Finding the right employee for a job is a challenge for most employers. When you consider the blue collar workforce, this becomes even harder since there is no formal manner in which jobs can be advertised and all potential workers can have access to options. Information related to relevant jobs in this arena is often available only through word of mouth, and understandably the reach of this information is limited.
In addition, there is an ever increasing access to cell phone and internet service all over the country. This offers a unique opportunity for a portal where job seekers and employers can be connected effectively.
KamataPakistan.com is just such a web and online portal, where informal blue collar workers are given access to better opportunities then they would otherwise be able to find and apply for.
How it works?
The process is simple enough. An employee can set up their profile with Kamata Pakistan and become part of the database of resources. To allow more people access to this service, and thereby decrease complete dependency on access to the internet, the team is working on agreements and partnerships with organizations like the PVTC (Punjab Vocational Training Council). Through this partnership, the PVTC will share profiles of its vocational trainees with KamataPakistan who will then work on placing them in the right jobs.
As an employer, you can register and enter some basic search criteria to browse available employees in whichever category you need. Some examples of available skills include household workers, office helpers, drivers, hospitality workers and even welders or plumbers.
The Brains behind the Operation
The service was launched by Junaid Salim, a LUMS graduate. With a background in Mathematics and Computer Science as well as Management, he has the ideal background for this sort of endeavor. The inspiration for this project came from both academic research and similar practical applications in other countries like India. The academic research was one conducted by Duke University and The World Bank which showed that the primary path out of poverty is through income diversification such as through access to multiple job opportunities. Another study focused on the Pakistani labor market and how such a market can perform better if the flow of information is improved.
Basic Services offered
The website offers three types of service plans for potential employers. The basic or free version allows you to view up to 15 phone numbers and contact these potential employees via telephone. It also allows you to send a sms advertising your job. In the Screening and Shortlisting service, the website charges a fee to shortlist ten best candidates and then share the list so you can interview and hire the right person. In the last service option or Guaranteed Placement, the website screens and shortlists several candidates, finds the most suitable for your needs and sends only the selected candidate over. There is also a guaranteed replacement for a limited time period.
Additional Services
The website offers a basic level of background information regarding employees. This information is mostly based on the information shared by the candidate themselves. If the employer needs a deeper and more thorough background check, then an additional service is provided by Kamata in collaboration with RiskDiscovered, a background verification company that has been operational in Pakistan since 2007. This service may include NADRA verification, site visits, address verifications, previous employment checks, verification of certifications, and police checks.
Candidate Development
Kamata Pakistan also conducted a soft skills training program for its potential candidates last year. More of the same are apparently planned for the future in different categories. The pilot program was held for drivers, with a view to help enhance soft skills including communication and interview skills. The aim was to help them secure and retain good jobs as well as work on confidence, responsibility, self-presentation, and focus on following traffic laws.
Possible Issues
Basic background checks reliant on information primarily provided by the candidate may not be the best way to ensure reliable candidates. If there are too many instances of incorrect information, then the service may not be able to garner trust, repeat business and success with its target employer base.
Through long term successful trust building and reliable candidates and employers, this website could emerge as an excellent resource for both job seekers and job providers. The key is to consistently ensure sustainability and reliability at every step.