City of Lahti
The goal of the International Work Lahti (IWL) project, operating under the City of Lahti’s Economic Development division, is to promote the rapid employment of foreign-language job seekers in the Lahti region. The project provides tailored, skilled workforce solutions to meet employers’ needs. Employment models are being developed in collaboration with local employers, universities, third-sector organizations, employment services, and municipal services for immigrants.
Aiming to make life easier for both employers and job seekers
The Workit Lahti mobile app, developed as part of the IWL project, had a clear objective: to create a new, lighter way to bring job seekers and employers closer together. The goal was to design an approachable, easy-to-use job search format that genuinely makes everyday life easier for both parties.
The app concept playfully drew inspiration from dating apps, aiming to bring the same level of ease and intuitiveness users expect from modern digital services. The core idea was to make job matching as effortless as possible by using keywords added to job postings and job seeker profiles as filters.
Smooth collaboration and clear solutions
The development of the Workit Lahti app progressed in close cooperation with the City of Lahti from start to finish. This allowed the team to focus on what mattered most, building a functional and user-friendly app. Communication was close and solution-oriented, and according to client feedback, the collaboration was flexible, fast, and highly efficient.
The project began with a UI/UX design phase, during which the app’s visual identity and user experience were aligned with the City of Lahti’s brand. Special attention was given to clarity, accessibility, and mobile usability, ensuring the service works equally smoothly in a job seeker’s pocket as on an employer’s desktop
Technologies and development platform
The app was built using React Native technology, enabling use on both iOS and Android devices. With React Native, both mobile and web versions were developed from the same codebase. This solution was chosen for its flexibility and cost efficiency, providing users with a consistent experience across devices.
The app’s backend and administrative system are powered by Laravel. The app can also be accessed via a web browser, making it convenient for employers who prefer to manage job postings from a computer.
User profiles and features
The app includes separate profiles for job seekers and employers:
Job seeker profile: Users can add a photo, a short description, a CV, an introduction video, and keywords describing their skills and interests. They can also specify their location by region and municipality.
Employer profile: Employers can add the company’s name, contact details, description, and profile image (e.g., logo). Companies can create unlimited job postings and add multiple users under one profile, making it easier for recruitment teams to collaborate.
Swipe feature and ease of use
At the client’s request, the app includes a Tinder-style, card-based browsing model that allows job seekers and employers to “swipe” through potential matches easily. When mutual interest occurs, a connection is formed, enabling direct communication, for example, to arrange an interview.
Employers can also choose to receive messages from all users without requiring a match, making communication even more flexible. Additionally, a traditional list view is available for browsing job postings and profiles without the card interface.
Usability and administration
The app’s design emphasizes simplicity and compliance with accessibility standards. The user experience was crafted to be intuitive, even for those with no prior experience using similar applications.
A dedicated admin panel was developed for IWL project staff, allowing them to approve new companies, monitor usage, and manage app statistics. The admin interface was designed to be just as user-friendly as the main app, ensuring effortless maintenance.
Workit Lahti exceeded expectations
Workit Lahti turned out exactly as envisioned and even exceeded expectations. The result is a lightweight, approachable, and genuinely helpful job search tool. The app has gained significant attention across Finland, with both job seekers and employers praising its clarity and ease of use.
During the project, new development ideas also emerged, some of which were implemented right away. For example, a feedback survey for employers was added, appearing when a job posting is removed. The survey collects valuable data on whether a suitable candidate was found through the app, which is used in the IWL project to evaluate and improve the service’s effectiveness.
Collaboration with the City of Lahti was seamless from start to finish. Shared goals, quick responses, and open communication formed the foundation for a successful project and an easy-to-use final product. The collaboration continues beyond the launch, with ongoing development based on client needs and user feedback, ensuring the app continues to meet the needs of both job seekers and employers even better.
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