as well. The website also plans to offer vocational training to interested candidates. This website will be a quick platform for people to hire workers listed in the website just by either sending SMS or calling.