A method for controlling a job search support system, a job search support system, and a program.

Abstract

This improves the convenience of the invitation process between users using invitation codes. [Solution] A method for controlling a job support system using an invitation code, comprising: an issuance step of issuing an invitation code in response to a request from a first user; a generation step of generating a service screen including a display description showing information about the invitation code; a notification step of notifying the first user of the address information of the service screen; and a display control step of, after a message including the address information has been posted to a communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and when the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from a second user, the method for controlling the system displays information about the invitation code available to the second user in an identifiable manner by referring to the display description of the service screen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control method for a job hunting support system, a job hunting support system, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, SNS (Social Networking Service) tools for communication between multiple users via a network have become widespread. SNS is used, for example, in configurations using a web browser or in configurations of applications (hereinafter also referred to as "apps") installed on user terminals.

[0003] In addition, matching services for matching multiple users have become widespread. Matching services are used for various purposes, and one of them is a job hunting / transfer service for matching job seekers and recruiting companies. In matching services, users already in use invite other users to promote use. In such a case, the invited person may input a shared invitation code as the information of the inviter on a registration screen or the like.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in an invitation system in which an invitation code is issued in response to a request from the inviting side, and the invited side is newly group-registered by inputting the invitation code.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] For example, consider a scenario where an invited person enters an invitation code. When entering the invitation code, it was difficult to determine whether the code was valid or not, hindering the input process. As a result, this could potentially deprive new users of the service of opportunities, creating a need to improve the convenience of using invitation codes. For instance, when an inviter shares a registration screen URL (Uniform Resource Locator) for new user registration with an invited person via social media, there is a need to easily verify on the social media screen whether an invitation code is valid for input on the registration screen. Patent Document 1 did not adequately address these issues.

[0007] In view of the above issues, the present invention aims to improve the convenience of the invitation procedure between users using an invitation code. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration. That is, a control method for a job support system using an invitation code, The issuance process involves issuing an invitation code in response to a request from the first user, A generation step of generating a service screen that includes a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification step of notifying the first user of the address information of the service screen, After a message containing the address information is posted to the communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, a display control step is performed to display the information of the invitation code available to the second user in an identifiable manner by referring to the display description of the service screen, It holds.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: namely, a job search support system using an invitation code, An issuing unit issues an invitation code in response to a request from the first user, A generation unit that generates a service screen including a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification unit that notifies the first user of the address information of the service screen, It has, After a message containing the address information is posted to the communication tool based on instructions from the first user, when the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, the display description of the service screen is referenced, so that the information of the invitation code available to the second user is displayed in an identifiable manner.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention has the following configuration: namely, a program, Computers, In response to a request from the first user, the issuing unit issues an invitation code. A generation unit that generates a service screen including a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code. A notification unit that notifies the first user of the address information of the service screen, To make it function as, After a message containing the address information is posted to the communication tool based on instructions from the first user, when the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, the display description of the service screen is referenced, so that the information of the invitation code available to the second user is displayed in an identifiable manner. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the convenience of the invitation procedure between users using an invitation code. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] Block diagram showing an example configuration of the job recruitment support system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Functional block diagram showing the server device according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 3] Functional block diagram showing the user terminal according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 4] Sequence diagram showing the invitation process according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 5] Flowchart of the registration process according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 6] Example diagram showing a configuration example of the UI screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 7] Example diagram showing a configuration example of the UI screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention [Figure 8] Sequence diagram showing the invitation process according to a modified example of the present invention [Figure 9] Flowchart of the application process according to a modified example of the present invention

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings and the like. The embodiments described below are one embodiment for explaining the present invention, and are not intended to be construed as limiting the present invention. Also, not all configurations described in each embodiment are essential configurations for solving the problems of the present invention. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components to indicate the correspondence. Note that, in order to avoid unnecessary redundancy and facilitate the understanding of those skilled in the art, part of the description may be omitted or simplified. For example, detailed descriptions of well-known matters or redundant descriptions of substantially the same configurations may be omitted.

[0014] <First Embodiment> [System Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example configuration of a job search support system (information processing system) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, a job matching service that connects job seekers and recruiting companies is used as an example for explanation, but the invention is not limited to this. The present invention is applicable to any service to which the invitation code and the configuration related to the display and input of the invitation code, which are features of the present invention, can be applied. Furthermore, in this embodiment, service linkage using SNS is assumed, but the type of SNS is not particularly limited, and any SNS tool may be used as long as the configuration unique to the present invention, which will be described later, functions.

[0015] The job recruitment support system 1 consists of a server device 100, multiple user terminals 200, and a job recruitment company system 300. Each device constituting the job recruitment support system 1 is configured to communicate via a network NW.

[0016] The server device 100 is a device for providing various functions provided by the job recruitment support system 1 to user terminals 200. The server device 100 provides job recruitment support applications to each user terminal 200 and the job recruiting company system 300. The server device 100 also manages user information and job information registered via the user terminals 200 and the job recruiting company system 300. It is also possible to configure the system so that some or all of the functions described later are provided on the user terminal 200 side or on the job recruiting company system 300 side, which can be linked via a network NW. The server device 100 may be configured on-premises using a general-purpose computer such as a workstation or personal computer, or it may be logically implemented by cloud computing. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, one server device 100 is given as an example, but it is not limited to this, and there may be multiple devices, and there may also be servers with different roles, such as an authentication server and a database server.

