The Crow

Video Interview Provides Edge over "Paper" Candidates

2012-02-29T15:17:00.001-08:00

Video Interviewing has been catching fire by saving hiring manager’s time and money, so such a process should be used with care. A video interview shouldn’t be something thrown together at the last minute; it should be created, perfected and then presented. What are the steps one can take to create the best video interview? I’ll tell you.

Choose Wisely: Video Interviews are not optimal for all job openings. When the position calls for lots of face-to-face work, interaction with customers and over the phone skills, then a video interview is just the ammo you need to show off your skills. Showing a potential employer your verbal and non-verbal communicative abilities will increase your chance for hire. If they bring you in for a "live" interview, it's like a second as they know what they're getting!

Tailor your Q & A: The beauty of being “in the know” of what is expected of your next position is using that information to your advantage. If there is a question you believe the hiring manager would want to know, answer it in your video! Candidates that demostrate specific knowledge about a company or position will stand out from the others.

Save more Time: If you're a job seeker that just can’t make it into an office, not a problem! Simply record your video interview at home, review and send it to the hiring manager! The beauty of technology is that it’s everywhere. A camera isn’t far away which means a video interview isn’t far behind; take advantage of all possibilities! Show a potential company that you stay current with technology!

Review and Reflect: Now that you've captured of your personality, post it on all of your social media sites! You’re not depending on a paper resume like everyone else, so use this tool to demonstrate that you took initiative, far beyond clicking "send". Social media is powerful - you never know who will see or forward it. Go to TalentRooster.com to learn how to make the perfect video profile!

Job Fair Season Perfect Time To Add Video Interviews

2012-02-20T11:33:00.000-08:00

Finally the weather and the job market are beginning to heat up! To meet the expected hiring needs, many companies host job fairs at hotels, conference centers or career service centers at local universities. Hundreds or thousands of candidates attend these events, handing out resumes to anyone willing to speak with them. If you're a recruiter or HR professional, what's the point in attending these events if you can't remember each candidate?

Unless you're "Rainman" chances are you forget a person within 24 hours of meeting. But if you are meeting hundreds of people in a short period of time, you will remember even fewer. Returning from a recruiting event with a stack of resumes is pointless if you can't remember the person! Fortunately, there is a solution - video!

Next time you have a job fair to attend, contact TalentRooster and have them set you up with pre-recorded video interview technology. This way you can record every candidate, rate and share them with other hiring managers immediately. Imagine meeting the ideal candidate, filming them on the spot and sending over to a hiring manager - all within minutes. Plus, all of your candidates are housed in a video repository, where only you and your designees have access. You can view them 24/7 and they are iPhone / iPad friendly.

Once you give video interview technology a chance you will never look back. It makes sense, saves time and will significantly improve your process. Let TalentRooster show you how.

A Powerful Screening Tool for HR and Recruiting

2012-02-02T08:05:00.000-08:00

With hundreds of resumes to review on a daily basis, recruiters and hiring managers need an efficient, scalable solution for filtering and identifying the right candidates. Video interviewing empowers recruiters and HR professionals to engage qualified candidates faster, and improves collaboration with hiring managers.

Recently my business has been looking for a technology professional, who possess not only technical skills, but the ability to communicate well with others. It sounds like a simple problem, but it isn’t. In reality many technical people lack the communication skills to interface with other employees or clients. Conversely, those that have the communication skills seldom have the technical aptitude desired.

Our executive team (much like executives everywhere…) hardly pays attention to a resume or our recruiter’s recommendation – it is so frustrating! We needed a new strategy and decided to give video a shot. We received hundreds of resumes, but needed a screening tool that would separate “candidates” from “serious candidates”. We decided to incorporate video to this process! Why not require candidates to make a little effort other than attaching a Word document and clicking “send”?

We selected three questions relevant to our opening – questions we believed would help us readily identify the right candidates. A link was then sent to every candidate that applied, putting the onus on them to take the next step – create their video interview. The process was very easy and the results spectacular. Although hundreds of candidates applied, only a handful took the time to respond and create a video, making our selection process that much easier. The respondents clearly took the time to do it right and invest their time in our process. We took the video responses and sent them to the executives within our organization – they absolutely loved this technology, which ultimately enabled us to expedite our hiring process.

We partnered with TalentRooster (TalentRooster.com) for this project and couldn’t have been happier with the results. If you haven’t given video interview technology a serious look, now is the time. It just makes better sense.

Video Interview - Worked Like A Charm!

2012-01-31T11:53:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I was stopped by what seemed to be a heated moment for two recruiters. I told them not to mind me and to continue working as I was curious to what they were up to. It turns out; they were searching their video repository and trying to identify candidates for their open positions. As they quickly viewed each video, they ascertained whether or not a particular candidate was a fit for their client. I heard comments like, “I like her energy” or “his reply to that question is exactly what they are looking for”. In summary, they were able to find ideal candidates by watching 30 seconds of a video interview. Worked like a charm!

These recruiters were able to make faster and confident placements for their clients. Ironically, six months ago these same recruiters were kicking and screaming about video technology. “My candidates don’t want to do it” or “it takes too long” were common excuses given for failure to utilize.

Today, you couldn’t pry this technology away from them. Video technology continues to grow at a record clip and every company needs a strategy. Just this week The Wall Street Journal ran this article on the future of video in the hiring process. Articles on this very subject are everywhere as this logical technology continues to improve talent acquisition.

Video Interview Webinar For Talent Acquisition

2012-01-19T05:36:00.000-08:00

As more and more companies come to realize the benefits of video interview technology, many are in need of further education. Within the next couple of years video will be a requirement for virtually every job application. Human Resources leadership needs help navigating these uncertain waters and TalentRooster is happy to help. Please join us on Wednesday February 15th at 4PM EST for an informational webinar. Attendees will learn all they need to know about video technology, risks, rewards, costs and savings. Click Here to sign up - it's free and you can jump in or out at any time. We look forward to sharing this potent information.

2012 HR Leadership Strategy - Video Interviews

2012-01-03T08:09:00.000-08:00

A new year brings the opportunity for self improvement – not only personally, but professionally as well. Personally you might join a gym, but no one is really watching or holding you accountable, so most people will give up after a couple of weeks. Professionally someone is always watching, which is why change is so critically important. If you are not continually demonstrating that you bring best practices or new ideas that improve the business, someone else will. Especially today, when we live in an age of information where change moves at the speed of light. Seasoned professionals no longer have the luxury of doing a good job – we have to do more every day.

So what are your plans for 2012? What are you going to bring to leadership that will make them take notice and appreciate the value you bring? Ten years ago managers had the courage to fight leadership for a website! Today these same arguments are being made for social media exposure. As logical as both of these seem, it was a battle! For 2012, make it your goal to be the leader pushing to add video to your existing application process. This is another classic example of an early technology (e.g. websites and social media) that most companies will have in the next couple of years. Video enables you to see and hear candidates answer questions relevant to your opening, before ever meeting in person. You already forward appropriate candidates to leadership - now you can include their video as well. How much time and money will that save?

There are thousands of companies such as Wal-Mart, Ocean Spray, Abercrombie and Fitch, Starbucks that are already taking advantage of this powerful technology. Heck, even Santa figured out the potency of video! Santa Uses Video Technology To Hire Team

Make 2012 the year you bring video technology to your company. It’s a technology that everyone will be glad you introduced!

Santa Uses Video Interview - Hires Rudolph!

2011-12-14T11:43:00.000-08:00

Who wouldn't want to see and hear a candidate answer specific questions BEFORE agreeing to an interview? Even Santa gets it - he used video technology to "thin the herd" and zero in on the reindeer that best fit his needs. Click here to see Santa's Experience.

By the end of 2012 this will be an old story as more and more companies realize the economies of scale that video technology offers. Ask your leadership for TalentRooster under the tree this year! Enjoy your holiday season!!

Shake Off The Turkey Coma and Land a Job With Video Technology!!

2011-11-28T10:37:00.000-08:00

Now that your turkey induced coma has subsided, it's time to get back to your job search! The year is quickly coming to an end and you need to have your new career set for 2012!

So what are you going to do differently that will get you that critical interview? It's not going to happen by submitting your Word document and cover letter - you should know that by now... Unemployment is still hovering at near record levels so you are going to have to think outside the traditional box.

People don't rely on paper anymore - in 2011, 43% of all first interviews were done via webcam. It's time for you to accept this reality and develop a strategy that works for your career goals. If you are unfamiliar with social media and video interview technology, spend some time on sites like TalentRooster or YouTube to see how other savvy candidates are standing out form the pack. Upon completion of your video, think about adding a "click here to meet me" button to your resume, blog and LinkedIn profile. Allow potential employers to see and hear you, versus viewing a static paper resume. Your "elevator pitch" might just make the difference.

When replying to jobs posted on Monster, CareerBuilder and other sites, include your video! 89% of employers revealed that they would watch a video resume if it were submitted to them. Although most employers have not yet used this new technology as an evaluative tool, only 17% have actually viewed a video resume, however the vast majority are open to the idea. These numbers are growing exponentially and it's only a matter of time until every company requires video as part of their applications process. Get this - the primary reason why employers would value a candidate's video is the ability to assess a candidate's professional presentation and demeanor. How many times have you said, "if they'd just meet me, they'd hire me"!! Hiring managers feel the same way - give yourself the chance! Check out TalentRooster.com to learn how to create your professional video that will move you to the front of the hiring line!!

Video Interviews – Why Not??

2011-11-09T13:16:00.000-08:00

A Recruiters job is never done, ever, and when asking recruiters why their candidates won’t make a video interview, here is what they say.

“I would rather an employer meet me in person”

- Well, that’s great and we would love for an employer to meet you in person too, but that doesn’t happen 9 times out of 10 after you hit “submit” when applying to a job. Why wouldn’t you want to make yourself stand out from the others? Get yourself in their face and in the door, 10 times out of 10…guaranteed!

“I am too old and they won’t bring me in if they see me on a video”

- Fair, but won’t your resume give away your age just as easily? I imagine you would rather show them up front, with your video, exactly who you are over going in for an interview and not hearing from them again, right?

“Video interviews are too expensive”

- Nice try, but TalentRooster offers the best pricing and more for your money! A video, plus your resume, adding in test scores, awards and more! You will pay more money for gas going to and from pointless interviews. You will get your money’s worth, we promise.

“I’m not comfortable in front of the camera”

- We understand and that’s why TalentRooster allows you to retake your questions as many times and you would like. Our technology won’t rest until you’re satisfied with the finished product! Also, if you would rather record your video at home, that’s fine too because we have that option.

So, how did we do? Did we settle some of your fears and challenge your thinking about video interviews? If so, please get started on our site. We promise it won’t bite and you will be happier knowing you are represented in the best way possible for your job search.

Recruiter Uses Video - Wins!

2011-11-02T08:29:00.000-07:00

Recruiting professionals realize that the unemployment challenge continues to plague our great nation and it doesn’t appear to be going away anytime soon. Therefore, now more than ever it is imperative that you work smart and use technology to increase your odds for success.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, yet expecting different results. Why do many recruiters continue to operate status quo when there are technologies that will enable you to significantly increase your batting average? Here’s a staggering stat – recruiting professionals help less than 2% of the candidates they interview. It doesn’t matter if you work within a corporation or out of your basement, this statistic is universal. So you’re interviewing hundreds of candidates every year, spending thousands of dollars and hours, yet less than 2% ever materialize into a placement or new hire. Insanity.

How about those “homerun” candidates that you know are a perfect fit? You nudge, email, call and follow up, but the process is an eternal cog. It just takes time and time kills deals. Ugh.

Here’s an idea that will:

A: Reduce the time required by traditional hiring processes by 40%.

B: Increase your candidate’s chance for hire by 50%.

C: Make you look like a hero for introducing obvious technology.

If you are a recruiting professional who has not given serious thought to video interview / video resume technology, you really need to give it a look. Who wouldn’t want to see and hear potential candidates answer questions of a clients choosing, before committing to an interview? How potent would it be to include this video as part of your recruiting process? We all know that video will continue to play a vital role in recruiting – why not be one of the first to introduce it?

Video technology offers recruiting professionals the single greatest opportunity to improve their business since the advent of the internet. You don’t seriously believe that future job seekers will still rely on Word documents as a means of representation – do you?

Video resume / video interview technology has come a long way since the VHS tainted this powerful resource. A recent article in The Wall Street Journal estimated that 42% of all first interviews will be done from a webcam. The Recruiting Director at Wal-Mart estimates that video technology saved them over $2,000,000 in 2011. The success stories go on and on. Improve your process and grow your business with video – it’s coming soon to a competitor near you.

Recruiter Uses Video - Hits In Park HR!

