When frustration with current recruitment platforms boiled over, Wichita entrepreneur Mike Mathia took matters into his own hands.
Mathia noticed a trend of companies unnecessarily exhausting time and resources during the interviewing process. He also noticed that many applicants looked great on paper, but did not meet company standards when placed in an interview setting. Other times, exceptional applicant’s resumes did not reflect their skills.
This broken hiring system inspired the creation of KNOXX.
“Talented and dynamic candidates are being overlooked,” said Mathia. “Our mission is to create a platform that truly addresses the pain points in the recruiting and search process experienced by both candidates and employers alike.”
Breaking the status quo
Resumes and cover letters have long been the exclusive method for catching employers attention. As society and industry demands more personal insights into job candidates and their communities, Mathia thinks the hiring process needs to reflect this shift.
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KNOXX allows job candidates to upload a resume, professional experiences, and a short introductory video. This 30-90 seconds of face time with a company greatly increased the exposure of qualified applicants. This feature distinguishes KNOXX from other career sites.
“A resume does not and will not ever provide this kind of visibility,” said Mathia.
He suspects users who leverage the capability of producing a video for their account have the most to gain from the platform. By having the ears of employers for even a short amount of time, candidates are able to make their case and showcase themselves more effectively.
An intuitive platform
Mathia’s ideation of KNOXX includes a responsiveness to user needs as they arise. Adaptability and consumer-based innovation were key components on which the online platform was founded.
“This is where we believe the larger market players are failing – by not being in touch with the actual needs of their user groups,” said Mathia.
While KNOXX began as a tool for employers and candidates to leverage in the hiring process, Mathia envisions a future beyond this. Through user group engagement, other avenues to implement the platform were discovered.
“Our venture technology can be effectively used in career fair events, university promotion of its students and alumni, as well as assisting employers in effectively processing applicant flow – all areas we didn’t necessarily envision upon the creation of the initial idea,” said Mathia.
Growing the talent pool in Wichita
Mathia envisions KNOXX having far-reaching and positive implications on the Wichita community. The Midwest city has seen a decline in retention of recent college graduates. Some have even opted to leave Kansas entirely, seeking jobs in more entrepreneurial and Millennial minded cities.
Mathia recognizes this problem and hopes KNOXX can be a part of the solution.
Because of KNOXX’s video capabilities, personalized feeling and vast customizable options, Mathia hopes his career platform can create new and vibrant opportunities for a generation that often feels ostracized in Wichita.
This keen sense of audience awareness is a dimension Wichita could use more of to retain a freshly graduated workforce.
“If Wichita can demonstrate that we are embracing technology and innovation while being proactive about finding more efficient and effective ways to get things done, they will be incentivized to remain,” said Mathia.
The career platform has had a number of large enterprises in Wichita build company recruiting profiles including Spirit Aerosystems and Cox Communications. They have also secured relationships with Newman University, Friends University and Southwestern College. Mathia hopes to expand upon these connections and work with others to ensure innovation in Wichita thrives.
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Kaitie Foley is an independent journalist living in Wichita, Kansas. She is graduating from Wichita State University in 2016 with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communication.
