Monash Talent, developed by Melbourne-based Monash University, uses game-based mechanics to create a unique profile of graduates and match them with suitable employers.

“The number one challenge for employers is the recruitment of talent,” said Monash Talent director Brooke Young.

“On the other hand, we have this big group of highly talented graduates who can’t find jobs… so we knew we had to come up with a solution to try to bridge the gap.”

Using the platform, graduates complete a series of games, based on research conducted by Mercer Australia, to create a rigorous set of diagnostics to capture cognitive, behavioural and emotional traits.

Young told The PIE News that by using games rather than traditional cognitive tests, better results could be determined, to the benefit of employers and graduates.

“The gamification of these kinds of tools into a new approach that is much more engaging and fun to play… is something that really helps us put forward the best candidates in an evidence-based way which is non-biased,” she said.

During its development, consultation with over 1,000 employers also identified recruitment barriers such as time and cost involved and significant concerns around international students.

“The number one challenge for employers is the recruitment of talent”

“What we discovered through our conversations with employers… is that they get put off by perceptions of complexity about not understanding the international graduate visa, work-rights,” Young said, adding that Monash Talent also provided job placement services to alleviate those concerns.

In a statement, Monash University vice-chancellor Margaret Gardner said Monash Talent was a significant step in helping employers access graduate talent.

“Universities need to co-create innovative solutions with employers, since they are the ones that benefit from very capable graduates,” she said.

Graduate employability continues to be a significant concern for both domestic and international students in Australia, with a 2016 report finding only 70.9% of students had secured full-time work four-months after graduation.

Monash Talent is the latest in a suite of apps aiming to build better connections between graduates and employers. As discussed in the latest issue of The PIE Review, other platforms such as Debut have the same aim and are broadening their reach, while Sqore uses gamification to help universities connect with potential students.