Najim el Bouchtaoui is the winner of the 2014 ING Jumpstart Competition organised by ECE, Get Started participant, and founder of Talentsbook.

Tell us a bit about the idea behind Talentsbook, what inspired you and how did it all come together?

It actually started with a burnout. I lost my job at Deloitte and was not having much luck with finding a new job. At the time I was even applying to jobs below my level- like delivering groceries- and they would not hire me because I was overqualified; I studied fiscal economics and had four years of experience as a tax advisor. The idea for Talentsbook developed because I started to think about what I could do to solve the problem I was having with job applications, and I wanted to find a way to simplify the job application and recruitment procedure. Our idea is simple; you create a profile on Talentsbook.nl, you apply by ‘liking’ the vacancy and the employer will receive an email with your profile. The employer can like you back and in which case a ‘match’ will be created. You will receive each other’s contact details to set up a job interview. Furthermore, all profiles will be visible for the employers to see so that they can invite potential employees as well. This quickens the process and enables employers and employees to match more easily.

How do you distinguish yourself from competitors?

We decided to forget the current systems and job application platforms and create something entirely new. I started by asking myself, “What would I like to have as a job candidate?”. I want to be able to apply for jobs at all times and in all places – during a holiday or even while sitting on a toilet. For this reason simplicity is at the core of Talentsbook in the sense that applying for a job has to be simple, quick, and fun. Essentially, our app is a friend that helps you find a job. We are implementing concepts from ‘Fun Theory’, like giving compliments when you apply for a job or have a profile that looks nice.

At the same time we also want a platform that works for recruiters. Other job platforms such as Vacaturebank are not very transparent. With us, profiles are visible and all employers can see them for free. We believe that when you are looking for a job or have a vacancy, it should not take weeks or months – it could be just days or even hours. We have shown this is possible. With Talentsbook you can have very quick matches. On that note I would also like to say we are not a Tinder for jobs. Employers have very different demands, and this is also why we have a website as well as an app. While the app is especially useful for job seekers,  employers want to submit their vacancies via a website on a PC. We are also not a network site like LinkedIn. You don’t need to have a big network to find a job through us, which is great because young people often do not have a very broad network yet.

What is currently happening behind the scenes at Talentsbook?

We are currently further developing the platform  (both the app and website) and want to build new features that will make a difference. Our team has now expanded to 8 employees and the fact that we continue to grow motivates us each and every day to continue doing the things we do so well. We first want to establish Talentsbook nationwide, and eventually also go abroad. We also want to organise events with hogescholen/universities and employers – not like a regular recruitment day, but a very fun and short session where matches can be made. New way of matching, not with business cards, but by liking each other. Same method: keep it simple, and end with a job application or meeting. However, right now we have many ideas and a small budget. Therefore we are working with investors we met at the ECE Campus and a board of advice who have relevant know-how. In fact it went very quickly from being jobless and having a burnout to sitting at a table negotiating with investors who are, like us, very entrepreneurial and rebellious in their way of thinking.

How do you feel your experience in the Get Started Programme contributed to getting you this far?

The coaches and the group of innovative entrepreneurs taught us an immense amount. Firstly it helped me work with deadlines instead of pushing them back. Without deadlines all your ideas remain a dream and you never build anything. Moreover, it triggered me to think about how to earn money, and using the LEAN strategic principle we have established a clear business model canvas. Secondly, being at the ECE Campus introduced me to such a diverse network and know-how. Nowadays so much can be found on Youtube and Google and you might think, ‘Hmm, another programme, what else can I really learn?” but looking back I was mistaken in thinking that.

It is so important to sit and share thoughts with others, especially if they are also entrepreneurs. Because so many people in the programme are busy with different ideas, it introduces you to new aspects that you hadn’t really taken into account. You can also just choose to sit at home to work on your ideas, but then you start to question ‘What am I doing this for?’. The group of entrepreneurs were happy to share knowledge and the secrets to their success, and to help one another. The stories about their failures and how they keep trying, and then watching them get further: it is all inspirational. You don’t have to be good at everything, and in my experience being in a community with other people who are starting up is very motivating. Furthermore the coaching and networking opportunities often gave me a sense of reassurance that I was going in the right direction. All together it makes the ECE Campus the ideal place to start a venture.

Do you have any tips for future entrepreneurs? And any tips for successful collaborations?

The Get Started programme can be the best investment you make in clarifying your plan, speeding up the process of developing your idea and broadening your network. What you get back for it in the programme and at the ECE Campus is something you won’t get via Linkedin or Google. I think it is totally worth the investment and if I could, I would have done it again in a heartbeat. The benefits are also not limited to the 10 weeks of the programme – a bond remains with the connections you make and you build a network that continues to help and inspire you long after the programme is finished. In fact I met someone at the ECE Campus and immediately felt a click because we have a lot in common – a daring, innovative and slightly rebellious way of thinking, and now we are now discussing ways to work together! Having such a click with someone can be very fruitful, and in my opinion the ECE Campus is a great place to encounter other like-minded entrepreneurs.