Resource toolbox: Come Recommended

May 20, 8:59 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Bias alert: This article is about a company I founded, but it fits all my qualifications for the Resource Toolbox series—a free (or low-cost) product, service or Web site helpful to those seeking internships or entry-level jobs.

Earlier this week, I launched Come Recommended, an exclusive online community connecting the best internship and entry-level job candidates with the best employers. This project has been in the works for quite some time, and I’m happy to finally be able to offer it to all of you.

Why did I found Come Recommended? Read my first blog post for the long answer, but the short answer is there’s a strong need for a service like this that breaks down the barriers between great internship and entry-level job candidates and great employers. 

How it works:

1. You register and build a detailed profile.
2. Before being accepted into the community, you must first be recommended by at least three individuals. As a candidate, this can include current or previous employers, industry professionals, professors/teachers and other non-family mentors.
3. Using the site’s technology, you will send all recommendation requests via e-mail.
4. In this e-mail, a link to a simple online form is provided, and all answers are automatically transmitted back to your profile.
5. Once you have three recommendations, you are accepted into the community and can access Come Recommended’s numerous features.

What are those features? For candidates:

• Custom profiles
• Search and view employer profiles, which include recommendations
• Access to employer member position openings, searchable by company, location and keyword
• Daily job alerts via e-mail
• Receive recommendations from both members and non-members
• Private chatrooms to network with potential employers
• A candidate-only forum to share “best practices” with other candidates
• Access to educational articles and other helpful resources

These are what I call “core” features, meaning they will always be free. Over time, I do plan to offer some paid features based on member feedback. Do you have an idea for the site? Don’t be shy—share it! All feature requests can be sent to comments@comerecommended.com. 

A popular question over the last few days: How is Come Recommended better than Facebook, LinkedIn or VisualCV? My answer: First, I would never tell you to use one over the other. There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to your job search. Just like I wrote in “LinkedIn vs. VisualCV: Which do you choose?” each has different features you will find beneficial.

That said, a few differentiators for Come Recommended:

1. Come Recommended is limited to only those seeking internships and entry-level jobs, and employers who want to hire at these levels. Candidate members must have graduated no longer than one year ago. That means no more competing against people who aren’t truly entry-level but are willing to take those positions because they need a job.
2. Everyone in the community must have three recommendations before they are allowed to interact with you, and that includes employers. These recommendations are displayed clearly on every profile.
3. Once accepted into the community, you will have the ability to chat directly with hiring managers through the site. You can initiate a conversation with them, and vice versa. So, if you visit an employer’s profile and you like what you see, send a chat request and tell them!

One more item I’d like to mention: Between now and June 14, 2009, if you are seeking an internship or your first entry-level job and have a blog, you can enter our blogging contest for a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card.