BLOCK-HIRE PROJECT REPORT 18CSE427T -Blockchain Architecture and Programming Smart Contracts Submitted by GAIRIK SHANDILYA [RA2111050010054] HARDIK GUPTA [RA2111050010053] Under the guidance of K. Shantha Kumari Associate Professor, Department of Data Science and Business Systems Mentored by Prof. Raghava Rao Mukkamala Director, Center for Digitization Copenhagen Business School, Denmark in partial fulfillment for the Professional Elective 18CSE427T as part of the degree BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY in COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING specialization in BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY S.R.M. Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District MAY 2024 SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Under Section 3 of UGC Act, 1956) BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE Certified that Project report titled “BLOCK-HIRE” is the bona fide work of GAIRIK SHANDILYA (RA2111050010054) and HARDIK GUPTA (RA2111050010053) who carried out the Professional Elective -18CSE427 Blockchain Architecture and Programming Smart Contracts project under my supervision. Certified further, that to the best of my knowledge, the work reported herein is the effort of the student that forms a solid foundation for professional development in smart contracts programming with respect to Indian scenarios. K. Shantha Kumari Dr. M. Lakshmi Faculty in charge Professor & Head Associate Professor Data Science and Business Systems Data Science and Business Systems ABSTRACT The report presents BlockHire, a pioneering decentralized recruitment platform that harnesses blockchain technology to revolutionize the traditional hiring process. BlockHire offers a secure, transparent, and efficient solution for connecting companies with talented candidates worldwide. By leveraging the immutability and automation capabilities of blockchain, BlockHire ensures transparency in job postings, applications, and hiring decisions, while also safeguarding data privacy and authenticity verification. The platform features rewarded job listings, comprehensive candidate profiles, and skill endorsements, enhancing the recruitment experience for both employers and job seekers. Additionally, BlockHire explores potential future features such as anonymous job reviews and secure certificate generation to further elevate its functionality and user satisfaction. Through this report, readers will gain insights into the objectives, workflow, benefits, and future prospects of BlockHire, contributing to the advancement of decentralized recruitment in the digital era. As BlockHire continues to evolve, potential future features such as anonymous job reviews and secure certificate generation promise to further enhance the platform's functionality and user experience. This report provides a comprehensive overview of BlockHire's objectives, workflow, benefits, and future prospects, offering valuable insights into the forefront of decentralized recruitment in today's digital landscape. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter No. Chapter Title Page Number Abstract iii List of Figures v List of Tables vi Abbreviations vii 1 Introduction viii 2 Related works and Background ix - x 3 Proposed Work & Methodology xi 4 Technical Implementation – Requirements & Workflow xii - xiv 5 Comparative analysis of Related works and Proposed solution xv - xvi 6 Results and Discussion xvii - xviii 7 Conclusion & Future enhancements xix - xx 8 References xxi Appendix 1 – Screenshots xxii - xxiii Appendix 2 – Code snippets xxiv - xvi Appendix 3 – Manual to use the application xvii LIST OF FIGURES S. No. Title Page Number CHAPTER 4.4 Architecture xiv APPENDIX 1 Screenshots xxii - xxiii APPENDIX 2 Code Snippets xxiv - xvi LIST OF TABLES Chapter No. 5 6 Table Heading Comparative analysis of Related works Results / Outcomes Page Number xv - xvi xvii - xviii ABBREVIATIONS Abbreviation Full Form P2P Peer-to-Peer UI User Interface API Application Programming Interface IDE Integrated Development Environment DLT Distributed Ledger Technology PoC Proof of Concept CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION BlockHire emerges as a groundbreaking solution in the realm of recruitment, spearheading a transformative shift towards decentralized, transparent, and efficient practices. Our platform's core mission revolves around fostering a dynamic ecosystem for peer-to-peer (P2P) job matching, underpinned by the integration of Blockchain technology. Objectives BlockHire is driven by several key objectives: 1. Facilitating P2P Job Matching: Our platform enables direct job transactions between employers and candidates, eliminating intermediaries and reducing costs. 2. Promoting Fair Compensation: By offering rewarded job listings, BlockHire ensures fair compensation for candidates and incentivizes talent acquisition. 