[0017] The user terminal 200 is an operating terminal used by the user. The user terminal 200 may consist of an information processing device such as a personal computer, tablet, smartphone, or wearable device. The user terminal 200 provides the user with web services provided by the server device 100 and the functions of applications installed and running on the user terminal 200. In the example in Figure 1, three user terminals 200a, 200b, and 200c are shown, but many more user terminals may be used. The configurations of multiple user terminals 200 may be different or the same. For convenience, they will be described together as user terminal 200 here. When it is necessary to explain each user terminal separately, a subscript (a, b, ...) will be added.

[0018] The recruiting company system 300 is an external system that functions in conjunction with the server device 100 via a network (NW). For example, the recruiting company system 300 is used by recruiting companies to register job information with the server device 100 and to receive information about job applications from the server device 100. Although only one recruiting company system 300 is shown, multiple systems may be connected depending on the recruiting company.

[0019] A network (NW) consists of the Internet, intranet, wireless LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), etc. The communication standards and wired / wireless connections used in a network (NW) are not particularly limited, and a network (NW) may be composed of a combination of multiple communication standards.

[0020] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the server device 100 according to this embodiment. The server device 100 is composed of a control unit 110, a storage unit 120, and a communication unit 130. Each part is configured to communicate with each other via an internal bus or the like.

[0021] The control unit 110 is responsible for controlling the operation of the server device 100. The control unit 110 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and provides various functions by reading and executing various programs and data stored in the memory unit 120. The control unit 110 functions as, for example, a data management unit 111, a display control unit 112, a user information registration unit 113, a job information registration unit 114, a screen generation unit 115, an invitation code issuance unit 116, a job application unit 117, an incentive derivation unit 118, and a communication control unit 119.

[0022] The data management unit 111 works in conjunction with the storage unit 120 to manage various types of data and provides, registers, updates, etc., of various types of data as requested. The display control unit 112 controls the display of the UI (User Interface) screen shown on the user terminal 200 based on user operations performed via the user terminal 200. It also controls the provision of various UI screens to the user terminal 200. An example of the configuration of the UI screen according to this embodiment will be described later.

[0023] The user information registration unit 113 accepts user registrations for the job support service according to this embodiment and registers them in each database. User information may include information about the user entered when using the service, as well as information when applying for job postings.

[0024] The job information registration unit 114 receives job information from the recruiting company system 300 in the job support service according to this embodiment and registers it in each database. The job information may include information such as job requirements, application status, and hiring results.

[0025] The screen generation unit 115 generates various screens according to this embodiment. Details will be described later, but the screens are generated including information about the invitation code. The invitation code issuing unit 116 issues an invitation code that can be used to invite other users, in response to a user's request. Examples of how to use the invitation code will be described later.

[0026] The job application unit 117 processes job applications in response to user requests. This processing includes, for example, notifying the recruiting company that issued the job and providing information about the job seeker. The job application unit 117 also provides the application results to the user terminal 200 of the job seeker.

[0027] The incentive derivation unit 118 derives incentives that can be obtained when various processes are performed using the invitation code. The incentives here are not particularly limited, but for example, they may be points that can be used when using a certain service, or licenses that allow the user to use a certain service. The communication control unit 119 controls communication with external devices (for example, user terminals 200 and recruitment company systems 300) and transmits and receives data.

[0028] The memory unit 120 is a storage device for storing programs, data, etc., for executing various control processes and functions within the control unit 110. The memory unit 120 is composed of volatile / non-volatile storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and flash memory. The memory unit 120 includes a database (hereinafter referred to as DB) for managing data corresponding to the functions described later.

[0029] User Information DB121 manages various user information of users who use the job support service according to this embodiment. User information may include attribute information such as the user's name, date of birth, address, and qualifications, as well as history information regarding job applications and hiring, and information regarding incentives. Company Information DB122 manages various company information of companies that use the job support service according to this embodiment. Company information may include attribute information such as the name of the recruiting company, its locations, and service details, as well as evaluation information (such as reviews) and advertising information regarding the recruiting company.

[0030] The Job Information DB123 manages job information registered by recruiting companies. Job information may include information about the recruiting company, as well as job requirements and application status. The Screen DB124 manages various screen information generated by the Screen Generation Unit 115 for display on user terminals 200, etc. Examples of generated screens will be described later. The Invitation Code DB125 manages issued invitation codes.

[0031] The DB configuration shown in Figure 2 is just one example; multiple DBs shown in Figure 2 may be combined into a single configuration, or one DB may be divided into multiple configurations. Furthermore, a portion of the DB may be managed by a device separate from the server device 100.

[0032] The communication unit 130 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices via a network NW. The communication unit 130 may be configured to support multiple communication standards depending on the configuration of the network NW.

[0033] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a user terminal 200 according to this embodiment. The user terminal 200 is composed of a control unit 210, a storage unit 220, a communication unit 230, an operation unit 240, a display unit 250, and an external IF (Interface) 260.

[0034] The control unit 210 is responsible for controlling the operation of the user terminal 200. The control unit 210 is composed of, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), and provides various functions by reading and executing various programs and data stored in the memory unit 220.