2011-10-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

One of the many benefits of social media and video technology is that you never know who will see it! Recently a recruiter sent a fantastic success story that we had to share. Apparently a candidate came in to interview for a position - she was fantastic, a virtual "homerun". The recruiter sent the candidate over to a top client. Unfortunately, the client decided to go another direction.... The recruiter had spent a significant amount of time on this candidate, even helping her film a professional video interview / video resume, using TalentRooster technology. The candidate asked for a copy of the video to add to her resume and use it to market herself. Since it's branded to the recruiting firm, the recruiter figured, "why not"? Heck, candidates use the resumes we create to market themselves anyway.....

The video worked like a charm and the candidate was successful landing a couple of interviews! In the recruiting world, this is usually where the story ends. Recruiters spend an inordinate amount of time helping a candidate perfect their resume and interviewing skills. Candidates use this "shiny" resume and interview tips to land a job... without the recruiter! Candidate 10; Recruiter 0.

Our story has a different twist. A candidate marketed her TalentRooster video directly to a company - they absolutely loved the technology and scheduled an interview. However the company decided to call the recruiter that created the video interview / video resume to lean more about the technology - the door was now open for the recruiter! Realizing the candidate had gone direct, the recruiter was complementary and wanted the hiring manager to know that if this candidate didn't work out she had other qualified candidates. There were multiple openings so the hiring manager asked the recruiter to come in and meet in person. The recruiter ended up with several positions to fill AND an exclusive!

If you are not using TalentRooster video technology to market your candidates you are missing out on a great opportunity. Contact us today to learn how video will increase your revenues and shorten the hiring process!

Wal-Mart Embraces Video Interviewing for Job Applicants

2011-10-07T11:07:00.000-07:00

Mike Grennier, who is in charge of corporate recruiting for Wal-Mart spoke last week at the HR tech conference in Las Vegas. Following are some excerpts from his talk.

First, let's start with Mike's great session on how Wal-Mart has been able to reduce the cost and time associated with first round interviews by using video interview technology. I liked this session not only for the cool things Wal-Mart is doing with video technology to overhaul their interview process but also for Mike's engaging and persuasive presentation on why video interviewing makes sense for organizations.

Here are the pearls of wisdom from this session:

- The reason for video technology is twofold: 1) You save $ in screening candidates with a first round interview (flights, hotels, cabs, etc.) 2) Saves hiring managers time as they can screen candidates on their own schedule.

- Video technology should replace the first round interview in your interview process. It is NOT a substitute for final interviews.

- By using video technology, Wal-Mart has saved an estimated cost of $2.2 million in 2011 and $3.1 million in 2012. Any time you can save over $5 million in two years, you're doing something right!

- Hiring Manager adoption for this is very high. In a recorded interview with a hiring manager, she asked them to please not take this tool away from them. I've seen this type of buy-in from hiring managers only a handful of times in the HR Technology space. Very powerful stuff!

- For candidates that don't have webcams (this # is decreasing rapidly), Wal-Mart ships out free webcams that are company branded. Not only is this a nice touch with their employer brand but it helps provide candidates with instructions on how to use webcam so interviews go smoothly.

- Cost and time savings are the most important benefits but another result of more video

interviewing is decreasing Wal-Mart’s recruiting organization's ecological footprint as well!

Let TalentRooster bring your firm on board with this time and money saving technology!!

How My Staffing Firm Found Success With Video

2011-10-04T13:43:00.000-07:00

It’s no secret that staffing firms are not known for being innovators of new technology. Over the past couple of years, most have been hunkered down trying to stay in business! However, there is no denying that video and social media continue to make significant advancements that affect the staffing industry. In order to meet the needs of this evolution, my staffing firm began looking for a solution that would not only provide us a tactical edge, but show the market that the old staffing model would no longer suffice.

We began our quest for a video solution, knowing full well that our recruiters would be resistant to whatever we proposed. We also knew it would have to be a top down initiative (mandate) for our branches to take it seriously and ultimately find success. After a thorough evaluation process where we evaluated video resumes, video interviews, streaming versus live technology, we ended up selecting TalentRooster. Their technology is user friendly, plus clients and prospects absolutely appreciate this unique differentiator – most had never seen candidates submitted by video.

From the onset, many on our team resisted, claiming video “took too much time” or “my candidates aren’t willing”. Yet everything we saw indicated that video is going to play a major role in every companies hiring process. We decided to dig in and hold our team accountable – it was only a matter of time until video clicked and brought them results. The lines were drawn between management and employees….. As luck would have it, within a matter of weeks we were receiving positive responses from our clients and prospects!

Soon, video started to become an expectation of our clients and the best part, our competitors didn’t offer it. With continued practice we saw the film time per candidate drop from fifteen minutes to less than eight! Better yet, we’ve seen a significant impact to our business as our sales reps have something new and exciting to talk about.

If you are in the staffing industry, you need a strategy to integrate video with your existing process. TalentRooster did a great job bringing my team on board and positioning us to be the local “thought leaders”, which will pay dividends for a long time.

- Jeff Miller is President of Dawson Resources, a central Ohio based staffing firm

HR Respects Niche Recruiters - General Staffing Is Another Story...

2011-09-28T12:33:00.000-07:00

Lately bloggers have been writing a lot about the value (or lack thereof) that a recruiter brings to a company. Compounding this discussion is the tenuous relationship that seems to exist between recruiters and HR departments. HR has been empowered to find candidates and fill positions, which is truly a "one off" from their training and core competencies. HR people tend to be very detail and process oriented, which couldn't be further from how a good recruiter is wired. Cutting to the quick, a recruiter is a salesperson. They need to be fast, aggressive, technology savvy, willing to call anyone employed or otherwise and sell them on an opportunity. They know that the good candidates are already working and won't be found on Monster, Career Builder or other site. This means you have to dig deep to find passive candidates, which requires a significant investment of time. Recruiters get paid on deals that close and virtually all are paid commission. Niche or highly specialized recruiters command fees of 30% or more and they earn every penny IF they can close the deal...

So where does that leave traditional staffing, which is often viewed as a commodity by HR? It's hard to extrapolate value from a staffing firm that runs ads right next to their clients - how is that of value? What are you doing that's any better or more efficient than your clients? Your fishing in the same pond! Truth be told the staffing industry hasn't evolved much in the past ten years - most still rely on Word documents even though it's evident that video resume / video interview technology is quickly becoming the preferred methodology. Let me say that again - video is the future of the recruiting and hiring process! This technology provides search, recruiting and staffing firms an awesome advantage IF they step up soon. Remember when Monster was unique and different? Search, recruiting staffing professionals had a good run until everyone else got on board. Same principle with video.

Recruiters and staffing firms alike need to be leading this video technology evolution - it is here and growing quickly. If you want a competitive edge that sets you apart, represent your candidates with pre-recorded video interviews, where your clients can see and hear them before committing to an interview. Everyone knows the paper resume is headed for obsolesence - it's only a matter of time. Let TalentRooster show you how easy it is to bring video technology to your clients and prospects.

42% of First Interviews via Webcam Says Wall Street Journal

2011-09-22T07:04:00.000-07:00

Validation is quickly approaching warp speed... We've been telling readers for years that video technology is an absolute for both job seekers and hiring managers. Hopefully you caught this piece in last week's Wall Street Journal, which made clear the reasons why video is becoming a staple in virtually all hiring processes. We've been begging job seeking candidates to create a professional video resume / video interview, where they address issues specific to the company for which they desire to work! Think of the impact to the hiring manager, who is used to static Word documents where the candidates have taken little to no initiative. You could blow them away with video, where you clearly demonstrate you've done your homework and how your objectives align....

Oh - and hiring managers? You need to modernize your process as well - "paper" resumes are so 90's! Don't let the "new hire" introduce this logical technology - YOU do it! Your company leadership will thank you later - especially when they realize the economies of cost savings!! Show them you've still got it!!

TalentRooster is happy to help you through the process to ensure you get it right - just send us a ping! Increase your chance for hire by 30% or more by injective video technology - it works and TalentRooster will show you how!

"I Look Forward to Meeting You"

2011-09-15T05:34:00.000-07:00

You spend hours, days and sometimes weeks preparing your resume and cover letter. Family and friends tell you their thoughts, you read it a million times and finally you send it out to your target employers. You feel relieved and you might even get an auto reply stating "We have received your information and will be in contact soon." That's great, but now the waiting game begins. The thoughts running through your mind are "if only they would meet me, I know they would hire me" or "I would fit in really well there and I know I can learn fast." Well, instead of thinking all of this, why not tell and employer yourself? It seems crazy, maybe a little scary and also...brilliant!

A video interview is something to help you, to show who you are and what you know. We have all had that moment during our job search where we say "I have this great point I would like to make, but I don't know how to put it on my resume" and that's what TalentRooster is here for. We want to help, period. A video interview gives you the perfect amount of time to state your case, show your personality and land that job!

The facts don't lie. We have over 14,000 videos uploaded onto our site, we have signed over 40 companies to use our technology and we continue to hear success stories from recruiters and job seekers. Increase your chance for hire by 30% or more with a potent video interview, powered by TalentRooster technology.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, but expecting a different result. If you're still stuck at the fork in the road, we encourage you to choose this route...we will show you the way.

TalentRooster Video Challenge

2011-09-07T11:55:00.000-07:00

As a quasi blogger, I try never to repeat myself - however this information should be taught at every business school! In a previous blog I explained how a savvy job seeker could jump the line and land the interview if they just took a little initiative. Since unemployment continues to hover around 10% and many are struggling to find work, I would hope that a new strategy might be well received - especially one that will work!

Becky is in search of a job - she's been looking and applying for several months. She has had a couple of interviews but nothing has materialized. Upon searching the job boards she stumbled upon a great opportunity with Dawson Resources, a local respected company. Historically Becky would click "apply now" and send her Word document. She then would try to call someone at Dawson Resources to follow up (and usually end up in the HR vacuum).

Becky saw our blog and thought it was a great idea - here's what she did... She started off by Googling Dawson Resources and learning about the company. Upon visiting their website she learned who the owners and officers were and then searched all of their LinkedIn profiles. She was quickly able to learn about the company culture and their hiring process. She learned where each executive went to school and where they previously worked and people that they were connected to. She searched their FaceBook accounts and viewed the public information. By taking these simple initiatives, Becky had a plethora of powerful information and set out to land this job!

Becky went to TalentRooster.com to create a video interview, where she could professionally verbalize what she had learned. While all the other candidates were clicking "send" and firing over Word documents, Becky created a professional video profile that she knew would appeal to the decision makers. She opened by talking about Dawson Resources and how her goals and objectives aligned with theirs - she actually quoted a specific line in their company mission statement. No doubt it captured the attention of the recipient at Dawson! Becky went on to answer specific questions she knew Dawson would want to hear. She even dropped in the fact that she had gone to school at Ohio University, where Dawson has made on campus visits to recruit candidates (she commented on how professional the process was, which is always good for a companies ego!).

Becky closed by congratulating Dawson for their 65th year in business and their employee longevity. She noted that one employee in particular has been with the company since 1966, which she found astounding. She attached the video link to her Word document and sent it over to all the executives she'd learned about during her research (with a personal note to each). With a little more work she was able to find all of their email addresses. Guess what? It worked!! Take initiative and follow Becky's example and you will land a job!

Check out TalentRooster to learn more!!

Video Interviews Becoming Client Driven

2011-08-23T07:24:00.000-07:00

Call them what you will, video interviews, video resumes, CV, or streaming interview but you can't deny videos soaring popularity. We've been preaching the power of video technology for the past couple of years and our message has been received. Corporate America is moving forward, developing strategies to integrate this powerful technology.

Just this week a prospect called us! We had been calling on him for over a year and a half. He was aware that video technology was something he would need at some point - he just didn't know when. As fate (or luck) would have it, his clients are asking him for pre-recorded video interviews. They want to see and hear candidates answer questions of their choosing, before committing to an interview. Now our prospect needs to play catch up and look like an industry leader, rather than follower.

TalentRooster pre-recorded interviews enable recruiters and HR professionals to market their candidates with powerful technology that saves enourmous amounts of time and money. Our technology enables you to select questions and create a link. You can post this link within an existing posted position or it can be sent directly to a candidate. Candidates complete the process on their own time and the finished video interview is sent back to you for your review. In addition to the time and money saved, it's environmentally friendly! Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more!

Take Initiative = Land Job!!

2011-08-17T13:46:00.000-07:00

I’ve got a sure fire way to help you land a job – I’m talking complete layup and all you’ve got to do is put forth a little effort. Sadly, few if any candidates are willing to take initiative in their job search. If you are one of the few – keep reading.

The everyday run of the mill job seeker replies to an opening with their Word doc and cover letter. No effort, no investment of time and certainly not unique. Since you are serious about your job search I’m going to show you how to land an interview and stand out from all the other candidates.

Find a job you are interested in and learn about the company. Learn about the hiring process: Who does the interviews and check out their LinkedIn profiles, find out about the questions they ask, identify unique things about the company – simply make an effort and do some homework. All of these answers are out there if you just surf the net! Here's the hook - take the information you learn then create a video interview where you address these specific issues and speak their language!

