Mashups are web pages that pull data from several data sources using things like APIs.  Essentially, the power in mashups is that you can learn things you wouldn't have otherwise by combining data . . .for instance, Fortune reports on the best places to work, but have you ever seen where those places are? Or have you checked out a map of the most liveable states?  Both are great links to send prospective candidates if you happen to work for one of the employers on the list or are located in one of the states . . .

 

Mashup allow you to transform anecdotal data into something that is absolutely proveable by combining data.  For instance, as you will learn at SourceCon1, in a prior life I worked as an investigative reporter.  I was extraordinarily impressed by the work of a colleague, Bill Dedman on redlining, lending institutions that racially discriminated against minority communities by refusing them loans as if someone had drawn aroud said communities with a big, fat red marker. Previously, all reporters could do is interview people who suspect they were discriminated against, but the banks would deny the allegations because the information was anecdotal.  But then Dedman did something masterful: he proved relining by combing lending data with census data . . .and voila! He nailed banks with discriminatory practices. 

 

Now, because we're a search firm that also happens to be a human capital intelligence practice (our Ferrari engine under the hood), I can't reveal the all the details of how we apply this to recruiting.  But mashups do provide a quantum leap to more evolved clients who are seeking a competitive advantage in recruiting (we love those kinds of clients!). Of course, I will go into Mashups in my presentation at SourceCon1. 

 

If you are going to be there, drop me an email at krista dot bradford at thegoodsearch.net and let's meet!