3. Enhancing Trust and Accountability: Smart contracts on the Blockchain handle job listings, applications, and reward distribution, ensuring swift and secure transactions with accountability. 4. Improving User Experience: Through intuitive UI/UX design, BlockHire offers a seamless user experience, encouraging widespread adoption among employers and candidates. Significance of Blockchain Integration The integration of Blockchain technology in the recruitment sector holds immense significance: 1. Transparency and Accountability: Blockchain ensures transparent and immutable records of job transactions, fostering trust and accountability. 2. Security: Decentralized Blockchain networks are inherently secure, safeguarding sensitive job data and preventing unauthorized access. 3. Efficiency: Smart contracts automate various recruitment tasks, reducing bureaucracy and streamlining the hiring process. 4. Global Accessibility: BlockHire's decentralized nature allows for global access, opening up new opportunities for both employers and candidates worldwide. CHAPTER 2 RELATED WORKS AND BACKGROUND The landscape of P2P job platforms and Blockchain applications in the recruitment sector is vibrant and evolving. Understanding the context and challenges faced by existing systems is crucial to appreciating the innovative solutions offered by BlockHire. Existing P2P Job Platforms Several P2P job platforms have emerged globally, aiming to revolutionize recruitment processes. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and TaskRabbit facilitate direct job matching between employers and freelancers, leveraging digital technologies to create efficient, decentralized marketplaces. These platforms have demonstrated the feasibility and potential of P2P job matching, highlighting the demand for transparent and efficient job transactions. Blockchain Applications in Recruitment Blockchain technology has found widespread applications in the recruitment sector, offering unique advantages such as transparency, security, and automation. Smart contracts, a key feature of Blockchain, enable automated execution of job transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries and streamlining processes. Additionally, Blockchain-based job platforms ensure traceability of job listings and applications, promoting fairness and accountability in the recruitment process. Challenges Addressed by BlockHire BlockHire addresses several challenges prevalent in traditional recruitment systems: 1. Centralization: Traditional job markets are often centralized, leading to inefficiencies, lack of transparency, and higher costs. BlockHire's decentralized approach fosters a more equitable and efficient job matching ecosystem. 2. Intermediaries: Middlemen and intermediaries in job transactions can complicate processes and increase costs. BlockHire's P2P model eliminates intermediaries, enabling direct transactions between employers and candidates. 3. Trust and Transparency: Trust and transparency are paramount in job transactions. BlockHire leverages Blockchain technology to create transparent, immutable records of transactions, enhancing trust and accountability. 4. Fair Compensation: Ensuring fair compensation for candidates is essential. BlockHire incentivizes fair compensation through rewarded job listings, promoting a competitive and equitable job market. By addressing these challenges and building upon the advancements in P2P job platforms and Blockchain applications, BlockHire emerges as a pioneering solution poised to revolutionize the recruitment sector. This section sets the stage for a detailed exploration of BlockHire's design, methodology, and impact in subsequent sections of the report. CHAPTER 3 PROPOSED WORK AND METHODOLOGY The development of BlockHire, a decentralized recruitment platform, is guided by a strategic technical approach and methodology tailored to harness the power of blockchain technology. This section outlines the key elements of our approach and the methodology employed. Technical Approach and Methodology BlockHire's technical approach and methodology are characterized by the following key elements: 1. Iterative Development: We embrace an iterative development approach, allowing for continuous refinement and enhancement of the platform. This iterative process enables us to adapt to evolving requirements, incorporate user feedback, and ensure the platform's responsiveness to market needs. 2. Scalable Architecture: BlockHire is built upon a scalable architecture, designed to accommodate growth and expansion over time. Our modular design facilitates scalability, enabling seamless integration of new features and functionalities as the platform evolves. 3. User-Centric Design: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design are central to BlockHire's development philosophy. We prioritize usability, intuitiveness, and accessibility, conducting user research and usability testing to ensure that the platform meets the needs and preferences of our diverse user base. 4. Security-Driven Development: Security is a top priority throughout the development lifecycle. We employ rigorous security measures, including encryption, authentication, and authorization protocols, to safeguard user data, protect against cyber threats, and ensure the integrity of transactions on the platform. 