N.J. launches matchmaking software for job seekers, employers

New Jersey residents have a new tool to help them find a job.

A new software program called OnRamp allows job seekers to create and upload their resume to the state’s Jobs4Jersey Internet site. They can also access job opportunities listed on 2,400 websites with one search and at no cost.

New Jersey Labor Commissioner Hal Wirths said the program should help to link employers and job seekers in the state where the unemployment rate still is hovering at about 9 percent.

“I hear people say I’m having a difficult time hiring. I’m looking on one side of my shop and I have 300,000 people collecting unemployment. On the other side of the shop I have 250,000 job openings,” Wirths said. “So I think the key here is that we match those together.”

Trenton resident Chris Gessner, a graphic designer who hasn’t worked full time in two and a half years, said the new job search engine is useful.

“It makes the job search easier, but as a job seeker you’ve still got to do all that extra work and really find out the name of the hiring managers there and use your network to try to get these jobs,” he said.

Planned enhancements to the site in January will allow businesses to search for skills on the uploaded resumes to help them fill job openings.