When reThinkData (rTD) set out to connect the world’s ecosystem of job boards and ATSs with our SimpleAPI solution, I knew that our biggest challenge would be to overcome the many years of poor communication and cooperation in our industry. As I’ve mentioned in a previous post, no single group in the industry is to blame for these problems. We’ve all been involved — and we all need to solve these problems together. This is why rTD formed The Connection Alliance.

I’ve been reaching out to many of my colleagues that share my beliefs on the existence of the communication gap and the fact that we can bridge this gap. It’s going to take some hard work, and it’s going to take some time. The Connection Alliance is a step toward making all of this happen.

We’ve already seen an amazing number of recruitment websites and job boards join The Connection Alliance. With very few exceptions, everybody is on board for a connected ecosystem. We’ve also seen several ATS companies step up, along with industry consultants and even employers that are active supporters of technological evolution in the industry. I’d love to see representation climb on all sides. There is absolutely strength in numbers when it comes to bridging this communication gap. We need each other, and one side of the industry certainly can’t do it alone.

My good friend Peter Weddle unveiled a renaming of his industry association at the IAEWS Fall Congress Extravaganza in Las Vegas just last weekend: what was once known as the International Association of Employment Web Sites (IAEWS) is now called Talent Acquisition Technology Association (TATech). While the IAEWS has enjoyed a healthy membership base from the recruitment site and job board community, Peter has long wanted to see more industry stakeholders come to the table to connect and thrive together. I’m personally excited about the future of TATech and the talent acquisition industry, and I hope our work at reThinkData and the The Connection Alliance can play a role in improving dialogue and technology connections.

I urge everyone reading this to learn more about The Connection Alliance and how you can support its mission. I also urge you to join TATech to participate in the evolution it’s spawning.

I hope to see you all at the table, ready to contribute toward an exciting and rewarding future.

 

photo credit: Bridge in WuZhen via photopin (license)