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Search Suggest and/or
Auto-Compete is a function usually applied to the keyword field of a job search form. The use of these functions enhances the users search experience through a "
suggest as you type" or auto-complete functionality built into the job search form.
For example, as you start to enter letters/numbers into the search field, the function automatically conducts a search and returns any search results matched to that query. You can then either select the relevant keywords or continue typing. You can read more about this topic in a dissertation (PDF) by Ingmar Webar titled
Efficient Index Structures for and Applications of the CompleteSearch Engine.
![](/images/blog/searchsuggest5_jan10.gif)
Using a search suggest or auto-complete function can...
- reduces the chance of misspelled queries by guiding users to desired queries
- reduces the typing effort required by users
- speeds up the search-experience by reducing the need to type long queries
- improves the quality and precision of queries
- lets the website influence search choices instead of being passive observer
Metrics you can use to determine if this function could be a success for your job search form...
- fewer keyword misspellings
- fewer "did you mean" requests and lower usage of "did you mean" suggestions
- fewer "0 results returned" searches
- lower number of searches/session metrics
- can lead to lower "time on site" metrics
- users can find what they are after faster
The
MyCareer job search example (above right) starts the search based on 2 letters/numbers.
Recruit.net search function is based on 1 letter/number and shows the number of jobs matching the search criteria. Unfortunately the search function on both these examples only matches the start of a keyword string. ie it will not return suggested results if you type "ccount" of "accounting".
CareerZone search is based on 1 letter/number and returns search results that are in the job title. These results are grouped and sorted by the job title.
![](/images/blog/searchsuggest2_jan10.gif)
One of the best examples of search suggest is from
Jobs.co.nz as it matches results within in the job title, and also within the job advertisement.
![](/images/blog/searchsuggest1_jan10.gif)
This search suggest example from
Yahoo7 has the option to turn the function on or off.
![](/images/blog/searchsuggest3_jan10.gif)
You can also apply this functionality to the location field. Below are examples from
MyCareer and
Hippo.
![](/images/blog/searchsuggest6_jan10.gif)
Article URL: http://www.recruitmentdirectory.com.au/Blog/examples-of-search-suggest-and-auto-complete-use-in-a-job-search-a328.html
Article Tags: autocomplete autosuggest autofill job search job board recruitment website user experience ux search suggest drop-down jobs.co.nz. mycareer.com.au hippo.com.au careerzone.co.nz recruit.net job search form job search metrics keyword misspellings did you mean 0 results returned
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