Imagine the hiring manager that opens your Word doc resume and clicks on the link to see your video interview! When they see that you did your homework and know more about the company that any other candidate, you will get noticed. Do this and you will jump to the front of the hiring line - I guarantee it! Go to TalentRooster.com to create your professional video interview and put your job search in high gear!

Years To Accept Computers - How Long For Video?

2011-08-16T08:43:00.000-07:00

By the early 1990's, most companies had introduced computers to their reluctant staff. Although we claim we're open to change, it turns out that isn't the case. Virtually everyone fought computers as their "paper process" worked great - can you imagine? Initially most people would placate the boss by turning on the machine, but doing little if anything to learn much about it. Over the course of a decade as younger people entered the workforce, it became apparent that computers might serve a better purpose than somewhere to put post it notes. As logical as computers seem today, they faced an uphill battle that lasted several years!

These same paradoxical challenges exist with video technology and the hiring process. If you think about what video can offer in terms of time and money saved it's arguably as valuable as a PC! There isn't a person on the planet who believes candidates will represent themselves with Word docs forever. Candidates will use video with graphics, links to social media, personality profiles and more. Hiring managers will have 80% of the relevant information they need before ever meeting a candidate in person - how powerful (and logical) is that?

What about a candidate eager to get hired? A forward thinking candidate will go to a company's website and learn about a position they are interested in. Digging deeper they can research the company and learn about their culture the hiring process and person responsible for making the decision. Then the candidate could record a video interview answering questions they know the company would want to hear and site specifics from their research. Talk about jumping the hiring line! While the rest of the candidates are taking no initiative by sending a Word document, who do you think would get noticed?

Success in life comes from taking initiative and doing some work which few candidates are willing. Video technology will increase a candidates chance for hire by 30% or more - it just works. Check out TalentRooster.com to learn how you can jump the hiring line!

Video Reduces Interview Process by 60%

2011-08-03T13:01:00.000-07:00

You are recruiting for a position. You post ads on Monster, Career Builder, Craigslist and several other sites. Within moments of posting your position resumes start pouring in - hundreds of them, maybe more. You've been doing it this way for ten years or more and candidates always respond. But of those responses, how many are truly qualified? Statistically it's less than three percent - no matter how well you write the posting!

Compounding this challenge is that it takes no effort for a candidate to submit a resume - they have no investment. In fact, many rely on resume aggregators that automatically submit their resume based on key words in each posting. That's right - many of the resumes you receive were automatically sent without the candidate even reading the posting!

Here's the good news - companies are getting smarter and moving forward with technology to combat this issue. Many are incorporating video in the applications process, which requires the candidate to show a little initiative and make an effort. There is no doubt that video will continue to proliferate the recruiting process as it makes too much sense. Following is a powerful example. This firm had an opening for a B2B sales representative. Rather than "post and pray", they got smart and required video as part of the submission process - it worked! Of the candidates received, all took the time to complete the video and answer specific questions about the opening - how much time (and money) would this save your firm? Click here to see their CB post. Contact TalentRooster.com to learn how video resume technology can streamline your existing processes.

The Staffing Industry and Video Technology

2011-07-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing again and again, but expecting different results. In the search, recruiting and staffing industry we fail to help over 95% of the candidates we recruit. We spend significant dollars advertising, interviewing, testing, checking references and make revenue less than 5% of the time. So what do we do? We repeat the process by bringing in an entire new group of candidates the following week……

So what happens to that 95%? They don’t stay unemployed forever – someone is capitalizing on this lost opportunity and it should be you.

The internet and social media continue to provide new opportunities for the staffing industry, especially video technology. In January of 2011, a survey was sent out to 1,000 staffing industry insiders and over 90% agreed that video is the future of our industry and recruiting process.

Creating a professional video resume of your candidates enables you to post them on your company’s website along with other social media sites. It’s a powerful way to market your candidates to clients and prospects versus your competitions Word documents.

Since you are not placing 95% of your candidates, why not post them on you company’s site or social media sites? If a prospective employer finds your candidate they still have to work through you, thus providing a great opportunity to collect revenues on this previously “lost” opportunity. Think about that. Today you get ZERO dollars over 95% of the time. Now you can post those candidates and significantly increase your opportunity to collect revenue.

The evolution of video is just beginning and you need to be part of it. Contact TalentRooster.com to learn how video resume technology can improve your business and increase profits.

TalentRooster Takes Video Resumes International!

2011-07-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever read the Malcolm Gladwell book, "Outliers"? It's a fascinating read about factors that contribute to individuals that achieve a high level of success. Two contributing factors he identifies are opportunities (upbringing, education) and the other timing. His point was that if you were in the right place doing the right things at the right time, your opportunity for success could be huge.

Video resume technology is the future of the recruitng and hiring process - there is no doubt. Still many people are stuck behind paradigms that don't make sense today and will look ridiculous in five years. Does anyone believe that the paper resume will be relevant in three years? Can you say that with a straight face? The other day I heard a story about a man who had never tried pizza - he simply didn't want to! I guess people can choose to believe what they want, regardless of the obvious. If video is the future of the hiring process, what are YOU waiting for?? In five years when everyone is on board, you'll be kicking yourself for failing to capture an awesome opportunity on the front end!

So what does all this have to do with video resumes going international? Tell you the truth, I'm not entirely sure! However, we couldn't be more proud to have Toronto based, The Bagg Group become our first international partner! Go Canada!

Toothfish - Chilean Sea Bass; Video Resumes - ?

2011-07-08T05:44:00.000-07:00

For years fisheries tried to sell consumers the Patagonian Toothfish - there were few takers... Why not? It was clear to everyone that the Toothfish was love at first bite! It was by far the most tasty, tender fish known to man, yet few would ever try it. Then a marketing guru entered the picture and changed the name to Chilean Sea Bass - quickly this prized fish became the fastest growing in the industry, simply due to a name change. It turns out that the initial name was not appealing to consumers, although they had never even tried it - how silly is that? For many, this same challenge exists with video resume technology!

We need help creating a better name for "video resumes". What's a better way to say professional, increase your chance for hire, get you in front of hiring managers, demonstrate you are on board with new technology, clearly the wave of the future, industry leader....

The term "video resume" congers up many unfounded assumptions, remenescent of the garbage you find on YouTube. But the fact is that video resume technology is here to stay and it's quickly becoming the preferred methodology for candidates AND hiring managers. Even Fortune 500 companies are beginning to realize the potential that this powerful technology offers. Many are beginning to require candidates to submit a video resume as part of the preliminary interview process.

Many companies are taking this powerful medium and using it to market their job openings to potential candidates. Just this week we found this video, where the company not only shows the work environment but cameos by some of the managers - how cool is that? Not only can a potental job seeker see where they would work, but who they will work with! Companies competing for top candidates better take note!

With over 40 search, recruiting, HR and staffing professionals utilizing our technology (Click here to see our map), it's only a matter of time until the "paper resume" heads the way of the eight track tape player. Check out TalentRooster to learn more - we're coming soon to a company near you!

Recruiter Says, "TalentRooster Video Resumes Work"!!

2011-07-05T13:35:00.000-07:00

We would like to share a success story with you. The following letter was sent to us from a recruiter that uses our services. Read for yourself and decide if our technology is something that would work for you!

Dear TalentRooster,

I have a success story to share.... On June 6th I received a resume from a candidate who lives in Lubbock, Texas - 800 miles from my office. In the past, when I received resumes from candidates out of state my hands were tied. They either made a trip to Columbus, Ohio to see me or I had to wait until they physically moved to town! In this case, I sent the candidate a remote Talent Rooster link. She filled out the profile, made her video, completed testing and provided references - all from home! I used this information to market her to Columbus employers. Within a couple hours I got her two phone interview with companies and wanted to see her right away! The candidate drove five hours to Dallas to catch a flight to Columbus arriving June 29th. Her interview was on June 30th and the employer hired her on the spot!

Without Talent Rooster, this wouldn’t have happened. I now have six other candidates I am working who created their videos from home. They live in North Olmsted, Ohio; Canton, Ohio; Farwell, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Kankakee Illinois; Las Vegas and Two Rivers, Wisconsin.
As a recruiter with 45 years of experience (yes I started in 1966) I can attest that Talent Rooster works!!!!

Phil Freeman - Dawson Resources

Recruiter Finally on Board with Video Resumes!

2011-06-27T06:03:00.000-07:00

I am writing to say thank you for making my job easier. And let me just add, that I never thought I would be saying this. A year ago I was uncertain about this “new thing” you said was the future of our industry. Video technology sounded like a great idea when I first heard of it, but never did I think it would front and center in the hiring process! What were my initial thoughts when you first told us that videos were now a part of our recruiting routine? Well, to name a few “I don’t have enough time in the day”, “adding this onto the steps I have to complete with my candidates will be impossible”, and “no way, my candidates won’t go for this!”
Just a year ago my attitude was anti-technology, anti-video, anti-all of it! Now, I can’t picture my day without it. I can’t imagine sending my candidates over to a client for consideration without having their video front and center. Got a video? Great. Completed profile? Even better. Who knew that instead of asking my candidates to send me their resume, I would be advising them to complete their online video profile? Again, something I never thought would happen when this technology was first introduced and now I can’t imagine life without video technology!
At first my clients were trepid and uncertain – they had never seen video technology and had many questions. Now, they no longer want to see the “paper” resume – they full expect video on each candidate!! Thank you for “forcing” us to embrace this technology and be the first in our market to offer it.
Now that I have experienced the before, during and after of this new routine I can say, with confidence, that this is the way things are going. Our personal preference in everyday life is the want for “instant results” and this set up provides that for a hiring manager. It’s a way to read about, see and hear a candidate before they walk into their door…what could be better? Next time I’ll do my best not to resist new technology!!

Video Resumes Fact Versus Fiction

2011-06-08T06:50:00.000-07:00

Like every new technology in the social media realm, there is going to skepticism and people that will be hesitant to welcoming a new way of doing things. Few have the courage to be early adopters as most prefer to follow the pack. Well the pack has adopted video resume technology and it’s quickly becoming the “go to” methodology of choice for hiring managers and savvy candidates.

Following are some long standing assumptions about Video Resumes.

1. It’s hard to do a video resume well. FALSE – with TalentRooster technology, you can record your video as many times as you would like until you believe that you’ve captured your absolute best! You don’t have that option in a live interview….

2. Video Resumes mess with the standard recruiting process. FALSE – While hiring managers and recruiters have their way of doing things, a video resume can only help you (and them). None of these decisions makers would ever be upset about making their process easier. Being able to “meet” and hear you answer questions specific to their needs is better for everyone involved.

3. Video Resumes slow down the hiring process. FALSE – A professional video resume will increase a candidate’s chance for hire by 30% or more. If your video is viewed and an interview extended, they already know what they’re getting. You cannot get that reaction from a standard Word Document. Have you ever said, “If they would just meet me, they’d hire me”. Now they can!!

4. Your email could be mistaken for spam. FALSE – There are two ways to go about submitting your video resume to a hiring manager. First, you can send it along with your regular paper resume, if you prefer, and just have your video be a link at the top. This will go directly to the desired inbox. Second, if you don’t want to use your paper resume, TalentRooster provides an application that allows you to send your video resume directly from the site. This, again, will go directly to the inbox you intend it to.

5. It could be illegal for a company to view it. FALSE – This is absolutely farcical with no legal basis whatsoever. Even the EEOC is onboard with video resume technology, so long as it isn’t used for discriminatory purposes – same as a paper resume where sensitive information can be extrapolated. Social media has changed the way companies hire and there isn’t a recruiter (worth their salt) that isn’t viewing a candidates FaceBook, LinkedIn or other social media site, before interviewing the candidate. With a professional video resume you can ensure employers see your absolutely best.

6. Video Resumes are a waste of money. FALSE – How serious are you about your job search? TalentRooster video profiles cost $19.95 or they are free if you work with one of our recruiter / partners. Clients won’t read your resume but they will watch your video, which will increase your chance for hire by 30% or more. We think the choice is obvious. Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more - we will be happy to help you get it right!

Video Technology Continues to Improve Hiring Process

2011-05-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

There's no doubt about it - video is very powerful. Virtually every internet site being developed today has incorporated video - you simply can't do business without it. Remember Star Trek's video communication device? For the 1960's that was really forward thinking - now every iPhone offers that exact technology via their FaceTime application. If you haven't tried FaceTime yet, you've got to - it's fantastic and free!

An informative video that adds humor can be very effective. Surfing the net I found this video, about hiring an intern for "Internet Week" in New York City. Cleverly done and humorous, however I would not advise any job seeker to take this approach. What's funny to you may be offensive to others, plus hiring managers many not get the joke (and you won't get the job). In this video I found it interesting how the primary actor found paper "from the 90's" and anyone not on LinkedIn or other social media sites not worthy of further discussion. Although he was blunt - he was right on both of these points.

