With mobile-savvy Generation Y job-seekers the most in-demand group among employers, Monster.com plans to continue to ramp up its mobile initiatives over the course of 2011.

As a talent-matching engine, Monster creates marketplaces where people and job opportunities get matched, helping customers source, match and manage talent using technologies such as 6Sense Semantic Search. Monster?s goal is to inspire seekers to improve their lives by precisely matching them to the right opportunities and equipping them with the right tools to fuel their potential, and mobile is becoming increasingly critical to fulfill that goal.

Mobile Marketer?s Dan Butcher interviewed Vasu Nagalingam, senior product director at Monster Worldwide, Boston. Here is what he had to say:

What is Monster.com up to in the mobile space?
Mobile technologies are an emerging channel in allowing job seekers and those companies looking to hire them, to connect anywhere, anytime, so that when opportunity calls, they will be able to answer it.

Recently, Monster launched its first iPhone application.

Much like our mobile site, it was developed to complement the user experience on the site itself, and is fully integrated with a user's Monster account preferences and information, giving mobile access to stored resumes, cover letters, apply histories and so forth, which truly creates a seamless job search experience.

The application is also enabled with an opt-in geolocation service so that users can search for and find the jobs nearest to them.

Another cool element is the "Shake to Search" feature that allows anyone using the application to instantly run any of their saved searches by simply shaking their iPhone.

Another unique aspect of Monster's iPhone application that really sets it apart is that it has the same global reach and scope as Monster, allowing access to Monster's job postings in 37 unique countries and 19 different languages from a single portal.

The application is completely free and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.

Obviously, we have seen an explosion in the adoption and usage of mobile devices, particularly smartphones, which enable constant online connectivity.

Generation Y?people ages 18-27?actually accesses the Internet more on mobile devices than laptops, desktops or any other devices.

They are also the demographic most in demand with employers and should continue to be so for years to come.

These "digital natives" grew up knowing Monster as the go-to-source for online job search. We are evolving with them to ensure that our technologies keep pace with their expectations and, ultimately, their career aspirations as they grow into our next generation of business leaders.

What is the value-add for Monster customers in this space?
Monster's virtual initiatives are designed to keep audiences connected with our core Web site, even when they are not sitting in front of a computer.

Most of our users return frequently to check for the latest job postings?the iPhone app allows them visibility to the same information while on-the-go.

It is also a great solution for currently employed job seekers to discreetly search and apply for jobs during business hours, when most employers are looking, without using their work PC or network.

The application also allows the users to apply to positions immediately, or to save the best matches to apply later.

That is not only good news for job-seekers, but for employers?this ease of access means increased reach and, consequently, more candidates applying for the positions they post on Monster.

In fact, Monster is seeing a 33 percent increase in converting job views to applies on the iPhone application compared to the Web site, which to us is pretty powerful proof that not only is our mobile strategy working, but also, that we are delivering a true value-add to our customers.

What provisions do you have here? What are Monster's plans for future developments?
Monster created the online recruitment industry when we launched in 1994?as mobile technologies evolve, so too will our strategy.

We have a legacy, and a commitment, to staying on the cutting edge of "what's next" in the evolving world of work.

Monster will continue to evaluate and implement new sourcing models enabled by mobile technologies.

That is why we are actively exploring new trends and emerging tools in the mobile space?the platforms that we are able to support will continue to grow to meet the needs of our customers and clients around the world.