5. Blockchain Integration: The integration of blockchain technology is fundamental to BlockHire's architecture. We leverage the immutability, transparency, and decentralization of blockchain to create a secure, tamper-proof, and trustless environment for recruitment transactions. CHAPTER 4 TECHNICAL IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS AND WORKFLOW BlockHire's technical implementation requirements and workflow encompass the seamless integration of blockchain technology, smart contracts, and user interfaces to create a decentralized recruitment platform. Choice of Technologies The selection of technologies for BlockHire is guided by their suitability, compatibility, and industry best practices: 1. Solidity: Solidity serves as the primary programming language for developing smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. Its robust features, extensive community support, and compatibility with Ethereum make it the ideal choice for implementing the platform's smart contract logic. 2. Hardhat: Hardhat is chosen as the preferred development framework for Ethereum smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). Its comprehensive toolset, advanced testing capabilities, and integrated development environment (IDE) streamline the development process and ensure code quality and reliability. 3. React.js: React.js is selected for the frontend development of BlockHire due to its component-based architecture, declarative syntax, and rich ecosystem of libraries and tools. Its flexibility, performance, and scalability empower us to create dynamic, responsive user interfaces that deliver an exceptional user experience. 4. MetaMask: MetaMask serves as the gateway for users to interact with the Ethereum blockchain and access their digital wallets securely. Its seamless integration with BlockHire provides users with a convenient and intuitive interface for managing their transactions and interacting with the platform. Rationale Behind Technology Selection The selection of these technologies is driven by their proven track record, community adoption, and alignment with industry standards. Solidity and Hardhat offer robust development environments for Ethereum smart contracts, while React.js provides a powerful framework for building modern web applications. MetaMask, as a widely used Ethereum wallet interface, ensures seamless connectivity and transaction management for users. By adhering to a strategic technical approach and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, BlockHire is poised to deliver a secure, scalable, and user-centric decentralized recruitment platform that revolutionizes the hiring process. Workflow The workflow of BlockHire involves the following steps: 1. Job Posting: Employers post job openings on the BlockHire platform by providing relevant details such as job title, company name, description, employment type, location, salary range, and contact information. 2. Job Application: Job seekers browse available job listings on the BlockHire platform and submit applications for positions of interest. Applicants provide their credentials, qualifications, and contact details through the frontend interface, which are then recorded on the blockchain via smart contracts. 3. Reward Distribution: Upon successful completion of recruitment processes, such as hiring or referral bonuses, rewards are distributed to relevant parties automatically through smart contracts. 4. Transaction Validation: All recruitment transactions, including job postings, applications, and rewards, undergo validation and verification on the Ethereum blockchain. Architecture CHAPTER 5 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF RELATED WORKS AND PROPOSED SOLUTION =Aspect BlockHire LinkedIn Indeed Glassdoor Direct Hiring ✓ Facilitates direct connection between job seekers and employers ✓ Facilitates direct connection between job seekers and employers ✓ Direct interaction between job seekers and employers ✓ Direct interaction between job seekers and employers Skill Verification ✓ Users can list skills and qualifications, but verification is limited ✗ Limited skill verification ✗ Limited skill verification Endorsement ✓ Users can endorse each other's skills ✓ Users can endorse each other's skills ✗ Limited skill endorsements ✗ Limited skill endorsements Certificate Verification ✓ Users can verify certificates and credentials ✓ Users can ✗ Limited list certificates certificate and credentials, verification but verification is limited ✗ Limited certificate verification Internship Listing ✓ Platform lists internship opportunities ✓ Platform lists internship opportunities ✓ Platform