[0035] The memory unit 220 is a storage device for storing programs, data, etc., for executing various control processes and functions of the control unit 210. The memory unit 220 is composed of volatile / non-volatile storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and flash memory. For example, the memory unit 220 stores a job support application 221 for using the job support service according to this embodiment, an SNS application 222 for using SNS, and a data group 223 containing various data. The control unit 210 can provide various services by launching and operating each application. Note that there are various SNS such as LINE®, Instagram®, X, and Facebook®, but it is not particularly limited.

[0036] The communication unit 230 is a communication interface for communicating with external devices via a network NW. The communication unit 230 may be configured to support multiple communication standards depending on the configuration of the network NW.

[0037] The operation unit 240 is an interface for receiving operations from the user of the user terminal 200. The operation unit 240 may consist of a mouse, keyboard, etc. The display unit 250 is an interface for displaying various screens and consists of a display, etc. A touch panel display that integrates the operation unit 240 and the display unit 250 may be used. The external IF 260 is an interface for connecting to various devices and may be a connection interface to, for example, an imaging unit (not shown) for taking images or sensors for acquiring predetermined information.

[0038] [Processing Sequence] This embodiment illustrates an example where a user currently using the job search support service (referred to as "User A" for convenience) invites another unregistered user (referred to as "User B" for convenience) to register for the service. It is also assumed that both User A and User B are using SNS and can communicate with each other via the SNS application 222. Here, it is assumed that User A owns user terminal 200a and User B owns user terminal 200b.

[0039] Furthermore, in the job support service according to this embodiment, User A invites User B using an invitation code. By User B entering the invitation code during registration, User A and / or User B are given an incentive. Here, since we are assuming an invitation code used in the registration process, we will also refer to it as a "registration invitation code."

[0040] In step S401, the user terminal 200a launches the job support application 221 based on user instructions and accepts the registration invitation instruction. An example of the screen for accepting the registration invitation instruction will be described later using Figure 6(a).

[0041] In step S402, the user terminal 200a sends a registration invitation request to the server device 100 based on the registration invitation instruction received in step S401. This request may include identification information to uniquely identify user A.

[0042] In step S403, the server device 100 receives a registration invitation request from user terminal 200a. Furthermore, the server device 100 identifies user A, the sender, based on the information contained in the received registration invitation request.

[0043] In step S404, the server device 100 issues a new registration invitation code associated with user A. The registration invitation code may have an expiration date, a number of uses, and an issuance limit. If there is already a registration invitation code issued associated with user A that is available, that code may be used.

[0044] In step S405, the server device 100 generates a registration screen that includes a display description showing a registration invitation code. In this embodiment, OGP (Open Graph Protocol) is used as the display description. Since OGP is a well-known technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted here, but it is a technique for displaying information described by OGP on the SNS screen when a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a web page is posted to the SNS. In other words, in this embodiment, when a message containing the URL of the registration screen for the business support service is posted to the SNS to encourage a new user to use the service, the screen is generated to display information about a registration invitation code that can be entered on that registration screen.

[0045] In step S406, the server device 100 notifies the user terminal 200a of the URL of the registration screen generated in step S405.

[0046] In step S407, user terminal 200a obtains the URL of the registration screen from server device 100 and presents it to user A. An example of the display screen will be described later using Figure 6(a).

[0047] In step S408, user terminal 200a posts a message containing the URL obtained in step S407 to SNS. Posting to SNS is done by launching the SNS application 222 installed on user terminal 200a and specifying the recipient. Here, we will explain that the message is posted with user B specified as the recipient to encourage new use of the job support service according to this embodiment. The content of the posted message is not particularly limited, but it should contain at least the above URL. Note that the recipient of the message on SNS is not limited to one person; it may be sent to multiple recipients simultaneously, or to a group to which multiple people belong.

[0048] In step S409, user terminal 200b displays the message posted by user A via the SNS application 222 installed on user terminal 200b, based on instructions from user B. As described above, when the message is displayed via the SNS application 222, a thumbnail of the registration screen indicated by the URL contained in the message and the registration invitation code indicated by the OGP contained in the registration screen are displayed. An example of the display screen will be described later using Figure 7(a).

[0049] In step S410, the user terminal 200b requests the display of the registration screen by accessing the URL displayed in the SNS app using a browser (not shown) or the like, based on user instructions.

[0050] In step S411, the server device 100 receives an access request to the registration screen from the user terminal 200b.

[0051] In step S412, the server device 100 provides the user terminal 200b with a corresponding registration screen in response to the access request in step S411.

[0052] In step S413, the user terminal 200b displays the registration screen provided by the server device 100 using a browser (not shown) or the like. Furthermore, the user terminal 200b accepts the input of registration information to the registration screen based on the operation of user B. At this time, user B can view the available registration invitation code displayed on the SNS application 222 in step S409 and enter it into the registration screen. In addition, the system may be controlled to prompt the user to download and install the job support application 221 along with the user registration for the job support service according to this embodiment.

[0053] In step S414, the user terminal 200b transmits the registration information about user B, which was entered in step S413, to the server device 100.

[0054] In step S415, the server device 100 performs registration processing for user B based on the registration information transmitted from user terminal 200b. The details of this process will be described in detail using Figure 5. After that, the server device 100 proceeds to step S416.

[0055] In step S416, the server device 100 notifies user terminals 200a and 200b of the results of the registration process in step S415.

