ARTICLE
New Association Tackles OFCCP 'Internet Applicant' Ruling

In February, InfoMart News reported on a new Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) rule that requires federal contractors to record demographic information – including race and gender – from applicants applying for jobs through the Internet. While the ruling aims to lay to rest employer confusion about what constitutes an "Internet applicant," it hasn't been embraced with open arms.

On the same day that the rule took effect, nearly 500 Internet job boards formed a new trade association - the International Association of Employment Web Sites. Though the OFCCP ruling didn't inspire the association's creation, it is at the top of its list of policy priorities.

Association members point out that, when trying to fill jobs through the Internet, employers often sift through thousands of resumes before narrowing their search to a smaller pool of potentials. The new ruling's requirements mean that demographic information must be stored even if a resume is viewed only briefly.

Fearing that the large volume of data collection mandated by the ruling will force some sites to put restrictions on employer searches, the association is making its case about the Internet applicant definition to government officials. Members contend that, while they agree with the letter and spirit of the law, the level of required data collection is nearly impossible to achieve and maintain.

Group members that will be fighting the OFCCP's Internet applicant ruling include CareerBuilder, Monster, Yahoo HotJobs, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and a number of niche and international job sites.

For more information on the International Association of Employment Websites, please visit www.employmentwebsites.org.

(Source: http://www.workforce.com)