The way people look for jobs has evolved considerably since Monster.ca’s inception as a digital job board 20 years ago. Monster has also evolved, becoming the leading provider of a full array of recruitment and talent management products and services while investing heavily in innovative technologies and constantly updating its offerings to meet the changing needs of the consumer.

With more people using digital tools to apply for jobs, the company recently partnered with Google to give job seekers the ability to filter through thousands of jobs in seconds. The Monster Job Search App uses a swipe function similar to popular dating apps to make the process easy and seamless.

Even with all these technological innovations, the most important thing Monster offers, according to General Manager Angela Payne, has always been — and will always be — the human touch.

Mediaplanet: How does Monster stand out in a competitive marketplace?

Angela Payne: We are changing the way people think about work and we’re helping them actively improve their lives and workforce performance with new technology, tools, and practices.

We focus on fostering connections to bring humanity and opportunity to the job market across Canada. This means identifying and addressing the specific needs of employers and job seekers more efficiently than ever before. We do this through renewed focus on the candidate. Monster is meeting candidates every step of the search process through employment branding and social job ads. We meet the candidate where they are, where they are spending their time, and where they connect online.

MP: How are today’s job seekers finding jobs?

AP: Consumers are continually searching for products and services that mitigate the stresses associated with the job search. Monster.ca allows job seekers to customize their search in a way that caters to their direct needs, interests, and qualifications. This allows them to connect with a job that ignites their passion and ambition. After all, meaningful and rewarding employment is rooted in contentment.

MP: How is Monster.ca using technology to change the way people search for jobs?

AP: Monster is continuously improving its products to provide the innovation and user experience that meet the expectations of job seekers and employers. This includes products like the Monster Job Search App and Monster Social Job Ads as well as products set to reach Canadian consumers in the near future. Our free resume assessment tool, which is pending release in the Canadian market, uses proprietary smart-scanning technology to provide detailed feedback on the appearance and content in a resume while providing a prediction of a recruiter’s first impression.

Together, these innovations are connecting the most qualified job seekers with employers faster than ever before.

MP: Will AI, algorithms, and computers take over the job placement market?

AP: It’s not a matter of will, it’s a matter of when. Technology, if utilized correctly, can expedite the search process by connecting companies with the right talent. At Monster, we have enhanced our search algorithms and results to ensure that we’re matching the right people with the right jobs.

There is so much shared value in the proper implementation and use of AI, algorithms, and computers — for our company, the companies we serve, and for job seekers. But we will never waver from our focus on fostering personal connections and bringing humanity to the job search.