[0056] In step S417, the user terminal 200b displays the information notified by the server device 100 in step S416. This display may be done via the registration screen or via the job search support application 221.

[0057] In step S418, the user terminal 200a displays the information notified by the server device 100 in step S416. This display may be done via the job search support application 221.

[0058] (Registration process) Figure 5 is a flowchart of the user registration process by the server device 100 according to this embodiment. This process corresponds to step S415 in Figure 4.

[0059] In step S501, the server device 100 receives registration information entered from the user terminal 200b via the registration screen. At this time, the registration information is assumed to include a registration invitation code.

[0060] In step S502, the server device 100 saves the received registration information to each database.

[0061] In step S503, the server device 100 invalidates the registration invitation code specified in the registration information because it has been used. If the registration invitation code is configured to be usable multiple times, the number of uses may be reduced by one.

[0062] In step S504, the server device 100 updates the display description on the registration screen where registration information was entered, i.e., the OGP description, in accordance with the use of the registration invitation code. In other words, it updates the registration screen so that it can be identified that the used registration invitation code is invalid when a string containing the URL of the registration screen is posted on social media. This update may involve rewriting the OGP description so that the used registration invitation code is hidden, or it may be rewritten to explicitly indicate that it has been used.

[0063] In step S505, the server device 100 derives an incentive for the inviting user A and / or the invited user B, in connection with the registration of user B. The content of the incentive may be different for the invited and invited users, or it may be the same. It may also be given to only one of them. The content of the incentive may be predetermined, or it may be switched according to a predetermined calculation formula or conditions.

[0064] In step S506, the server device 100 registers the incentive derived in step S505, associating it with the user information to which it will be granted.

[0065] In step S507, the server device 100 generates notification information to inform user A, the inviter, that user B has been newly registered. At this time, if user A is to be given an incentive, the incentive information derived in step S505 may also be notified.

[0066] In step S508, the server device 100 generates notification information to inform the newly registered user B of the registration result. At this time, if an incentive is to be given to user B, the incentive information derived in step S505 may also be notified. Then this processing flow ends, and the server device 100 proceeds to step S416 in Figure 4.

[0067] [UI screen example] An example of the configuration of a UI screen according to this embodiment will be described. Each UI screen described in this embodiment is displayed on, for example, the display unit 250 of a user terminal 200 and operated by the user. In this embodiment, the UI screen is switched as appropriate based on the user's operation. Here, we will focus on the functions according to this embodiment, but each UI screen may be equipped with many more functions.

[0068] Figure 6 shows an example of the UI screen configuration displayed on the user terminal 200a held by user A, who is the inviter. Figure 6(a) is, for example, the registration invitation screen 600 of the job support application 221 installed on the user terminal 200a, and is a screen for inviting other users to register as users of the job support service according to this embodiment. For example, user A can display the registration invitation screen 600 by operating the job support application 221. The registration invitation screen 600 is displayed, for example, in step S401 of Figure 4.

[0069] When the registration invitation button 601 is pressed on the registration invitation screen 600, the generation of a registration screen for user registration and an invitation code are requested. This executes the invitation request in step S402 of Figure 4. As a result, the URL of the generated registration screen (specifically, the registration screen 710 shown in Figure 7(b)) and the registration invitation code are notified to the user terminal 200a and displayed in the registration screen URL 602 and invitation code 603 fields on the registration invitation screen 600.

[0070] SNS link buttons 604-606 are buttons used to launch the corresponding SNS app. Here, we show examples of three types of SNS, and SNS link buttons 604-606 correspond to SNS_A, SNS_B, and SNS_C, respectively. Note that the number of buttons may vary depending on the SNS that the user is using. The close button 607 is used to close the registration invitation screen 600.

[0071] Figure 6(b) shows an example configuration of the SNS screen 610 using an SNS application 222 installed on a user terminal 200a. The SNS screen 610 is displayed, for example, in step S408. Here, as shown in the destination 611, user B is specified as the SNS communication partner. Note that the communication partner may be a group to which multiple users belong. When the desired message is entered in the message input area 613 and the post button 614 is pressed, the posted content is displayed in the message display area 612. The content of the post in the message display area 612 can also be viewed by the communication partner via the SNS application 222 on their own user terminal 200. To improve visibility, in the message display area 612, the message posted by the user is displayed right-aligned, and the message posted by the communication partner is displayed left-aligned. Note that the message display method is not limited to this.

[0072] In this example, the string "https: / / AAAAA.bbbb / ccccccccccccccc" displayed in the registration screen URL 602 in Figure 6(a) is entered into the message input area 613, and the post button 614 is pressed, resulting in the posting of a message containing that string. As a result, message 615 is displayed in the message display area 612. Furthermore, the SNS application 222 refers to the registration screen indicated by the URL contained in message 615, and the information indicated in the OGP description of that registration screen is displayed as display item 616. Here, display item 616 displays the thumbnail image 617 of the registration screen and a list 618 of available registration invitation codes. In addition to available registration invitation codes, the list 618 may also include registration invitation codes that are no longer available in an identifiable manner. Here, three available registration invitation codes, "AAAcode", "BBBcode", and "CCCcode", are shown as examples. In addition, the list 618 displays the registration invitation codes with hashtags (#) attached, but the display method is not limited to this, and other display methods are also possible.

