How can a chatbot suggest job offers on Pracuj.pl

The conversation model seemed most natural in this case. But how to make it attractive to users? The conversation is finally governed by its laws. Users can ask for the same job offer in very different ways. What if the bot answers incorrectly? We're ready for frustration. So there's a challenge — let's see how to use the job search engine, used on the website and in the application, in a new communication channel — chatbot.

There are no stupid questions. And only when we answer the basic ones, can we start to go into the details. Because what kind of virtual assistant can our virtual chatbot be? That's why we started to wonder:

• When will you need it?
  In which situations will it be used (context)?
• Why would you need it?
  What will be his role and what problems will he solve?
• Who will you need?
  What kind of personality a bot is supposed to have?
• Who are we designing for?
  We are deepening the personnas, i.e. people for whom this solution will be useful.
• How will the bot work?
  We are developing communication logic and bot language.

We divided the work on this solution into three stages. Each of them lasted two weeks. And their main focus was the workshop. It was then that, together with Pracuj.pl team, we answered questions and designed further functions and features of the bot. Every day the bot learned how to solve new problems. He was growing up.

Okay, we have a base. Now we can take care of his personality. Well, what should it be? Serious? Curious? Or totally laid back? After all, looking for a job is an emotional, stressful moment — which was also confirmed by research. As with any service, the first impression is most important. Because if a bot sends a wrong offer or, what's worse, starts to flood you with complicated questions — it will only arouse frustration among the poor recruiter. And it may strongly discourage him from going on. As if he wasn't stressed enough? We didn't want to add to that.

Selection of the candidate

Just like choosing a partner, we wanted to feel that he was the one. So, candidate number one was Italo. Italian roots, clear and original language. Sounds perfect! And if we add that he can talk about the job search process as if he was creating the perfect recipe for the best dish... Madonna Santa!

Okay, the bot was selected, but which test method to choose? After all, we didn't yet have a developed an advanced conversation logic. We have opted for the Wizard of Oz. How does it work? We ask the respondents to complete a task, and we play the role of the chatbot who assists them — we use the script prepared earlier. In this case, however, we were able to monitor the course of the conversation on an ongoing basis and immediately catch up on which path of the conversation is not natural or needs to be changed.

Let's choose again

Oh, Italo! We had to say goodbye to you although it broke our hearts. Respondents did not take it positively. They were irritated by his cheerful tone and language — he used too many metaphors. But for us, it was a valuable lesson. The respondents gave us a lot of guidance as to where to go further.

In the following iterations we decided to tame our bot a bit. We have opted for simple and understandable language. The tone of the bot's speech was supposed to be emphasized only by emoticons. It was time for a more balanced candidate named Radzimil. He referred largely to the Pracuj.pl advertising campaign, present in the media at that time. Let's see how it goes this time. Testing time!

Conversation logic

If a job interview conversation is to work, it must be logical. Because although a bot would speak the simplest language, the most important thing for a candidate is to get things done. As soon as possible. So the bot must always react accordingly.

Okay, we have directions and guidelines from the first research. What now? This time we used the Chatfuel. This allowed the respondents to enter the real experience of talking to a bot on Messenger. That's how the bot will work eventually. Great. We're proceeding with the study. Respondents' conclusions? They were clear. The conversation is to be quick and efficient. And finally, they're supposed to get the best matching offers. Simple.

And this was the clue. The Chatbot, with all its advantages, wasn't as fast as it should be. And the offers he presented proved to be inadequate. Hmm, not too good. What to do about it? After discussions we decided that the bot will talk to users in loops. What does that mean?

• First loop, conversational, longer and classic. The bot asks questions, makes sure he understands the phrase correctly, and finally displays basic job offers.
• The second loop, we moved part of the conversation to the classic form, which is filled in by the recruited person. He enters his own location or position and selects any filters he wants to apply. It's easier and faster than talking to a bot.

Sure! Radzimił completed his training in Cogision in April 2018. He became a full-fledged virtual assistant for job seekers. He learned how to notify users of new job offers, redirect inquiries to customer service and talk about himself. It was finally implemented a year later and started working on the Pracuj.pl fanpage in 2019. Our pride!