More and more companies are requiring video as part of their hiring process. Not only to create candidates videos, but often times hiring managers will film themselves talking about a position in detail, in hopes that candidates will take the time to learn more about the position before applying. Just last week one of our staffing firm clients created this video, which was sent out to hundreds of potential candidates. The recruiter reported that it saved her a ton of time as candidates won't read a job description but they will watch a professional video.

I'm out of excuses for people who still aren't certain about video. I suppose it's like those still hooked on their VHS..... TalentRooster has made video technology easy for job seeking candidates and hiring managers alike. Contact us to learn more at TalentRooster.com

Video Resume Technology Quickly Becoming Mainstream

2011-05-10T08:36:00.000-07:00

How long did owners of eight track tapes fight the cassette? How long did the cassette fight the CD? When did the CD finally acquiesce to digital? The 401K plan was enacted into law in 1980, yet it took a full decade for most people to get on board... See a pattern here?

With today's announcement that Microsoft is purchasing Skype for 8.5B, it has become apparent that video technology is more than a passing phase. It is no longer a question of if this technology will become widely accepted, but when. The only question is will you be an early adopter or wait for others and follow?

Yesterday TalentRooster attended a job fair and quickly became the center of attention as job seekers were eager to differentiate themselves. One reporter did a nice story that was posted on YouTube. Of course, we felt the story did a nice job of explaining video technology and what it can do for both job seekers and hiring managers. Unfortunately the 200,000 plus video resumes on YouTube have given this emerging market a soiled name... Don't worry! TalentRooster was the first to standardize this process and make certain it is entirely professional. Our technology was built with the understanding that most people aren't very technology savvy. We knew that if it was difficult of time consuming, no one would use it.... Take 10 minutes and create your TalentRooster digital video profile - post it on your social media sites! No question it will increase your chance for hire versus others sending the one dimensional "paper" resume. Good luck in your search!

TalentRooster Closing In On 10,000 Video Resumes

2011-04-25T07:44:00.000-07:00

It's become apparent that video resume technology will continue to play a vital role in the hiring process. Therefore it's essential that you familiarize yourself with all the options available.

If your video resume consists of only video (think YouTube), you are doing yourself a disservice. Why not mail a VHS tape to a perspective employer? You wouldn't do that because it's dull, boring and not much value to a potential employer. That's why we created TalentRooster so you can create a full blown digital video profile, complete with your traditional resume, video resume, links to your social media sites, a personality profile and much more. Plus you can post it on all of your favorite social media sites.

Virtually every video resume site offers the same service - create your own video and host it on their site. This is precisely why many people have negative assuptions about video resumes! You've got to maintain professionalism and consistency - by doing it on your own, that will never happen. There is simply too much margin for error. With TalentRooster we've perfected the process by providing job seekers with proprietary software, which standardizes the process and insures professionalism. Your digital video profile can look like this as opposed to the garbage you find on YouTube.

So what about streaming video e.g. Skype? Live video interviewing is very powerful as well, however the technology isn't quite right (remember your cell phone dropping calls?). Within the next couple of years, technology will have it nailed down, however I'm still not a fan. Being in front of a camera is awkward, let alone being live with one chance to get it right. With TalentRooster digital video profiles you can rerecord until you've captured your absolute best. From an employers perspective, you can watch a recorded video on your own schedule and turn it off at any point. With live streaming video, you have to schedule a mutual time and if either party isn't interested, you're trapped for at least 15-20 minutes. Watching a video resume first, where the candidate answers questions of your choosing is a great first step. If you like what you see and hear, schedule the video interview as a second step. Plus, many of the streaming video sites cost BIG BUCKS - remember, Skype is free....

So why not use a live streaming service? Video interviewing seems to be

Secure Your Internship With a Video Resume

2011-04-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe but summer is just a few months away, which means competition for internships is in high gear! What's your plan to stand out from the hundreds of other candidates that apply? You could send over the passe' paper resume and end up in a large file OR you could create a digital video resume and answer questions specific to the position! Which do you think will provide a greater chance for hire? Companies like to hire savvy candidates that know what's current so they can learn as well. A video resume will clearly show that you "get it" and excite a hiring manager to move your application to the front of the line. Before you submit your video profile, learn about the organization - find out what will make you stand out. Use social media to connect with others that have previously worked at the company and ask them how they landed the job. Find out what criteria the company uses to make hiring decisions - are there any specific questions they always ask - FIND OUT!! All this information is out there if you take a little initiative and dig - the company will be flattered that you took the time. Take this information and inject it into a professional video resume - it will blow them away!! Your video should be composed of three parts: 1. Introduce yourself and show your personality. 2. Address specific "hot points" you've learned about the company through your research - it will show you took initiative, which few candidates will do. 3. In closing, thank them for watching your video and let them know how eager you are to meet in person to further discuss what you can do for their business! Upon completion, send it over to the hiring manager or leadership within the organization. While most will ignore the "paper" resume, there is something about clicking a link that they can't resist! One last step I forgot to mention - post the completed video profile on your social media sites e.g. FaceBook, LinkedIn etc. You never know who will find you! TalentRooster has standardized this entire process and it's FREE for college students! Take charge of your opportunities and jump to the front of the hiring line - check out TalentRooster.com to learn more.

2011-04-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

So the paper resume is headed for obsolescence - no one can argue that. Unless of course you believe that technology will improve everything else with the exception of the hiring process... What will the resume of the future look like? Will it still be called a resume? What will be the watershed moment, where the world realizes how antiquated and impractical the "paper" version really was? In ten years, imagine explaining to a college student how we used to rely on paper as a means to represent oneself. It will be like trying to explain an eight track tape player to an iPod user! I really like how this company explains the power and potential of video resume technology. Conceptually, everyone agrees that video will be the future of the hiring process - the question is how long it will take to become widely accepted. FaceBook, the wildly successful web based technology launched in 2004, yet most of us never got on board until 2008 or later. My point is this - new technology takes time for wide acceptance and early adopters are few and far between. To date there are over 200,000 "video resumes" on YouTube and hundreds of sites to post your own. Virtually everyone of them exemplifies why the term "video resume" makes your stomach quiver. Candidates try to be funny (you shouldn't do that), they add music (terrible idea), dress inappropriately (remember first impressions) or film in an inappropriate environment with background noise and distractions. Think of a video resume as a first interview, however you get the chance to do it over and over again until you've perfected what you want to say. There should be no excuse for a poor video! This is your elevator pitch to sell a hiring manager on what you bring to the table for their busines. You don't get a "redo" during a live interview or video interview - conversely a video resume will ensure that you get it right! TalentRooster.com has figured out how to make this process easy, fast and entirely professional. There isn't a comparable option with this much power for job seekers. Create your digital video profile and post it on your favorite social media sites - you'll be surprised who might find you.

Video Resume Vs. Video Interview

2011-03-21T05:05:00.001-07:00

Although I've blogged about this before, I'm still mystified why anyone would commit to a live streaming interview before watching a "preview" first. You wouldn't walk into a theatre without knowing about the movie, would you? Chances are you watched the previews, checked the rating and know who the actors are. This same concept can transcend into your hiring practices.

Perhaps my view is too myopic, but I'm all about the best use of technology and saving time. When sourcing candidates, a live video interview does not save time - you're trapped, same as an in person interview. Whereas a video resume interview (where the candidate answers questions specific to the position), saves volumes of time - you can stop viewing at anytime and no one's feelings get hurt.

Many corporations are coming on board with the realization that video is the future of the hiring process. Virtually everyday a new Fortune 500 company announces that they have integrated video into their applications process. Usually companies will start with one specific position, realize the benefit and then it's "off to the races".

I'm a firm believer that if a video resume is professional and captures the hiring managers attention, by all means schedule a live streaming interview. What a great next step! But agreeing to the video interview first will not save time for anyone involved in the process.

What about those still trapped behing paradigms? The hiring manager or HR professional that still believes video technology to be discriminatory? I suppose they still wait a full 30 minutes after eating, before going back in the pool.... The bottom line is that social media and the proliferation of the internet continues to change conventional thinking. Do your homework and you will see that this powerful technology will do nothing but improve the hiring process for everyone involved. There is nothing "discriminatory" or "illegal" about it, other than assumptions with no factual basis.

TalentRooster.com has developed the most professional and user friendly technology on the net! Check us out to learn more - we are happy to help!

The Power of Video Resumes and Social Media

2011-03-12T13:27:00.000-08:00

When did you first hear the words "social media"? Unless you're really dialed in, chances are you first heard about it in the last several months. So what is social media and how can it help you in your job search? In summary, social media is an absolute for any serious job seeker. Hiring managers expect to see job seekers not only embrace social media, but have a better understanding they they do! The point is you need to get on board.

As job seekers become better acquainted with social media, so are companies. Everyone needs to maximize their social media exposure, especially when you're looking for a job. Check out how this search, recruiting and staffing firm is helping their candidates achieve maximum exposure on FaceBook - how cool is this? These candidates can post their video resume profile on personal social media sites and forward links directly to potential employers. It's often been said that people won't read the book, but they'll watch the movie - this same principle transcends nicely to your video resume. There's something about a video that compels people to click on the link and take a quick peek. Therefore it is critical that you capture your absolute best sixty second "elevator pitch". TalentRooster has built a platform to ensure you accomplish this lofty goal. Better yet, you are in control of your profile and don't have to post it on YouTube (which is the last place you should post your video resume). Check out TalentRooster.com to learn how you can capture you best and increase your chances for hire by thirty percent or more.

Video Resumes Continue To Help Companies Win

2011-03-03T08:06:00.000-08:00

TalentRooster just returned from Staffing Industry Analysts in Miami - it's a tough job, but someones got to do it. This event was attended by the most progressive minds in search, recruiting and staffing. It was clear that hiring is on the rebound and companies are eager for new technology that will improve their existing processes.

We had hundreds of visitors come to our booth to learn more about video resume technology -in fact, so many that we ran out of business cards (must have been the free chocolate we were offering). During a presentation to a group of owners, I received the most powerful and coveted email a start up company could ask for - an endorsement from an existing client! This client started with TalentRooster in one location to make sure we could deliver and that it would benefit their clients (and ultimately make money). Click here to read the client email. Not only is our client adding additional locations, but they've billed over 65K in fees as a direct result of TalentRooster technology! Better yet, one recruiter has made more placements in six months (thanks to video technology) than she made in the previous eleven years.

Needless to say, it was clear that the business owners understood this logic and the need for video resume technology - we signed several new clients and gained many new believers. If you have not given serious consideration to this powerful technology, we need to have a conversation soon. Check us out TalentRooster.com

The Value Proposition of Video Resume Technology

2011-02-24T06:37:00.000-08:00

There's no doubt that video is the next big thing in technology. Virtually every website in development is incorporating video and internet providers are increasing bandwidth to meet the demand. The new iPhones and iPads have the ability to record and create sophisticated videos. I guess the old theory that people won't read, but they will watch is true now more than ever. With this "video evolution" fast approaching, there will be a number of unscrupulous persons attempting to enter this space - buyer beware!

Here's the straight truth about video technology - it isn't expensive! Whether you are a candidate eager to create a video profile or a recruiting professional seeking to integrate video into your best practices, it's entirely affordable. Better yet, thanks to advancements in the technology its entirely user friendly - even Grandma knows how to text!

You've got to consider the economies of scale video technology will provide. Historically, companies and candidates have wasted countless hours conducting interviews that ended up being a monumental waste of time. Video technology enables recruiters and HR professionals to see and hear all candidates, answering questions specific to their need. Conversely, companies can easily create a video to show potential candidates their work environment and culture. Having this information readily available will save invaluable amounts of time for all parties.

Companies spend thousands of dollars on advertising, job boards, recruiting fairs and time spent with candidates that are not a fit. In this economy, everyone is working to curtail costs. With video technology, not only will you save significant dollars but you won't miss anything! In fact, you'll gain back your most valued asset, time! Contact TalentRooster.com to learn more.

Huge Breakthrough In Candidate Screening Process - Video!

2011-02-18T08:50:00.000-08:00

Millions of recruiters and HR professionals rely heavily on job boards to post positions and find talent. All agree that one of the most frustrating challenges is that anyone can apply to a posting and it takes no effort. Monster and CareerBuilder have tried to build in screening mechanisms but it hasn't really curtailed the problem. So how can you weed out the candidates and make sure that only the appropriate ones apply?

One of our clients (Dawson Resources, Columbus, Ohio) had a brilliant idea to solve this ages old problem. They wanted to combine TalentRooster technology with their CareerBuilder postings, which would require candidates to actually make an effort. The idea was to create a posting and add several questions for every candidate to answer in a video format. They posted their first one this week and it worked like a charm (click here to check it out). Now, when candidates review Dawson's job postings they are required to respond with a video resume, answering several questions specific to the position - how awesome is that? This trancends nicely for hiring managers or HR professionals within any company. Simply add a TalentRooster link to your job posting, with specific questions for each candidate to answer. Imagine that? Candidates would actually have to make an effort beyond pointing and clicking - isn't that refreshing?