[0073] Figure 7 shows an example of the UI screen configuration displayed on user terminal 200b held by user B, who is the invited party. Figure 7(a) shows an example of the configuration of the SNS screen 700 by the SNS application 222 installed on user terminal 200b, for example. The SNS screen 700 is displayed, for example, in step S409 of Figure 4. Here, as shown in the recipient 701, user A is specified as the SNS communication partner. Similar to the SNS screen 610 in Figure 6(b), when the desired message is entered in the message input area 703 and the post button 704 is pressed, the post content is displayed in the message display area 702.

[0074] In this example, as shown in Figure 6(b), user A posts a message containing the string "https: / / AAAAA.bbbb / ccccccccccccccc", which is displayed as message 705 in the message display area 702. Furthermore, the SNS application 222 on user terminal 200b refers to the information of the registration screen that the URL in message 705 points to, and displays the information indicated in the OGP description of that registration screen as display item 706. Here, display item 706 displays the thumbnail image 707 of the registration screen and a list of available registration invitation codes 708. The display method here is the same as in Figure 6(b).

[0075] Figure 7(b) shows an example configuration of the registration screen 710 for registering a new user. In this example, it is displayed by accessing the URL "https: / / AAAAA.bbbb / ccccccccccccccc". The registration screen 710 may be displayed, for example, via a web browser (not shown) installed on a user terminal 200b owned by user B. The registration screen 710 is displayed, for example, in step S413 of Figure 4.

[0076] The registration screen 710 is provided with multiple input areas for entering various information when a user registers for the job support service according to this embodiment. The information to be entered during user registration is not particularly limited, but may include, for example, an invitation code, inviter's name, name, account number, and job requirements. Input area 711 allows the user to enter an available registration invitation code shown in the list 708 displayed on the SNS screen 700 in Figure 7(a). For example, user B checks the available registration invitation code by referring to the SNS screen 700 and enters it in input area 711 of the registration screen 710. In addition, since the registration invitation code is linked to the inviter user, the inviter's information may be automatically displayed in input area 712 in response to the entry of the registration invitation code in input area 711. User B can also enter other information such as their name in input area 713, etc. After entering the information, pressing the new registration button 714 will cause the server device 100 to perform the registration process. If the cancel button 715 is pressed, the input is discarded and registration is interrupted.

[0077] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to improve the convenience of the invitation procedure between users using invitation codes. In particular, when an invitation to register for a specified service is made via SNS, the invited user can easily check the available invitation codes and perform the input process related to the invitation smoothly.

[0078] [Differentiation] The above embodiment described an embodiment assuming the registration of a new user for a predetermined service. The features of the present invention can also be applied to other situations using invitation codes. Therefore, as a modification of this embodiment, a modification applicable to a job support service in which applications are invited to a job posting of a certain recruiting company will be described. For example, this could be the case when multiple users apply for the same job posting simultaneously.

[0079] The system configuration is the same as that described using Figures 1 to 3, and therefore will be omitted here. Furthermore, this modified example and the first embodiment described above are not mutually exclusive, and both may be implemented in the same system.

[0080] [Processing Sequence] This modification illustrates an example where user A invites user B to a job posting while both users are using the job search support service. It also assumes that both users A and B are using social networking services (SNS) and can communicate via the SNS application 222. The job search support application 221 may also provide a communication function that allows service registrants to communicate with each other. In this case, the communication function provided by the job search support application 221 may be used instead of the SNS application 222 to execute the sequence described later. In this modification, it is assumed that user A owns user terminal 200a and user B owns user terminal 200b.

[0081] Furthermore, in the job support service related to this modified example, User A invites User B using an invitation code. By User B entering the invitation code when applying for a job, User A and / or User B receive an incentive. Here, since we are assuming an invitation code used in the job application process, we will also refer to it as a "job invitation code."

[0082] For example, the server device 100 presents job information registered by recruiting companies to each user in a list format or similar via the job support application 221. User A then identifies a job that matches their desired job conditions from among the presented job information and performs the application operation using the job support application 221, which may result in the following processing sequence. Note that User A, the inviter, may already be applying for or working for the job targeted for application, or User A and User B, the invited party, may apply simultaneously.

[0083] In step S801, the user terminal 200a receives a job invitation instruction corresponding to the desired job information based on the user's instructions. The screen for receiving the job invitation instruction may be the same as the registration invitation screen 600 shown in Figure 6(a).

[0084] In step S802, user terminal 200a sends a job invitation request to server device 100 based on the job invitation instruction received in step S801. This job invitation request may include identification information to uniquely identify user A.

[0085] In step S803, the server device 100 receives a job invitation request from user terminal 200a. Furthermore, the server device 100 identifies user A, the sender, based on the information contained in the received job invitation request.

[0086] In step S804, the server device 100 issues a new job invitation code associated with user A. The job invitation code may have an expiration date, a number of uses, and an issuance limit. If there is already a job invitation code issued associated with user A that is available, that code may be used.

[0087] In step S805, the server device 100 generates a job posting screen (not shown) that includes a display description indicating the job invitation code. In this modified example, OGP (Open Graph Protocol) is used as the display description. In this modified example, when a message containing the URL of the job posting screen is posted on SNS to encourage user B to apply for the job, the screen is generated to display information about the job invitation code that can be entered on that job posting screen.

[0088] In step S806, the server device 100 notifies the user terminal 200a of the URL of the job posting screen generated in step S805.