lists internship opportunities ✓ Platform lists internship opportunities Project Allotments ✓ Facilitates ✗ Limited project focus on project allotments for allotments freelancers ✗ Limited focus on project allotments ✗ Limited focus on project allotments Payment Processing ✓ Supports ✗ Limited payment payment processing for processing ✗ Limited payment processing ✗ Limited payment processing ✓ Verification of skills and qualifications completed projects functionality functionality functionality Company Reviews ✓ Users can review companies Anonymously ✓ Users can review companies but not Anonymously ✓ Users can review companies but not Anonymously ✓ Users can review companies but not Anonymously User Engagement ✓ Encourages user engagement through skill endorsements, reviews, and project completion ✓ Encourages user engagement through networking, skill endorsements, and content sharing ✓ Encourages user engagement through job applications and company reviews ✓ Encourages user engagement through job applications and company reviews AI Matching Algorithm ✓ Utilizes AI ✗ Limited AI matching matching algorithms for functionality job suggestions ✗ Limited AI ✗ Limited AI matching matching functionality functionality Potential Drawbacks: 1. Blockchain Transaction Costs: Utilizing the Ethereum blockchain for smart contracts incurs transaction fees, known as gas fees. These fees can fluctuate based on network congestion and the complexity of smart contract operations. 2. Smart Contract Bugs and Vulnerabilities: Despite rigorous testing, smart contracts are not immune to bugs or vulnerabilities. In the case of BlockHire, any flaws in the smart contracts governing job postings, applications, or rewards distribution could lead to unintended consequences, such as incorrect payments or exposure of sensitive data. 3. User Adoption and Familiarity: Blockchain technology and decentralized applications are still relatively new concepts for many users. Encouraging adoption and fostering trust in BlockHire's decentralized recruitment platform may prove challenging, particularly among traditional users accustomed to centralized recruitment platforms. CHAPTER 6 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS The implementation of BlockHire has led to significant outcomes across various aspects, prompting discussions on the achieved results and their implications. Aspect Outcome User Feedback Positive feedback on platform usability, job posting process efficiency, and transparency in hiring decisions. Users appreciate the ability to verify skills and endorse candidates. Performance Metrics Efficient job posting and application processing times, demonstrating platform scalability and responsiveness to user interactions. Operational Insights Successful integration of job posting and application processes, regulatory compliance adherence, and strategic partnerships for expanding the platform's reach. Scalability Initial scalability tests show promising results, with ongoing optimization efforts to accommodate increasing job postings and user traffic. Security Implementation of robust security measures, including encryption protocols and authentication mechanisms, ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of user data and transactions. User Adoption Growing user base and increasing job postings, indicating the platform's acceptance and relevance in the recruitment market. Impact on Recruitment Positive impact on streamlining the recruitment process, reducing intermediaries, and promoting fair and transparent hiring practices. Discussion: The positive user feedback, favorable performance metrics, and valuable operational insights underscore BlockHire's success in transforming the recruitment landscape and achieving its objectives. Users appreciate the platform's intuitive interface, efficient job posting process, and transparency in hiring decisions, contributing to enhanced user satisfaction and engagement. BlockHire's emphasis on scalability, security, and regulatory compliance ensures a robust and trustworthy platform for both companies and candidates. The successful integration of job posting and application processes, along with strategic partnerships, positions BlockHire as a leading solution in the recruitment industry. Moving forward, continuous optimization efforts and expansion strategies will be crucial to sustaining BlockHire's momentum and addressing evolving user needs. Collaboration with industry stakeholders, ongoing user feedback mechanisms, and technological advancements will drive the platform's growth trajectory and solidify its position as a transformative force in the recruitment market. CHAPTER 7 CONCLUSION & FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS Achievements 1. Innovative Platform: BlockHire has successfully introduced a decentralized recruitment platform, leveraging Blockchain for transparent, efficient, and secure job transactions. 