System
Restoration
We are
pleased to report that last night our technical team identified the cause of the
performance problem and restored the system to full operational capacity.
After conduction extensive performance tests, the team was able to verify that
the Go2WorkSource.com web site and all of its administrative utilities,
including the local office Referral Queues, are now fully operational and
functioning as designed. The key word search function that was disabled
yesterday has been restored. Again, we thank you for your patience and apologize
for the inconvenience caused over the last two days.
We hope you enjoy Version 7. If you have comments or suggestions about the new
system, please use the “Contact Us” link at the top of each web page to submit
your comment to us in writing. If you need help, or wish to report a problem,
please contact the Go2WorkSource Help Desk at 360-438-4123.
Version 7
Gets Initial
“Thumbs Up” from Employers
As a first step in the process of testing the new web site
features of Version 7, demonstrations have been conducted
for recruiters representing some of the state’s largest
employers, including QFC, Lowe’s, Safeway, Bank of America
and the Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “Initial reactions of
employers have been very positive” says Joe Racek,
Go2WorkSource.com web master. The employers who have seen
the new site so far were impressed with the new “My
WorkSource” employer accounts that provide instant access to
all past and current job listings showing post and update
dates, expiration dates, number of times viewed, and a list
of applicants who have applied for each job.
“Employers were also
excited to see that expired job listings may be copied
and reissued as a new job, and that jobs saved in the
employer’s account can be reactivated or deactivated for
up to 18 months after the job expires” says Racek. The
representative from Safeway was particularly happy to
see that identical job orders having multiple locations
will need only be entered once. All commented that the
new features will make the web site easier for employers
to use while saving time in the process of posting jobs
and reviewing applicant resumes. The Version 7
development team is aiming for a late summer
implementation of the new web site features.
Job Orders Available in
Six Languages
Version 7 introduces new and improved software by Systran to
replace the Babel Fish software currently used to translate
web pages. Unlike the current software that only translates
static content on web pages, Systran will be able to
translate job orders as well. The new Systran software can
be used to instantly translate a single web page, or the
entire web site, into any of these six languages: Spanish,
Russian, Korean, Simplistic Chinese, Japanese, and
Traditional Chinese.
“In order to help us make the
translations as accurate as possible, multi-lingual field
staff will be asked to use the Go2WorkSource Feedback Form
to report any improperly translated words, particularly
industry jargon, that the software might not recognize” says
Teri Butler, Go2WorkSource Business Analyst. These words
will be compiled into a special translation dictionary that
the Systran software will use to improve future
translations. If you are interested in learning more about
how translation works in Version 7, contact Teri at
360-438-3193, or
tbutler@esd.wa.gov.
Usability and User
Acceptance Testing
Usability testing will be conducted this spring and summer
at several WorkSource office locations. The purpose of this
test is to make sure the web site is easy for job seekers
and employers to use, and to identify any serious problems
that may need to be addressed prior to implementation. The
Version 7 team will be working with local staff representing
two or more field offices to recruit approximately 5
employers and 5 job seekers to complete common tasks in
Version 7 and provide feedback on its usability. The staff
will help identify and invite the participants for these
tests which will be conducted by Joe Racek,
Go2WorkSource.com manager.
Staff will also be recruited to participate in User
Acceptance Testing. “The purpose of this test is to make
sure that the administrative functions of the web site, such
as the Referral Queue and reports, meet the business needs
of staff who will be using the application to make on-line
referrals” says Go2WorkSource Tester Sherry Kerrihard. At
least one staff from each of 5 offices will be asked to
participate in this important test during the summer.
Plans for Staff Training
“The
Training Plan
has been written, Web Site training materials are in the
process of being written, and training materials for the
Referral Queue are on schedule to be completed by June”
reports Business Systems Support trainer Sarah C. Wilson.
E&T Business Systems Support will provide functionality
training and an overview of the SKIES-Go2WorkSource.com
interface to field staff in WorkSource Offices who regularly
use the Referral Queue (Pending List) and reports. Training
will also be provided on Go2WorkSource Version 7 website
features and enhancements for field staff in WorkSource
Offices who provide web site assistance to employers and job
seekers. Trainees will be selected at the local level.
Staff can expect Version 7 training schedules and locations
to be identified in June, and training should begin in July.
Training of field staff is a collaborative effort of
WorkSource Operations Division (WSOD) Labor Exchange and
Employment and Training Division (E&T) Business Systems
Support Units. Labor Exchange will train on program policies
and procedures. Business Systems Support will train on
Referral Queue functions, reports and web site features. For
more information about Version 7 training, contact Kris
Moritz or Sarah C. Wilson.
Highlights of the new
WorkSource Administrative features
Secure individual logins to the Administrative section
Today, when staff access the Administrative side of
Go2WorkSource in order to work their Referral Queue or view
WorkSource reports, they select their office, enter an
office ID, and then an office password. To enhance security
in Version 7, access will require a valid SKIES login then
an authorization step to gain access. An approved user list
will be maintained by Production Control. Details about
ensuring staff authorization to the Referral Queues and
reports will be sent to all Referral Queue designated staff
and managers several weeks prior to implementation.
Changing online Request Referral instructions
For job orders viewable on the Web site, Version 7 will
enable an office to change the wording of the “How to
Request a Referral” instructions that display on
Go2WorkSource for SKIES job orders. The text will apply to
all jobs posted by that office.
Suspect SKIES job orders
Version 7 will make available after each interface run, a
list of SKIES jobs that contain information within the job
order that appears might be incorrect. For example, the
job may show a city in Michigan as the worksite address
where Michigan is really the employer’s business address; or
the job may list the wage as $2500 per hour rather than
$2500 per month. The report will display atop the Referral
Queue and the Reports menu. The list will show the job ID
and suspect data, by office. Staff will be able to view the
jobs as they appear on WorkSource.
Referral Queue – Résumés no longer e-mailed to employers
A resume accepted for referral to a SKIES job through the
Referral Queue (Pending List) will no longer be emailed to
the employer. Version 7 will introduce Referral Queue
letters that instruct job seekers to contact the employer
when a referral request has been accepted. A blank
customizable letter will still be available to be used once
or saved.
Referral Queue – “Letters sent” will be saved within the
application
When a referral request is accepted or rejected through the
Referral Queue, this letter will be saved for staff to
easily retrieve, if needed, at a later date.
Referral Queue - 7 day application restriction override
Currently, if a job seeker would like to request a second
online referral to a SKIES job, they are unable to do so
until 7 days beyond the original request. Version 7 will
enable staff to override this restriction for a specified
job seeker and specified job listing.
SKIES jobs on WorkSource
When entering job orders into SKIES, staff will have an
option to disable the on-line referral request instructions
from appearing on Go2WorkSource. When this option is
selected for a job order, the on-line job listing will not
display the “Request a Referral” function, but instead will
direct the seeker to the WorkSource office for further
information.
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