[0089] In step S807, user terminal 200a obtains the URL of the job posting screen from server device 100 and presents it to user A. An example of the displayed screen may be equivalent to the registration invitation screen 600 shown in Figure 6(a).

[0090] In step S808, user terminal 200a posts a message containing the URL obtained in step S807 to SNS. Posting to SNS is done by launching the SNS application 222 and specifying the recipient. The content of the posted message is not particularly limited, but it should at least contain the above URL. Note that the recipient of a message on SNS is not limited to one person; it may be sent to multiple recipients simultaneously, or to a group to which multiple people belong.

[0091] In step S809, user terminal 200b displays the message posted by user A via SNS application 222, based on instructions from user B. As described above, when the message is displayed via SNS application 222, the thumbnail of the job posting screen indicated by the URL contained in the message and the job invitation code indicated by the OGP contained in the job posting screen are displayed. An example of the display screen may be the same as the SNS screen 700 shown in Figure 7(a).

[0092] In step S810, the user terminal 200b requests the display of the job posting screen by accessing the URL displayed in the SNS application 222 using a browser (not shown) or the like, based on user instructions.

[0093] In step S811, the server device 100 receives an access request to the job posting screen from the user terminal 200b.

[0094] In step S812, the server device 100 provides the corresponding job posting screen to the user terminal 200b in response to the access request in step S811.

[0095] In step S813, user terminal 200b displays the job posting screen provided by server device 100 using a browser (not shown) or the like. Furthermore, user terminal 200b accepts application information input for the job posting screen based on user B's operation. At this time, user B can view the available job invitation code displayed on the SNS application 222 in step S809 and enter it into the job posting screen.

[0096] In step S814, user terminal 200b transmits the application information for user B, which was entered in step S813, to server device 100.

[0097] In step S815, the server device 100 processes user B's application for the desired job based on the application information transmitted from user terminal 200b. The details of this process will be described in detail with reference to Figure 9. After that, the server device 100 proceeds to step S816.

[0098] In step S816, the server device 100 notifies user terminals 200a and 200b of the results of the application process in step S815.

[0099] In step S817, the user terminal 200b displays the information notified by the server device 100 in step S816. This display may be done via the job search support application 221.

[0100] In step S818, the user terminal 200a displays the information notified by the server device 100 in step S816. This display may be done via the job search support application 221.

[0101] (Application processing) Figure 9 is a flowchart of the user application processing performed by the server device 100 according to this modified example. This process corresponds to step S815 in Figure 8.

[0102] In step S901, the server device 100 receives application information entered from the user terminal 200b via the job posting screen (not shown). At this time, the application information is assumed to include a job invitation code.

[0103] In step S902, the server device 100 saves the received application information to each database.

[0104] In step S903, the server device 100 transmits the application information to the recruiting company's system 300, which is used by the recruiting company that registered the job posting. The recruiting company then reviews the application based on the job posting and decides whether to accept or reject it. The recruiting company system 300 then notifies the server device 100 of the review results, following instructions from the recruiting company's representative.

[0105] In step S904, the server device 100 receives the screening results from the recruiting company system 300.

[0106] In step S905, the server device 100 determines whether the result is accepted or rejected based on the review result received in step S904. If accepted (step S905: YES), the server device 100 proceeds to step S906. On the other hand, if rejected (step S905: NO), the server device 100 proceeds to step S910.

[0107] In step S906, the server device 100 invalidates the job invitation code specified in the application information because it has been used. If the job invitation code is configured to be usable multiple times, the number of uses may be reduced by one. In this example, the job invitation code is invalidated depending on whether the applicant is hired or not, but this is not the only option. For example, the entered job invitation code may be invalidated regardless of whether the job is hired or not.

[0108] In step S907, the server device 100 updates the display description on the job posting screen where the application information was entered, i.e., the OGP description, in accordance with the use of the job invitation code. In other words, when a string containing the URL of the application screen is posted on social media, the job posting screen is updated so that it can be identified that the used job invitation code is invalid. This update may involve rewriting the OGP description so that the used job invitation code is hidden, or it may be rewritten to explicitly indicate that it has been used.

[0109] In step S908, the server device 100 derives an incentive for the inviting user A and / or the invited user B, in connection with user B being hired for the job. The content of the incentive may be different for the invited and inviting parties, or it may be the same. It may also be given to only one of them. The content of the incentive may be predetermined, or it may be switched according to a predetermined calculation formula or conditions. Furthermore, in this modified example, the configuration is such that an incentive is given if hired, but the configuration may also be such that some kind of incentive is given even if not hired.

[0110] In step S909, the server device 100 registers the incentive derived in step S908, associating it with the user information to which it will be granted.

[0111] In step S910, the server device 100 generates notification information to inform user A, the inviter, that user B has applied for the job. At this time, if user A is to be given an incentive, the incentive information derived in step S908 may also be notified. The results of user B's screening for the job may also be notified.

[0112] In step S911, the server device 100 generates notification information to inform user B, who was invited, of the application result. At this time, if user B is to be given an incentive, the incentive information derived in step S908 may also be notified. Then this processing flow ends, and the server device 100 proceeds to step S816 in Figure 8.

[0113] As described above, this modification makes it possible to improve the convenience of the invitation process between users using invitation codes. In particular, when an invitation for a job application is made via social media, the invited user can easily check available invitation codes and perform the input process related to the invitation more smoothly.