Is this the future of the hiring process? I'd certainly suggest that it is. Video Resume technology is so advanced and easy that anyone can use it. If a candidate isn't pleased with their response, they can simply retake it - if you could only do that in a live interview! Better yet, hiring managers can tell which candidates took the time to do it right versus sending in the first cut - it speaks volumes about a candidates initiative and motivation.

Checkout TalentRooster.com to learn more - the possibilities are unlimited.

Do Your Job Postings Look Like This, Yet?

2011-02-14T03:21:00.000-08:00

At some point in your career, you've searched for a job. You surfed the net and likely ended up on a huge job board with millions of postings. After reading about a position and company, you clicked on a hyperlink and applied. But where did your "application" go? How come you never heard back from anyone, ever? There must be a black hole on the internet as millions of job seekers have this exact experience.....

Here's the problem. Hundreds or thousands of candidates are applying for every position and it essentially takes no effort. If you've got a Word document resume, you simply click on the "apply here" link, attach your resume and send it. How is this supposed to provide you an edge over other job seekers? How is the HR generalist supposed to notice your application over the others that have applied as well? The answer is you need to investigate video resume technology and show that HR person the difference!

Let's examine this scenario from the HR perspective. How could this laborious process be improved? Surely there has been an innovation in technology to help expedite this ages old process. Introducing TalentRooster technology! Today, HR professionals can take their traditional job posting and add relevant questions they would like every candidate to answer in both video and writing. Candidates that make the minimal effort to apply would be required to create a digital video profile answering these specific questions. Now HR can see and hear every candidate BEFORE ever committing to a phone call or interview. Better yet, every candidate is kept in a video repository where HR can go back and review candidates, forward them to appropriate hiring managers or purge them from the system. This techology is extremely user friendly so long as a candidate is capable of clicking "next" and pressing a space bar - it truly is that simple. There's no doubt that video will play a huge role in the future of the recruiting process - it just makes sense. Want to see a sample? Click here then contact TalentRooster.com to learn more!

Job Seekers Must Keep Pace With Technology

2011-02-09T04:14:00.000-08:00

As technology continues to evolve at warp speed, many job seekers continue to fall further behind - don't let it happen to you! Essential to landing your next opportunity is understanding technology and demonstrating that you are continuously embracing and learning. You don't have to be Mark Zuckerberg, just take the initiative. This challenge is not exclusive to job seekers, but hiring managers as well. Since hiring managers struggle to keep pace, they are eager to hire those that "get it" and can help them learn (and keep their jobs!).

Business as usual will not suffice in an information age. Many companies are coming to the realization that they must embrace technology trends and social media to remain relevant. Just last week, we met with a client that wants to incorporate a social media / technology strategy. However, their current person has been with them for almost 20 years and is really struggling to run with the plan. In fact, this employee asked about "hiring someone younger to implement the plan"... I'm not kidding - can you imagine? With 10% unemployment and hundreds of people applying for every position, you better get on board and fast!

Traditionally, one of the last adopters of technology are Human Resource professionals. Granted there are some pros that thankfully lead (and the others eventually come around) but by and large most do not. Ironically, there is simple technology that dramatically improves a significant function of Human Resources responsibility - video resume technology. How much time would be saved by requiring candidates to answer questions specific to a position in a professional video format? Who wouldn't want to see and hear a candidate before committing to a face to face interview? There's no doubt that the traditional paper resume is headed for obsolesence, being quickly replaced by digital video technology, complete with links to social media, graphics and more. Savvy HR professionals could have 90% of the relevant hiring information before ever committing to an interview!

Job seekers are taking note as well. Just last week Google received over 75,000 resumes for one job posting! Think how much faster you could jump the line by sending over a professional digital video profile! Google is light years ahead of their competitors by embracing technology and continually pushing the envelope. Show them YOU are doing the same in your job search. Go to TalentRooster.com and complete your professional digital video profile and take control of your job search. No question you will stand out from the crowd. Good luck in your search!

Go To Gym Get Results - Use Video Resume Get Job

2011-02-01T12:38:00.000-08:00

Last week there were video resume stories on Good Morning America and the CBS affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi. This week it's the ABC affiliate in Phoenix that is running this story on the power of video resume technology. We've continued to advocate incorporating video into your job search as a powerful tool to put you in the front of the hiring line. Many are getting the message and adopting the technology - are you on board yet?

Perhaps a metaphor will help..... Have you ever joined a gym? You sign the paperwork, commit to a plan and even attach a tag to your key chain for all to see! All you have to do is watch what you eat and exercise three or four days per week and you will look awesome. Guess what? The vast majority of people don't stick to the plan! If they only did, American's would look a whole lot healthier!

This same concept applies to your job search. You can't create a resume in January and continue to send it out - you've got to spurce it up from time to time and add more details. One potent detail you can add is video - let hiring managers see and hear you. Answer questions specific to the job you are seeking or about their company - talk about a leg up on other candidates!

Find a company you'd like to work for and do some homework - learn about the company, their culture, customers and competitors. Then create a video addressing these specific issues, demonstrating your knowledge on the company and how your skills align with their objectives. Send it to a couple hiring managers or executives within the company - you can find them via the website or social media sites such as LinkedIn.

Few candidates take much initiative beyond sending a resume. Take the next step and show that you are serious about your job search by creating your own video interview. No question it will increase your chance for hire.

Video Interview or Video Resume?

2011-01-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

It's been a really good week for video resume technology! First this story appeared on Good Morning America, followed by this story that appeared on a local affiliate in Jackson, Mississippi. More and more people are waking up to the reality that video resumes are the future of the hiring process - now they need to figure out how to incorporate a strategy.

There has also been a lot of talk about video interviewing (e.g. Skype) as many companies are considering this technology as well. The problem with video interviewing is that the technology just isn't right yet. Remember all the dropped calls you had (or still have with AT&T....) when cell phones were new? Same principle - they will get it right but it will take time.
In fact, just last week The Today Show was taking calls from viewers via Skype. I'm sure every precaution was taken to ensure there were no technical issues.... Guess what? Half way through a call, the audio dropped and then the call was lost altogether. It's awesome technology but won't be right for a couple of years.

With video resume technology you don't have to worry about these issues. This technology is ten years old and has essentially been perfected by companies such as TalentRooster (TalentRooster.com). Videos are professional, consistent and anyone with an internet connection can view them. The two most important words in business today are social media. Increase your social media footprint by creating a professional digital video profile. Post it on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter - you won't believe who will find you!

When will Video Resumes pull a Roger Bannister

2011-01-23T06:00:00.000-08:00

It couldn't be done - it isn't possible. No human is capable of running a mile under four minutes, so thought the world. Then in 1954, Englishman Roger Bannister broke the barrier to the shock and disbelief of millions. However, once this longstanding barrier was broken several others quickly repeated this miraculous feat.

My point is this - many people are still uncertain as to the future of video technology in the hiring process. Who will be the first to run with this technology and break the barrier of uncertainty? Doing some research, I came across the following article written in 2007 by Stephen Dubner, the author of Freakonomics. He understood the logic of this powerful technology and wondered why it hadn't become widely accepted yet. What a visionary! If Dr. Dubner discovers TalentRooster.com, I'm certain he would be very impressed and see that we have put all of his concerns to rest. Nonetheless, I found his article fascinating - I hope you do too.

Why Isn’t the Video Resume More Popular?
By STEPHEN J. DUBNER
I am currently in the process of hiring a new assistant. (Yes, Nicole has been here for more than a year, and I vow at the outset to hold no assistant captive for much longer than that.) I posted an ad on Craig’s List and received roughly 200 resumes. Many of them are impressive. From an anthropological standpoint, nearly every single one is interesting, just to see the kind of skills and traits that people use as employment signals. I had no idea, for instance, that Eagle Scout membership would show up on so many young men’s resumes.

But what’s most striking to me is the disparity between what a person looks like on paper and what they’re like in person. We touched on this notion briefly in Freakonomics – the fact that a resume is a pretty unreliable set of clues. But it goes beyond that. When you’re hiring someone, their personal manner, attitude, quickness, humor, curiosity, and a few dozen other traits are really important. And you get almost none of that on a paper resume.

So the question I have is this: Why, in a world of excellent, cheap, and fast technology, hasn’t the video resume become more popular? It’s certainly not unheard-of, and maybe one infamously over-the-top video resume scared some people off. But I am still surprised that we are relying on paper resumes. Here are a couple of thoughts:

1. The cost of making a video resume falls on the applicant, not the employer; but it’s the employer who reaps most of the reward in terms of not wasting time interviewing unlikely candidates. The applicant inherently has more time to waste than the employer.

2. Applicants may want the chance to impress an employer in person, and fear that they’ll be poorly represented in a video.

3. Maybe employers, in their embrace of status quo-ism, think that video resumes are just too weird, or modern, or revealing; or perhaps they’re worried about being charged with discrimination if they respond disproportionately in favor or against a certain type of applicant.

2011-01-17T11:09:00.000-08:00

Video Resume technology continues to proliferate and become more widely accepted. Upon reading this article, it appears that human resource leadership is warming up to the idea. This powerful technology enables a hiring manager to send specific questions to a candiate to answer in both a video and written format. The ability to "see and hear" candidates, prior to an interview is quickly revolutionizing this ages old process.

Conversely, candidates can create their own video profiles answering questions specific to the company where they wish to apply - how cool is that? Savvy candidates can do some homework and learn about the company and they type of attributes they value most. Simply create your digital video profile with that information in mind - you will blow hiring managers away! Put yourself in the hiring managers shoes. Would you rather sort through hundreds of paper resumes or click a link and view candiates that took the time to learn about the position and answer relevant questions? No question candidates that complete this process will have a huge advantage over everyone else.

As résumé coach Laura Smith-Proulx notes, all too many Jobless Joes are sticking by their one-page .pdfs, as if the career world is desperate to hire more candidates versed in Mesozoic Era traditions.

"The single page résumé with an objective up top really went the way of the dinosaurs," she says. "A lot of people are still very reluctant to create something that’s cutting edge because they've never seen a résumé that looks cutting edge."

Give yourself every advantage possible by creating your digital video resume! Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more.

1950 - Quit Smoking; 2011 - Make A Video Resume

2011-01-11T12:00:00.000-08:00

It's 1950 and I'm the guy warning everyone to quit smoking! Evidence clearly points that smoking is hazardous to your health and will lead to multiple health problems.... My message seems to fall on deaf ears - if only people could see into the future.... I can only imagine how exasperated "that guy" must have been - the signs were everywhere that smoking was terrible for your health, yet Americans continued to inhale the toxic fumes, despite overwhelming evidence.

Now it's 2011 and "that guy" is advising job seekers that paper resumes are headed for extinction. Within the next couple of years, few candidates will be using the traditional paper resume - it will all be digital, with video, graphics, links to social media sites and much more. Hiring managers will have access to 80 or 90% of the information they need about a candidate before they ever meet, resulting in a far more efficient process for everyone involved. Managers can source candidates and send them a link to record a video at home, answering questions specific to their position. Appropriate candidates can be shared with others in management, while those that are not a fit do not require any further investment of time.

In just over six months, TalentRooster has added over 5,000 video resumes to our website. Clearly people are starting to come to the realization that video is a powerful alternative to paper. So how come you haven't made one yet? I bet none of your friends still smoke. Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more.

Companies To Pay Candidates for Interviewing??

2011-01-05T07:47:00.000-08:00

Politics aside, of all the ridiculous lawsuits I've ever seen this one takes the cake! This pending suit is seeking to require search, recruiting, staffing firms to pay candidates for time spent interviewing! "As California goes, so goes the nation" - let's hope not! Can you imagine the unnecessary expense and headaches that would result from this action? What would follow, a bonus for candidates that don't get the job?

Here's the good news - get on board with video resume technology and avoid this potenial quagmire. Video Resume technology enables you to send clients and prospects professional profiles, that will get your candidates to the front of the hiring line. While the competition continues to send Word documents attached to email, you will blow them away with next generation technology. Your clients will eat it up!

It's 2011, which means we are one year closer to the paper resume becoming obsolete. Job seekers are already on board with video resumes, having posted over 200,000 on YouTube. TalentRooster is preparing to surpass the 5,000 video resume mark within the next couple of weeks. We all know that video will become a vital part of the hiring process - its inevitable. Let TalentRooster show you how to become the leader in your market.

EEOC On Video Resumes

2010-12-30T07:45:00.000-08:00

I've been in the search, recruiting and staffing business for 15 years - I grew up in the business as well. For as long as I can remember, we were always told, "you can't have a picture or video on a resume" - we all took it as gospel. Then again we also believed you couldn't swim for 30 minutes after eating....