2. User Satisfaction: Positive user feedback underscores BlockHire's intuitive interface, streamlined processes, and incentives for renewable energy adoption, enhancing user satisfaction. 3. Operational Efficiency: Performance metrics demonstrate BlockHire's robust transaction processing, scalability, and compliance with regulatory standards, ensuring operational efficiency. 4. Industry Impact: Strategic partnerships, regulatory compliance, and ecosystem integration initiatives position BlockHire as a pioneering solution in the recruitment domain. Limitations 1. Learning Curve: Initial complexities in user onboarding related to Blockchain integration may pose challenges, necessitating ongoing education and support. 2. Scalability Challenges: While initial scalability tests are promising, continuous optimization efforts are required to ensure seamless scaling with increased user activity. Future Enhancements and Research Directions: 1. Enhanced User Onboarding: BlockHire will focus on further simplifying the user onboarding process by providing intuitive guides, interactive tutorials, and seamless integration with blockchain wallets. 2. Expansion into Skill Verification and Professional Networking: BlockHire will evolve into a comprehensive professional networking platform akin to LinkedIn, offering features for users to showcase their skills, achievements, and work experience. Users will be able to endorse each other's skills, verify profiles through blockchain-secured certificates, and document internships and projects. 3. Integration of Project Allotments and Payments: BlockHire will introduce features for companies to post project opportunities and allocate tasks to skilled individuals within the platform. Smart contracts will automate project management processes, including task assignment, progress tracking, and payments, ensuring transparency and efficiency in project execution. 4. Blockchain-based Payment System: BlockHire will implement a blockchain-based payment system for secure and instant transactions between companies and freelancers. Smart contracts will facilitate automatic payment disbursement upon project completion, eliminating delays and disputes associated with traditional payment methods. Conclusion: In conclusion, BlockHire represents a significant advancement in the recruitment industry, offering a decentralized solution that promotes transparency, efficiency, and fairness in the hiring process. The platform's innovative approach, coupled with its emphasis on user experience, scalability, and security, has garnered positive feedback and demonstrated tangible results. BlockHire's success in streamlining recruitment processes, reducing intermediaries, and fostering trust between employers and candidates underscores its value proposition in the competitive job market. By leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, BlockHire has addressed key pain points in traditional recruitment systems while paving the way for a more inclusive and meritocratic hiring ecosystem. Looking ahead, BlockHire is poised for continued growth and impact, with plans to further enhance user onboarding experiences, optimize platform scalability, and expand its global reach. Through ongoing research, collaboration, and innovation, BlockHire aims to remain at the forefront of recruitment innovation, empowering organizations and individuals to connect in a transparent and efficient manner. CHAPTER 8 REFERENCES 1. MDN Web Docs (Mozilla Developer Network): - Solidity Documentation (for smart contract development): https://docs.soliditylang.org/en/v0.8.25/ - Ethereum Blockchain Development Guide: [Link] https://ethereum-blockchain-developer.com/ 2. GitHub Repositories: https://github.com/topics/blockchain-platform https://github.com/topics/hardhat-boilerplate https://github.com/askanium/recruitment-dapp 3. Websites: https://blog.producthunt.com/how-to-build-the-next-linkedin-but-on-the-bloc kchain-23e4b28777f2 https://blockworks.co/news/this-startup-is-building-a-crypto-friendly-linkedin -heres-how 4. Research Papers: - "Blockchain Technology: Principles and Applications" by Marc P. Christensen and Curtis W. Hrischuk https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2662660 - “SkillCheck: An Incentive-based Certification System Blockchains” by Jay Gupta and Swaprava Nath https://www.cse.iitb.ac.in/~swaprava/papers/skillcheck.pdf using APPENDIX - 1 SCREENSHOTS Home Screen Create a new job Transaction Request Block and Transaction Details APPENDIX - 2 CODE SNIPPETS Smart Contract Create New Job Available Job APPENDIX - 3 MANUAL TO USE APPLICATION 1. Git clone the repository https://github.com/Gairik-Shandilya/jobportal 2. Run : npm install 3. That should look to your package file for all the node modules that need to be installed 4. Run : npm run dev 5. It will show something like ( ready - started server on 0.0.0.0:3000, url: http://localhost:3000 ) copy the url , paste it in your browser you will be able to see the webapp