The JobServe Job Search iPhone App (available here) has been on the App Store for just under a week and we are very pleased with the overall reception so far. In this article we would like to discuss the feedback so far and explain some of the issues experienced.

Thank you to all the users that have taken the time to email us with constructive and useful feedback, we have had over 3,000 downloads and at least 50 emails which range from feature requests and suggestions to possible issues with the search or function of the app.

Key features requested:

1. Provide Salary/Rate search options
2. Allow user to set the number of results displayed per page
3. Access Saved Searches from the JobServe website
4. Apply for Jobs directly from the App
5. Display the Job Reference and recruiter Telephone number if available
6. Allow results to be displayed in Best Match or Posted Date Descending order

Suggested improvements to current functionality:

1. Change the layout of the results to fit more jobs on the screen – better use of real estate
2. Make the settings option more visible to users

Issues highlighted:

1. Jobs Near Me functionality causes app crashes for some users
2. Email job from Full Description screen fails

So we have a good set of request and suggestions already. Currently under review by Apple is a new version v1.01 which will provide new features 2 and 5 above. Cosmetic changes to the layout will display more jobs per page and the settings option is more visible.

In terms of bugs all should be fixed in this new release.

Jobs Near Me – This uses the iPhone API CLLocationManager class and for many users when selected this class returns the location co-ordinates quickly and accurately. However some users experience when in certain locations that this crashes – we have many reports of the same user using the app successfully in different locations but crashing in other locations. Under all testing scenarios we did not experience this, and although not a perfect excuse, we released this with belief that the required precautions were taken. On closer analysis it appears that the CLLocationManager may be returning two results very quickly – even though we have requested specifically to stop updating the location. Users experiencing the crashing sometimes saw results very quickly or just bombed out on the first screen. Users could then use the Location box for searching instead as a workaround.

The new release will be out as soon as possible and we value your continued feedback.

Following this release we will be planning another release which will contain Sort Order options and Salary Searching.

We are also working on the Application platform which will allow users to apply for jobs directly from their phone using our Job Application process similar to the JobServe website. The only requirement will be to have a JobServe candidate record and maintain a CV on the website.