From a common sense perspective, how is a first interview different than viewing a video? A candidate comes in for an interview and the employer passes (wasting everyone's time) or an employer views a video and passes -what's the difference? I simply couldn't get there, but still the paradigm exists! I took the time to peel this onion and get to the bottom.

Every recruiter / HR professional sources candidates via social media sites (unless they are from the prehistoric era) the Internet has changed everything. However technology moves much quicker than case law - we simply could not find any case law on video resumes and discrimination - just assumptions.... Well here it is in writing from the EEOC - the governing body for discrimination law - even the EEOC recognizes that video technology is not discriminatory!! In the words of the EEOC, "it is not illegal for an employer to learn the race, gender or ethnicity of an individual prior to an interview". The EEOC goes on to say that much of the "discriminatory" information can be ascertained from a paper resume e.g. "President of the Black Law Review". From a paper resume you can guess how old a candidate is simply by looking at when they graduated. My point is this - if you think video resume technoloy is discriminatory, you are mistaken. Forty percent of all websites will be incorporating video on their site. NO way college graduates are going to use "paper resumes" - it will be digital video with graphics, links to social media sites and much more. We all know it's changing and TalentRooster can put you in front of the trend. Happy New Year!

Casino To Hit Jackpot With Video Resumes

2010-12-12T13:35:00.000-08:00

Whether you support casinos or not they seem to be popping up all over the U.S. The good news is that when a casino comes to town, so do hundreds or thousands of jobs. What if you were the person responsible for hiring all of these people? Where would you start? Since these jobs are stable and pay decent wages, tens of thousands of candidates will submit resumes. Have you taken a peek at the latest and greatest sourcing technology?

The "old way" of sourcing candidates (which many people still do) is a complete crapshoot. You spend hours reviewing resumes and attempt to select those you feel might be a fit. The paper is static - it doesn't really tell you anything, still many companies rely on this approach. Even a phone screen isn't bullet proof - it's a complete guess. Wouldn't it make more sense to have a dynamic resume with video, links to social media, graphics, a personality profile and more? Having 80% of a candidates information BEFORE agreeing to an interview is now a reality. Think of the time that could be saved for everyone involved in the recruiting process.

Look to the future and envision how the recruiting process will use today's technology to create efficiencies. Social media sites have changed the way business process works - it is important that we embrace these changes as they create better methodologies and economies of scale. Because technology moves so quickly it is imperative that employees keep pace. As new employees enter the workforce, they will readily adopt these new technologies. You don't want to look like the stick in the mud or appear resistant to change. The good news is this technology is very user friendly and not the least bit intimidating. Give TalentRooster a call - we'll be happy to walk you through the process.

Video Resumes Wave of the Future

2010-12-09T06:34:00.000-08:00

So glad many others are talking up the power of video resume technology! The reality is that within the next couple of years, virtually every company will integrate video technology into their applications process - it just makes better sense for everyone involved. Next time you walk into a business, take note of the computers set up for applications. A year ago that was unthinkable - how long until they stick a camera on top and add video to the process? In five years we will find it hard to believe we ever interviewed candidates without a video first - the possibilities are unlimited.

Although there are many imitators out there, make sure you pick a professional site to film and host your video resume. When you find the best provider, make sure you compare it to TalentRooster.com. We have yet to find anyone that provides such a professional option. In fact, TalentRooster is a finalist for an Innovation Award!

There is a reason TalentRooster is the fastest growing video resume site on the Internet - professionalism and consistency! Show potential employers that you are tech savvy by creating your video resume today. It's fast, easy and professional. Upon completion, make sure to post your video resume on all of your social media sites. With several candidates applying for every opening, it's all about personal branding and showing employers you "get it". Check out TalentRooster.com and learn how you can increase your chance for hire - you'll be glad you did.

Video Resumes Are A Good Idea!

2010-12-06T07:42:00.001-08:00

Surfing the net this morning I found another supporting the idea of a video resume. Lord knows I talk about it enough so it's refreshing to see so many others coming to the realization that video resumes will become an intricate part of the hiring process.

So how can I help my friends over 35 come to accept this reality? I'm talking about my employed friends (many of which make hiring decisions) that are still on the fence. Some of them are still uncertain or even scared of this powerful technology. It reminds me how the previous generation fought the fax machine, computers and the Internet - they had to know that ultimately these technologies were coming, yet they still resisted. Although we all say we are open to change, statistically we are not. With technology moving at breakneck speed, we no longer have the luxury of being resistant to change - you end up holding back the success of your company. You don't want the "new hire" showing the boss how it's done today....

Within the next couple of years job seekers will no longer utilize a paper resume - we all agree on that. The resume will become digital with video, links to social media and much more. It will provide hiring managers with 80% of the information they need before ever meeting the candidate! With TalentRooster you can do all of this and more, including the ability to send a candidate questions to answer specific to your opening. Think about that. Hiring managers can send potential candidates specific questions to answer in a video resume before committing to an interview - talk about saving time for all parties. Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more - you won't believe how easy it is!

Cable TV Continues to Evolve - Has Your Resume?

2010-11-30T02:50:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe, but in the early 80's most U.S. households didn't have cable TV. Most people relied on ABC, CBS, NBC and that funny dial next to the channels where you could occasionally pick up another channel or two - if you had "rabbit ears"!

During this era, my dad was a true innovator by purchasing a satellite television. The company came to our house and installed a 10 foot dish - it looked as though we were doing spy work for the CIA. The channels were unlimited, from all over the world and it was great - when it worked.... Back then the technology wasn't quite right and is laughable by today's standards, but my hat's off to the pioneers that were willing to try!

Ironically, video resume technology has been around for quite a while as well - the idea isn't new. However recent advancements in technology and the wide acceptance by companies is quickly changing the place of video resumes in history.

The next time you walk into a retail store, take a quick look around to see if they are taking applications onsite, by computer. You may find it surprising, but more and more companies are migrating to a paperless format - it just makes better business sense. Just last week I saw some of these computers in Target and Kroger - I'm sure many companies offer this as well. How long do you think it will be until they add video as a component of the applications process, asking the candidates to answer a couple specific questions related to the job? Imagine the timesavings for both job seekers and hiring managers?

My point is that this evolution is fast approaching and job seekers have a unique opportunity to be ahead of this curve by creating a professional video resume. I'm not talking about the garbage you find on YouTube - I said professional. A video that captures your absolute best on film, plus other relevant information that will get you to the front of the hiring line. The economy is starting to improve and companies are beginning to hire - give hiring managers the ability to find you first by creating a video resume. TalentRooster has video resumes down to a science - check us out and learn how to increase your chance for hire. TalentRooster.com

When Applying For Jobs Online - Stand Out... EXACTLY!

2010-11-23T03:13:00.000-08:00

While surfing the net this morning I came across this exceptional post to help job seekers stand out from the crowd and get noticed by hiring managers. The writer sites credible sources who advise job seekers to "tailor your resume to the company you are sending it to" and "take a careful look at the design and layout of your resume". While these are sage pieces of advice, I can't help but think how antiquated the traditional paper resume has become - especially in a technology driven world. Using paper to represent yourself is dated and virtually impossible to stand out from other candidates - it's time to move forward.

If you were interviewing a candidate, wouldn't you want as much information (before meeting them) as possible? If you could see the candidate, hear how they speak, have them answer several specific questions BEFORE committing to an interview, would it be helpful? Of course!! All the more reason why you should create a professional video resume and market yourself directly to hiring managers.

I've tried to explain to my kids how I used to own a record player so I could listen to music (I didn't dare touch the eight track conversation). As I went into details, it occurred to me how far technology has come and how silly a record player must sound to kids. You can bet that future job seekers will share this opinion on paper resumes. They simply won't understand how people used "paper" as a means to represent themselves.

Companies are savvy and use every possible tool at their disposal to source the best candidates possible. If you have a social media site (and you should have a couple) rest assured that it is being visited by potential hiring managers. Companies seek to hire candidates that "get it" - meaning they understand technology and stay ahead of the curve. Truth is that many people that make hiring decisions have not kept pace with technology and do not fully understand. They want to hire candidates that can help them!

Show potential employers that you "get it" by making a professional video resume - today! Visit TalentRooster.com - we will make sure you capture your absolute best!

Talent Acquisition Adopting Video Resume Technology

2010-11-18T06:29:00.000-08:00

Thanks in part to advancements in technology, more and more recruiters and talent acquisition teams are moving to a platform that incorporates video resume technology. The technology has become so user friendly that virtually anyone with a computer and camera can complete the process (Even Grandma Skypes...).

Progressive companies are taking full advantage of this time saving option, requiring video as part of their applications process. Here's how it works - a candidate goes online to apply for an opening. As part of the process, the candidate is asked to complete a video resume profile by clicking on a link. The candidate completes the process, including answering three specific questions that the company selects. Upon completion, the application is sent directly back to the recruiter / talent acquisition specialist for their review and consideration. Companies are now able to "see and hear" all job candidates before committing to an interview.

Within the next 12-24 months virtually all companies will utilize this technology. Whether a candidate is applying for a retail job at a mall or a Fortune 500 company, video resumes will be part of the process - it just makes sense. Think of it this way - in the next five or ten years, students graduating college will not understand how we ever utilized a piece of paper as a means to represent ourselves! By then video resume technology and links to social media will be so pervasive, a Word document will seem as if it's from Jurassic Park.

Don't let the new hire within your company make you look antiquated. Go to TalentRooster.com and learn how you can bring your company the latest innovation for recruiting talent. It's coming fast - lead the way!

Minnesota Requiring Teachers to Submit Video Resume

2010-11-13T08:52:00.000-08:00

Are you still not convinced that video resumes will be the wave of the future? Do you think that job seekers will still use Word documents to market themselves? Not a week goes by where another industry is getting on board with video resume technology - this week its teaching. If you want to be a teacher in Minnesota you will be required to submit a video - how progressive is that?

As the economy continuest to show signs of life, companies will begin sourcing through the thousands of resumes they have on hand. Will your resume be in the pile on the desk or viewable as a link on the desktop? Increase your chance for hire by 30% or more by creating a professional video resume. Check out TalentRooster.com - we will make sure you capture your absolute best!

Client Endorsement of Video Resumes

2010-11-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

We recevied the following email from one of our new clients in Houston. Let our technology work for your firm too!

David-

I wanted to send you a note to tell you that TalentRooster has been a breath of fresh air for our Temporary Division. We all know that the staffing industry is very competitive and you have to compete against dozens of companies selling the same service. Everyone claims to have affordable rates, great candidates, and a knowledgeable/friendly staff. When I think about this it reminds me of the three words that 95% of all applicants use to describe themselves - hard-working, reliable and dependable.

What I mean by this is, if a staffing service is selling the same thing and all applicants are selling the same thing, who is different? Now we have an answer to that question - Meador Staffing! With TalentRooster we have the capability to submit candidates in a way that puts us head and shoulders above our competition – video resumes. We’ve been utilizing TalentRooster for about a month and this service has already landed my office 2 targeted accounts that our “normal” marketing procedures were unable to.

During our training you used the analogy of a GYM membership to talk about TalentRooster. You do not get any results if you do not go to the GYM and if you do not utilize TalentRooster correctly and consistently you will not see any results! We’re using it and we are seeing the benefits. I am excited about future opportunities that this will present for Meador Staffing. God Bless you and TalentRooster!

Not sure if this is applicable to everyone, but in Texas being bilingual is a huge plus. While recording videos for clients that require bilingual candidates, we’ve been encouraging the candidate to speak a portion of their closing in Spanish and repeat it Back in English. HUGE HIT!
Thanks - Raymond

2010-11-06T07:35:00.000-07:00

Remember when the only way an individual could brand themselves to potential employers was by creating a paper resume? Candidates would exaggerate accomplishments; use unique font and the best paper money could buy, but let’s face it: paper resumes are boring and dated.
An economy with more candidates than jobs has forced job seekers to step outside their comfort zone and consider a new approach - video resumes. If visit YouTube and type “video resumes” you get several pages of them – 175,000 to be exact. The quality of the clips isn’t great as many are made with cheap video cameras (and I suggest never posting your resume on YouTube if you’re serious about your job search). But the proverbial cow is now out of the barn and this technology is quickly proliferating. Thus, video resumes have the potential to become the preferred hiring methodology of the future.

Recruitment firms and savvy companies are already seeing the huge potential behind this technology. Video resumes allow candidates to create and send links directly to potential employers, versus sending a lame Word document. Additionally, candidates can take these links and post them on social media sites such as FaceBook, Twitter and LinkedIn, resulting in greater exposure.
Utilizing video resume technology can increase a candidate’s chance for hire by 50% or more. A short video where a candidate answers several interview questions is extremely powerful. Using this technology with the help of a professional recruiter will provide job seekers a serious advantage. The technology will be everywhere soon – show hiring managers that you are ahead of the trend. Check out TalentRooster.com – we will make sure you capture your absolute best on film.