[0114] <Other Embodiments> The triggers for invalidating an invitation code are not limited to those mentioned above. In addition to use by the invited user as described above, an invitation code may also be invalidated based on the expiration date of the invitation code after issuance, the job posting status (overstaffed, job posting deadline expired), cancellation at the request of the inviting user, or the inviting user's failure to hire the applicant.

[0115] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a job placement support service was used as an example. However, the invention is not limited to this, and the features of the present invention can be applied to various services that use an invitation function via social networking services. Moreover, even within the same service, the features of the present invention can be applied to application processes that utilize the invitation function.

[0116] Furthermore, in the present invention, the functions of one or more embodiments described above can also be realized by supplying a program or application to a system or device using a network or storage medium, and one or more processors in the computer of that system or device reading and executing the program.

[0117] Alternatively, it may be implemented by a circuit that performs one or more functions (for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)).

[0118] Although various embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, it goes without saying that this disclosure is not limited to these examples. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications, alterations, substitutions, additions, deletions, and equivalents can occur within the scope of the claims, and these will naturally fall within the technical scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, the components of the various embodiments described above can be combined arbitrarily without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0119] Furthermore, in this specification, expressions such as "first" and "second" are used merely for convenience to distinguish them from other elements. Therefore, they are not intended to be interpreted as limiting the scope to specific components. Accordingly, it goes without saying that if there are more components, these expressions may be reinterpreted as appropriate depending on the configuration to which they apply.

[0120] Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. It is also intended and within the scope of protection to be provided for the combination of each configuration of the embodiments, as well as for modifications and applications by those skilled in the art based on the description in the specification and well-known technology.

[0121] As described above, the following matters are disclosed in this specification:

[0122] (Technology 1) A method for controlling a job placement support system (for example, 1) that uses an invitation code, The issuance process involves issuing an invitation code in response to a request from the first user, A generation step of generating a service screen that includes a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification step of notifying the first user of the address information of the service screen, After a message containing the address information is posted to the communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, a display control step is performed to display the information of the invitation code available to the second user in an identifiable manner by referring to the display description of the service screen, A control method for a job search support system having [specific features / features]. This configuration makes it possible to improve the convenience of the invitation process between users using invitation codes, for example. In particular, when an invitation to a specific service is made via a communication tool, the invited user can easily check available invitation codes, and the input process related to the invitation can be carried out smoothly.

[0123] (Technology 2) The aforementioned invitation code is an invitation code for new user registration for the job support service provided by the job support system, The service screen is a registration screen for new user registration and is configured to allow the input of the invitation code, as described in Technology 1, for the control method of the job support system. This configuration allows, for example, when a user is invited to register for a specific service via a communication tool, the invited user to easily check the available registration invitation code, enabling them to perform the registration input process smoothly.

[0124] (Technology 3) The aforementioned invitation code is an invitation code for applying for jobs provided by the job support service provided by the aforementioned job support system, The service screen is an application screen for applying for a job, and is configured to allow the input of the invitation code, in the control method for the job support system described in Technology 1 or Technology 2. This configuration allows, for example, when an invitation to apply for a specific job is sent via a communication tool, the invited user can easily check the available job invitation code, enabling them to smoothly complete the input process related to job application.

[0125] (Technology 4) A method for controlling a job placement support system according to Technology 2 or Technology 3, wherein a predetermined incentive is provided to at least one of the first user and the second user upon the second user's use of the invitation code. This configuration allows for incentives to be provided to both the inviter and the invited party using an invitation code, thereby encouraging the use of the invitation code and, furthermore, encouraging the use of the service.

[0126] (Technology 5) A control method for a job support system according to any one of Techniques 2 to 4, wherein the invitation code is invalidated based on use by the second user, expiration date, job status, or cancellation by the first user. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to invalidate invitation codes based on predetermined conditions, thereby suppressing the misuse of invitation codes.

[0127] (Technology 6) The aforementioned invitation code is issued in such a way that it can be used once or multiple times, as a control method for a job support system described in any of Technology 1 to Technology 5. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to issue invitation codes that can be used a desired number of times.

[0128] (Technology 7) The aforementioned invitation code is issued in a manner that allows it to be used by one or more people, and is a control method for a job support system described in any of Technology 1 to Technology 6. This configuration makes it possible, for example, to issue invitation codes that can be shared among a desired number of users.

[0129] (Technology 8) A method for controlling a job support system as described in any of Technology 1 to Technology 7, wherein the display description of the service screen is written so that the invitation code is displayed on the communication tool in a list format or in hashtag format. This configuration makes it possible to improve the visibility of invitation codes by displaying them in a list format or hashtag format on communication tools, for example.

[0130] (Technology 9) A method for controlling a job support system according to any one of Techniques 1 to 8, wherein the display description of the service screen is written so that only the invitation codes that the second user can use from among the issued invitation codes are displayed on the communication tool. This configuration makes it possible to improve the visibility of invitation codes by, for example, displaying only the invitation codes that are available on the communication tool.

[0131] (Technology 10) The aforementioned communication tool is a Social Networking Service (SNS) tool, and the method for controlling the job search support system described in any of Technology 1 to Technology 9. This configuration allows for invitations to be sent via social networking services (SNS), and the available invitation codes can be viewed on the SNS platform.

