Analysis of query entries of a job search engine

Abstract

The amount of interest in analyzing log files is growing with the xpanding volume of information on the Web. The primary mode for information retrieval without a doubt has been search engines which can help users filter their information needs. While the population is used to general-purpose search engines, domain-specific search engines exist to segment a certain market and cater to underserved minority interests. Job search engines are widely used by job seekers ranging from new college graduates to those that are attempting to change their jobs. As part of this research, we investigate job search engine, indeed.com. We accumulated the query entries of 10 participants and analyzed the trends. We specifically examine their input queries and how they deal with output search results. Results indicate that the participants, on average, enter 1.66 queries into the main search box. The main query type for a job search engine is entering a job title. Participants rarely look beyond the first page for output search results. Instead of checking the content past the first page, they would refine their search terms and focus again on the first page. Overall, interesting patterns emerge from this research on a job search engine, but more studies are required. © 2013 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.