Client Winning Business With Video Resumes

2010-11-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we received an unsolicited endorsement of our video resume technology that we had to share - it follows, unedited.

Dear David:

You are genius! We got a new client last week from a constant contact who loved the idea and wanted to see more resumes. Today we filled an human resource position at said client starting at 35K. Tip of the iceberg brother, tip of the iceberg. You are a genius.

Thanks,

Mike

We all know that the traditional "paper" resume is heading toward the end of it's life cycle. It had a fantastic run, with history dating back to the Roman empire! What are you waiting for?

Those of us in search, recruiting, staffing and HR are supposed to be in front of hiring trends that others will follow - why then are some of us stuck on dated technology? Change never comes easy, yet everyone (especially the boss) loves a leader - LEAD, before the new hire takes the credit - I'm telling you, video will be a key component of the hiring process - get in front of the trend!

By plugging in (and using) TalentRooster technology will flat out improve your business - it just works. You can't join a gym, never go and expect to see results - you've got to use it! This same principle applies to technology, including TalentRooster. Like the gym, if you use our technology every day your results will be fantastic - if you don't, you won't. We've got plenty of clients eager to share their stories of success.

Job Seeker Mails Resume......

2010-11-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

Remember the days of sending your resume via snail mail. You purchased the perfect stock of paper, addressed it ever so carefully, bought a stamp (remember them??) and sent it off. You waited weeks to hear back and often times, nothing. Maybe you sent it to the wrong person, maybe you had a typo or maybe it just got lost in the mail?

As technology improved, job seekers became really innovative and took advantage of the facsimile! Ten years later it was email with your resume attached as a Word document. Now the available technology for your job search has evolved once again to video resumes – have you evolved as well?

When is the last time you mailed a resume to a company? Some readers of this blog have NEVER mailed a resume. Technology has become so user friendly that anyone can go online and create a professional digital video profile. But where do you begin? There are so many providers of this service – what makes one different from another?

There are several things to consider when selecting a provider, including:

• Is the site professional and consistent?
• Are you in control of your profile?
• Is it fairly priced (less than $20) – it can’t be “free” and professional
• Can employers search the site to find you?
• Can you send your profile as a link and paste it in your social networking sites

Within the next couple of years job seekers will no longer utilize the traditional paper resume. Resumes will be “intelligent” inclusive of a video resume, traditional resume, links to social media and more. Think about it – do you really believe that students graduating will send out Word documents as a means to represent themselves? In the future I believe that job seekers will find it hard to understand how we ever used “paper” as a means to find a job….

Companies such as TalentRooster offer services to create and distribute your video resume to employers and recruiters. This technology incorporates a critical aspect of your portfolio – social media. Employers want to see candidates that “get it” – having a video resume will make it clear that you’re on board!

As resume technology continues to evolve, one thing remains constant – professionalism! Check out TalentRooster.com – we will make sure you capture your absolute best on film, professionally!

Cool Company ONLY Accepts Video Resumes

2010-10-28T16:56:00.000-07:00

Since the genesis of our website, we've been blogging about video resumes becoming the future of the hiring process. No matter what your feelings are on this issue, it's inevitable - it just makes better sense.

The first adopters were savvy job seekers eager to stand out from the crowd. Now, more and more companies are requiring video as part of their applications process, forcing the rest of us to give serious consideration. As this technology proliferates and becomes more user friendly, those of us over 40 are coming around - no one wants to appear out of touch with technology, especially if you're looking for a job.

Take a trip to Best Buy and check out computers - virtually every one has a camera built in - Apple PC's have had cameras for years. Rumor is that the new iPad coming out will have two way cameras - how cool is that? So if all the new technology is inclusive of video.... You can draw the conclusion. Got any friends in network architecture? If so, ask them where the most money is being invested and they'll tell you bandwidth to accommodate video.

Tufts University in Boston started accepting video resumes as part of their applications process a couple of years ago. Now others schools have followed suit. Virtually every university offers video resume technology (in some shape or form) through their career services division. My point is this, with all the signs pointing this direction its time you gave video resume technology a serious look. TalentRooster.com has it down to a science - check us out - we'd love to help you out.

Paradigm Shift To Video Resumes

2010-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

Speaking to a group of college freshman, I was trying to prepare them for their first "real job" search. While explaining the proper layout and content of a resume, a student interjected, "what does paper say about you? Do people still rely on that information? What about my social media, where I can sell myself"? Then it hit me - he was right and I'm dated.

There is no way job seekers of the future are going to rely solely upon the traditional "paper" resume. In fact it's already changing as more and more candidates are integrating video resume technology to their existing portfolio. Rather than be intimidated, I find it exciting as it creates an opportunity for virtually every person (and company) to improve upon a decades old process.

In the search, recruiting, HR world there are a couple of absolutes you need to be prepared for:

1. Over the next several months, fewer and fewer job seekers will represent themselves with the traditional "paper" resume. They will use digital video, with graphics, links to social media and more. No question this paradigm is quickly shifting and you need a strategy to address this technical progression. No one wants to look stuck in the past.

2. Companies will begin integrating video as part of their applications process. Regardless of the ATS you use, within the next several months all will be adding a video component and you will need a strategy.

My advice is this - learn and lead this technology! Whether you're a job seeker, recruiter or HR professional, everyone admires leadership - especially when it's something that everyone will need to understand down the road. If you can navigate the web or use a social media site you can use this technology - it's no longer intimidating.

Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more. We've made video resume technology so user friendly that anyone can use and understand it. The trend is quickly approaching - get on board and be a leader. You'll be surprised how many people take notice.

Companies ARE Hiring - How Are You Going To Get Noticed?

2010-10-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

Upon returning from the largest search, recruiting and staffing conference of the year, I took some time to reflect on the positives - primarily that companies appear to be hiring again! Data shared at the conference seemed to suggest that the "bottom" of the recession was in June - since then things have been showing modest improvement.

So now that we know things are improving, the bigger question is do market yourself like this or are you still using a Word document? During his keynote speech, the CEO of ManPower took out his smartphone and showed a picture to the audience. He said, "it won't be long until you are hiring candidates through your phone" - how right he is.

I can't stress how powerful a professional video resume can be - it will get you noticed and increase your chance for hire by 3o percent or more. Read the blog sites and you will see that virtually all companies will be integrating video technology into their application process - it's not a matter of if, but when. Even the EEOC understands that social networking sites have changed everything. Any recruiter worth their salt goes to Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn before meeting with a candidate. Who wouldn't want to see and hear someone prior to meeting them?

It will be interesting to watch this technology proliferate - HR and staffing professionals are not known for being "first movers". Guess who will drive this change? Candidates! More and more savvy candidates are taking advantage of video resume technology and integrating the finished product on their social media sites. Make sure you are showing hiring managers that you "get it" by creating your video resume. Check out TalentRooster.com - we will make sure you capture your best 60 seconds. Happy Hunting!

Get Seen Get Heard Get Hired!

2010-10-16T12:43:00.000-07:00

A senior college student wants to be an economist. But even in today's improved job market, college seniors need to find ways to stand out. So college graduates throughout the U.S. have figured they need something that will make potential employers remember them. Instead of typing up a traditional résumé, students have decided to go Hollywood and shoot a video resume with the help of one of a handful of companies that are turning résumés into powerful video digital video profiles. Video resumes provide the edge that students need to stand out from the competition, increasing their chance for hire by thirty percent or more. These statistics hold true for anyone in the midst of a job search.
Video résumés may be the next big thing for tech-savvy job seekers trying to land their next job. Already, a host of companies are entering this emerging market, providing services that range from simple video storage on the Web to full production—including a script tailored to your curriculum vitae and advice on your job hunt.
Employers say would-be film stars should proceed with caution. While there are a number of providers, few have any experience in the search or recruiting arena. Most are operated by tech savvy people that recognize a great opportunity – they don’t understand the recruiting process or have any idea what hiring managers want to see. Plus there's the risk of online infamy. How do you prevent ridicule or ensure your video reflects what will provide the best chance for hire? Let me share a couple obvious points; Keep the video short and to the point—no longer than two or three minutes. Speak in bullet points to avoid rambling. "Tell them directly who you are, why you are interested in the position and what you can do for the company," says Irene Dickey, who lectures on marketing and technology at the University of Dayton.
Video resume technology isn’t new – it’s been around since the advent of the beta max. However, thanks in part to recent technological advancements and high unemployment, they are quickly becoming widely accepted. Some are predicting that the traditional “paper resume” will be obsolete in the next 6-18 months. Make sure you are keeping pace with technology – no question a professional video resume will get you to the front of the hiring line. TalentRooster.com was created by search, recruiting and staffing professionals that know how to do it right, professionally and consistently. They will make sure you capture your best 60 seconds. Good luck in your search!

What Should Be Included In My Video Resume?

2010-10-13T07:01:00.000-07:00

The content of your video resume is no different from your paper resume. However, it is a powerful tool designed to help you get an interview. Your interview is where you’ll get your job. So your video resume needs to be short, to the point, and highlight your most important qualities. You want to make sure that whatever you include, it matches your style, personality and the particular image you want to present. When including key skills in your video resume, make sure whatever is included is relevant.
It needs to be appropriate for the target industry and particular career and it shouldn’t be cute or funny.
Like your paper resume, length of your video resume is also important. Your paper resume should be no more than one page long (remember, it’s getting you that interview, not landing you the job). Your video resume should only be a couple minutes long at the most – in fact most people will only watch the first 30-45 seconds.
The goal of a video resume is to sell yourself and land a first interview. If anyone is an expert at you, it’s you. This should be used like a tool in a sales and marketing campaign – concise, professional and clearly stated objective.
A video resume needs to include your strengths and highlight them using the most up-to-date technology. In order to hold an employer’s attention span, your video resume must be visually appealing, inclusive of your careers highlights and strengths.
This job-searching tool can also help you manage your online reputation, helping to push any negative content off the front pages of the search engines. This way, when an employer searches for your name online (remember, 85 percent of hiring managers make decisions based on your online reputation), the first thing they see is the stuff that will help you get a job – your video.
Video resumes are key in getting you to the front of the hiring line. But you need to make sure the audio, graphics, and video quality are all the best they can possibly be. Check out TalentRooster.com as they have mastered this process and made it easy for job seekers to use.

A video resume is an effective way to show yourself in a manner that is different and light-years ahead of what everyone else is doing. It should be one of the most effective tools in your personal branding toolbox, and one that you can use to great effectiveness. Be sure to post the finished product on all of your social media sites – you never know who will find it.

Video Resumes Quickly Gaining Ground

2010-10-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

Technology continues to improve the way we live – up next for enhancement are resumes as video resumes are set to become widely accepted. This powerful technology is quickly becoming the preferred methodology of hiring managers everywhere – it just makes sense. With hundreds of candidates applying for every opening, there had to be a better way to source candidates and expedite the process. The solution lies with video resume technology.
Candidates are eager for change as well. The current hiring matrix is virtually impossible to navigate, time consuming and more times than not, fruitless. Leveraging video resume technology is a fantastic way for a job seeker to stand out from the crowd and get noticed by hiring managers. In addition, candidates can post their videos on social media sites which further increase their odds of connecting with a company in need.
Video resume technology is fitting for virtually every job, especially those that require effective communication skills or strong technological skills. “Generation Y” is already using this medium to apply for jobs, given their comfort with technology and willingness to try new things. If you find yourself unable to land a job then it would be sage advice to consider this technology. Video resumes require careful preparation and it’s important to note that very few providers help job seekers to capture the best on “film”.
Perform due diligence and select a professional provider that will increase your chance for hire. You should be in control of your profile and it should not be hosted on YouTube… Unless you don’t want to be taken seriously.
When recording your video, only relevant information about your history and experience should be presented. Don’t try to be funny or cute – hiring managers aren’t interested. In fact, most will only watch the first 20 or 30 seconds of your video so it’s essential that you catch their interest right out of the gate. Also, keep it short and be direct, giving enough information to get you a follow up inquiry.
Typically it is “Generation Y” that is first to adopt a new technology. However, recent technological advancements have made it so anyone with a computer and webcam can create a professional video resume. Check out TalentRooster.com – we will make sure you get it right!