[0132] (Technology 11) The display description of the service screen is a control method for a job search support system described in any of the techniques 1 to 10, based on OGP (Open Graph Protocol). This configuration makes it possible, for example, to use OGP (Open Graph Protocol) to generate a screen that displays available invitation codes on a communication tool.

[0133] (Technology 12) A job placement support system using invitation codes (for example, 1, 100), In response to a request from the first user, there is an issuing unit (e.g., 110, 116) that issues an invitation code, A generation unit (for example, 110, 115) that generates a service screen including a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification unit (for example, 110, 112, 119) that notifies the first user of the address information of the service screen, It has, A job placement support system in which, after a message containing the address information is posted to a communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, the display description of the service screen is referenced so that the information of the invitation code available to the second user is displayed in an identifiable manner. This configuration makes it possible to improve the convenience of the invitation process between users using invitation codes, for example. In particular, when an invitation to a specific service is made via a communication tool, the invited user can easily check available invitation codes, and the input process related to the invitation can be carried out smoothly.

[0134] (Technology 13) A computer (for example, 100), In response to a request from the first user, an issuing unit (e.g., 110, 116) issues an invitation code. A generation unit (for example, 110, 115) that generates a service screen including a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification unit (for example, 110, 112, 119) that notifies the first user of the address information of the service screen, To make it function as, A program in which, after a message containing the address information is posted to a communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, the display description of the service screen is referenced so that the information of the invitation code available to the second user is displayed in an identifiable manner. This configuration makes it possible to improve the convenience of the invitation process between users using invitation codes, for example. In particular, when an invitation to a specific service is made via a communication tool, the invited user can easily check available invitation codes, and the input process related to the invitation can be carried out smoothly. [Industrial applicability]

[0135] The present invention is useful, for example, as an apparatus, system, or method for a service that employs a user-to-user invitation procedure using an invitation code. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0136] 1…Job search support system (information processing system) 100…Server device 110... Control Unit 111...Data Management Department 112...Display Control Unit 113...User Information Registration Section 114... Job Information Registration Department 115...Screen generation section 116... Invitation Code Issuance Department 117…Recruitment Department 118... Incentive Derivation Unit 119...Communications Control Unit 120...Storage section 121...User Information Database 122…Company information DB 123... Job Information Database 124…Screen DB 125... Invitation Code Database 130... Communications Department 200 (200a, 200b, 200c)... User terminal 210... Control Unit 220...Storage section 221... Job search support app 222…SNS app 223...Dataset 230... Communications Department 240...Operation unit 250...Display section 260...External IF 300... Recruitment Company System

Claims

1. A method for controlling a job search support system using an invitation code, The issuance process involves issuing an invitation code in response to a request from the first user, A generation step of generating a service screen that includes a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification step of notifying the first user of the address information of the service screen, After a message containing the address information is posted to the communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, a display control step is performed to display the information of the invitation code available to the second user in an identifiable manner by referring to the display description of the service screen, A control method for a job search support system having [specific features / features].

2. The aforementioned invitation code is an invitation code for new user registration for the job support service provided by the job support system, The control method for the job support system according to claim 1, wherein the service screen is a registration screen for new user registration and is configured to allow the input of the invitation code.

3. The aforementioned invitation code is an invitation code for applying for jobs provided by the job support service provided by the aforementioned job support system, The control method for the job support system according to claim 1, wherein the service screen is an application screen for applying for a job, and is configured to allow the input of the invitation code.

4. A method for controlling a job placement support system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a predetermined incentive is provided to at least one of the first user and the second user upon the second user's use of the invitation code.

5. The method for controlling a job placement support system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the invitation code is invalidated based on use by the second user, expiration date, job status, or cancellation by the first user.

6. The method for controlling the job placement support system according to claim 1, wherein the invitation code is issued in such a way that it can be used once or multiple times.

7. The method for controlling the job search support system according to claim 1, wherein the invitation code is issued in such a way that it can be used by one or more people.

8. A method for controlling a job search support system according to claim 1, wherein the display description of the service screen is written so that the invitation code is displayed on the communication tool in a list format or hashtag format.

9. A method for controlling a job search support system according to claim 1, wherein the display description of the service screen is written such that only the invitation codes available to the second user from among the issued invitation codes are displayed on the communication tool.

10. The method for controlling the job search support system according to claim 1, wherein the communication tool is an SNS (Social Networking Service) tool.

11. The display description of the service screen is based on OGP (Open Graph Protocol) and is a control method for the job support system described in claim 1.

12. A job placement support system that uses invitation codes, An issuing unit issues an invitation code in response to a request from the first user, A generation unit that generates a service screen including a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code, A notification unit that notifies the first user of the address information of the service screen, It has, A job placement support system in which, after a message containing the address information is posted to a communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and when the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, the display description of the service screen is referenced so that the information of the invitation code available to the second user is displayed in an identifiable manner.

13. Computers, In response to a request from the first user, the issuing unit issues an invitation code. A generation unit that generates a service screen including a display description showing the information of the aforementioned invitation code. A notification unit that notifies the first user of the address information of the service screen, To make it function as, A program in which, after a message containing the address information is posted to a communication tool based on instructions from the first user, and the message is displayed on the communication tool based on instructions from the second user, the display description of the service screen is referenced so that the information of the invitation code available to the second user is displayed in an identifiable manner.

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