Add A Video Resume To Your Portfolio

2010-10-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

As technology advances and offers us ever more options, it was something of a natural progression that the resume as we know it, evolved into the digital or video resume. Rather than the usual printed or written resume templates we are used to seeing, this is a Video resume, where the job applicant speaks to a camera and presents her resume in video format.
This is a two minute elevator speech kind of resume, where the applicant quickly, concisely and briefly states his or her abilities, and the possible contribution that they could make to the organization they are seeking employment with.
A video resume follows many of the same principles as a regular resume it - has to make a good first impression in the shortest time possible and it has to stand out with regard to style as well as content. The first ten seconds of the video resume corresponds to the look and layout of your resume sample - if you fail to grab the viewer or reader's attention at that first instant, the rest of the resume doesn't get watched, or read as in the written resume scenario.
If the beginning grabs the viewer they will likely watch all of the 90 to 120 seconds of the video resume - and this is all the time you have to extol all your virtues, abilities, qualifications, special abilities, technical and other skills and experiences.
Video resumes can take several different forms - you can make a CD or a DVD out of it by filming it yourself and then sending it to prospective employers the same way as you would a traditional resume. On the other hand you could create a video resume on TalentRooster.com for the all inclusive fee of $39.95. You have the option of utilizing their proprietary software or uploading your own video – whichever is easiest for you. TalentRooster also provides the option to upload your video resume to their database, providing thousands of employers the opportunity to find you. TalentRooster.com also offers tips, advice and DIY instructions on creating your own video resume templates. You could also, in the alternative post your video resume on all of your social networking sites, further increasing the probability that a hiring manager will find you.
If the idea of a video resume sounds rather radical to you and you are wary of going with it, you could create one in addition to the traditional resume. Another alternative would be to send in a video resume along with the paper one, so that a prospective employer can look at both or either.

An Alternative to Your Paper Resume - Video

2010-10-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Even small business owners need a resume. It serves to provide a summary of professional experience and isn’t just used for job searching. Many times, a resume can serve as a way to land a piece of business, speaking gig or board position. So it’s important to always have a resume that’s ready to go on a moment’s notice. A traditional resume is necessarily linear. But careers today are nonlinear. It’s time to think outside the box and a digital video profile is an absolute necessity for both job seekers and business owners.
Today’s business owners are involved in much more than running the business. So in addition to the traditional paper resume, there are some other ways to convey a summary of experience and knowledge. Depending on your situation, you need to explore one or all of the following options, including video resumes, VisualCVs, and LinkedIn profiles
Video resumes have recently emerged as a new option. Making a value-added video can be tricky business — it’s important to ensure the finished product conveys the right message about you as a professional. A video resume could be a part of an overall portfolio management strategy; however, having a video resume does not cancel out other options. In fact, a video resume can act to enhance your online presence in the likely case that a potential customer is searching for your information across the web.
Laurie Ruettimann, founder of Voice of HR, whose mission is to facilitate active and meaningful dialogue in the HR industry via new media services, compares resume strategy to investments. “Just as investors diversify their investments, individuals must diversify their approach to finding and communicating with potential opportunities.”
Consider adding a video resume to your current professional profiles, but make sure the production quality is up to par and that it accurately portrays your professional experiences and goals. TalentRooster has it down to a science. Check us out at TalentRooster.com and increase your chances for hire by 30-50%.

Fortune 500 Firms Go With Video Resume

2010-10-02T13:21:00.001-07:00

When an idea makes sense it's only a matter of time until some industry leader becomes a first adopter. The idea of a video resume isn't new - it's been around since before the beta max. However, thanks in part to recent technology advancements it's finally easy to create a video resume and for hiring managers to view it. The challenge is how to get others on board to give video resumes a second chance - this disruptive technology is coming whether we embrace it or not.

Following our local market we learned that several Fortune 500 companies are integrating video resumes into their hiring process. Typically these companies interview thousands of candidates per year and it can take weeks or months before a candidate is extended an offer. How can anyone actually remember each candidate? What about when a key executive is unavailable to meet the candidate? What are your options - reschedule? Delay the process?

The technology to create a professional video resume is so robust that hiring managers can send a link to a candidate to complete the process from home. You can see and hear a candidate before committing to an interview - how awesome is that? Better yet, all the videos are kept in a repository so you can always refer back. When a job seeker calls to check on their status (and you can't remember them) you simply click on their video and voila! You can see and hear them once again, refreshing your memory and expediting the process.

This concept makes good business sense. If your company has a high speed internet connection, it's all you need. Contact TalentRooster.com to learn more.

Seasonal Projects Considering Video Resumes

2010-09-30T09:36:00.001-07:00

With the Christmas season less than 90 days away, many companies are utilizing technology for their seasonal hiring. Many will be hiring hundreds or thousands of employees to meet the demands of the busy holiday season. Some will receive 30,000-50,000+ applications! Who has the time to weed through all of them? How can you tell if a candidate is really an appropriate fit? How can this process be streamlined?

There is a great solution that not only saves time and money, but ensures companies will find the best candidates - video resumes. It's simple and here's how it works. A company includes a link within their ordinary application. Candidates complete the application (inclusive of a video resume) from home, school, or wherever. Virtually every computer today has a camera built in - if not, job seekers have access to family or friends - they will figure it out. Upon completion, the video resume is sent directly back to the hiring manager, who can view it at their leisure and determine in seconds what candidates are worth pursuing..... or passing.

Another option to consider is kiosks. Many employers are putting kiosks on site so candidate's can complete their application (inclusive of video resume) in minutes. Upon completion, the videos are immediately sent to hiring managers for their review and consideration. Appropriate candidate's are circulated throughout the company, while those not selected are eliminated.

Thanks to technological advancements virtually anyone can create a video resume. It's fast, user friendly and invaluable to companies. Checkout TalentRooster.com to learn more.

Video Resume Should Be Short and Sweet

2010-09-28T18:42:00.000-07:00

The other day someone sent me a piece entitled, "I never needed a BlackBerry, but boy did it improve my life"! In my mind the jury's still out on that statement - don't get me wrong, I'm addicted to my BlackBerry, but I can't swear it's improved my life. Frankly it might have complicated things as I'm now available 24/7 and can't seem to put it down!

While technology continues to evolve, so should your resume - you need a video resume. Put yourself in the role of any hiring manager. Think how many hundreds of resumes they receive and how little time is spent actually reading them. I read somewhere that the average hiring manager spends less than 20 seconds reviewing a resume! I know job seekers that have spent countless hours writing the perfect resume or paying top dollar to have someone else do it. Times have changed and so should your resume.

Video resumes are no longer the stereotypical mess that you find on YouTube. There are professional sources out there that make certain you capture your best 60 seconds (and it won't end up as fodder on some website). Recent advances in technology have made it so any novice with a computer and webcam can record a professional video resume. You no longer need to be a "techy" to do it and you certainly don't have to pay out the nose either - it's not expensive.

Having a professional video resume will increase your chances for hire by 50% or more. Hiring managers won't spend the time digging through a static "paper" resume but they will watch a professional video that is short and to the point - which reminds me... There is NO reason your video should be more than two minutes - being brief is key! You want to create interest, not provide a disseration on your work history.

This technology is becoming more widely accepted and within the next 12-18 months, virtually every company will only accept video resumes for their open postions. Show them you are ahead of the curve. Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more. Happy Hunting!

Video Resumes Increase Your Opportunities!

2010-09-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Search, recruiting and staffing firms have had a tough go the past couple of years. They are forced to compete with multiple providers and usually low price is the ultimate "winner". Dawson Resources (based in central Ohio), was tired of fighting this battle and decided to get on board with video resume technology - they wanted a differentiator.

A large call center opened in town and began seeking bids from several providers, multiple providers were selected. The staffing firms were asked to submit candidates, coordinate interviews and follow up with the hiring managers, which is very time consuming and hard to get traction. Dawson Resources submitted their candidates using video resume technology, while the competition is still attaching Word documents to email..... The client loved it and hired multiple candidates immediately! Dawson's candidates are being seen and hired straight from video!

Dawson anticipates filling 90% of the positions before anyone else gets a chance. Better yet, the client has been sending these video resumes throughout the company resulting in more business for Dawson - truly a great success story. Contact TalentRooster to learn how your firm can add this tactical advantage! TalentRooster.com

Fox News On Video Resumes

2010-09-25T10:31:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine was listening to the news while driving home from a business trip. His ears perked up when he heard this story. I guess he's heard me talk about video resumes for the past several months and now I feel vindicated!

In this piece it's interesting to note how many of these candidates are "doing it wrong" by posting their video on YouTube. You don't want your professional video on the same site that hosts cartoons and wet t-shirt contests. It shouldn't be funny or quirky - you should treat it as the first interview - exactly how you would like an employer to see you.
Also, it needs to be much more than just a video. Make sure your video serves as a "one stop shop" for your entire work history, inclusive of your traditional resume, video resume, personality profile, relevant test scores, ability to link to social media and more.

In the news clip it was clear that more and more employers are beginning to rely on video as a key component of their interview process - it just makes sense. Providing hiring managers one link where they can find all the information they need is a crucial step in getting you to the front of the line. Happy Hunting!

College Grads Preparing to Join UnEmployed...

2010-09-24T03:02:00.000-07:00

Over the next several months, college grads will join the ranks of the unemployed. Fresh faced grads will make appearances at job fairs, HR offices, recruiting firms and anywhere else where someone can discuss the possibility of employment. Grads will read their resume over and over, trying to figure out how they can "fatten up" the empty spaces with relevant information that will impress a hiring manager. Their parents will refer them to "VP of this" and "VP of that" which will ultimately lead to nothing but more frustration.

Thanks to new video resume technology, these scenarios can be avoided all together. Now a job seeker can express their enthusiasm, confidence and leadership skills, utilizing this great tool that will set them apart from the others. Better yet, they don't have to invest heavily in a wardrobe (they likely can't afford) - one professional outfit and they can be "interviewed" by hundreds of employers.

But while video resume technology continues to evolve the hiring process, portions remain the same. Job seekers still have to compete with thousands of others also in need of employment. Therefore job seekers need to "knock the socks" off hiring managers during an interview and continue to do so if ultimately hired. Creating a digital video profile and using it to search for a job is a powerful first step.

There is so much bad press about the lack of work ethic and inspiration of "Generation Y". Employers have been advised that these kids lack the desire or focus to bring much value to business. While this might be true in some cases, candidates that take the time to demonstrate they are are not part of this statistic by utilizing technology and taking initiative will be the ones that stand out and get hired first. This same principal applies to all job seekers, regardless of their age. Hiring managers are looking for candidates that stand out, utilize new technology or demonstrate forward thinking. Otherwise you're just a resume in a large pile. Check out TalentRooster.com and get to the front of the hiring line - it just works. Happy Hunting!

Video Resumes Creating New Opportunities For Business

2010-09-22T18:33:00.001-07:00

Our newest partner in Phoenix used to attach Word document resumes to an email and send it out to clients, Ho Hum.... Last week his firm went live with TalentRooster video resume technology and he immediately began sending digital video profiles out to clients. Right out of the gates he received immediate responses from clients and prospects, one of which set a meeting - they'd never seen such innovative technology! Our client is stoked and so are we - let the proliferation commence!

Further evidence from our clients continues to trickle in - savvy candidates that are looking to create a professional video resume are discovering TalentRooster. We immediately refer them to the nearest provider, thus increasing candidate flow and revenue opportunities for our partners. This same principle applies to HR / Recruiters who are keeping pace with technology - suddenly they are reaching out and asking to learn more about video resumes. Better yet there is a viral impact as well. Candidates post their profile on social media sites, where others will find out and learn about this impressive technology - it's amazing how fast (and far) this news can travel!

We now have empirical data that video resumes will improve your recruiting process, reduce costs and increase business opportunities. Candidates are selective and appreciate companies that appear progressive e.g. they include video resumes as part of their interview process. Who doesn't want to work for a company that "get's it"? Happy Hunting!

Social Media Campaign Is Starting To Work!

2010-09-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

There is SO much talk about social media and branding - how you HAVE to do it or risk looking antiquated. If you spend much time on the Internet, you will find many companies that have dipped a toe in the water, but failed to get wet. They've set up a company FaceBook, LinkedIn, Twitter and maybe even a blog. While this is a great start, it is entirely useless unless you dedicate a resource who will spend an hour a week, keeping your content relevant. I can't tell you how many companies I find that havent posted content in months!

I'm over 40, which makes me ancient by technology standards.... However, we continually preach to our clients they they must maintain a social media presence to be relevant in today's world. The Internet is how business gets found, done and proliferated - not spending some time (and money) is asking for failure. Companies used to spend thousands of dollars on classified advertising and the Yellow Pages (hopefully you are no longer doing that!). Now you can spend a fraction of that money and receive far greater benefit, simply by spending an hour per week on social media.

Here's some great news - if your company gets on board with TalentRooster video resume technology, all the job seekers out there will help with your social media efforts. As more job seekers create video resumes and apply with your firm, they will post their links on personal social media sites, which is fantastic for your company. These savvy job seekers tweet, blog and post experiences all over the internet, often mentioning your company by name, making it easier for your firm to be found. The more people talk about your business the easier it is for others to find you.

Go to Google and search (in general terms) your business e.g. Search, Recruiting, HR, Sacramento. Your firm didn't even show up, did it? That's because no one is talking about your firm - your social media is limited and you need to get a move on it. Better yet, much of the social media experience is FREE - as a famous shoe company likes to say, "Just Do It"!

TalentRooster clients are already experiencing the benefits of our social media as job seekers across the U.S. are getting on board with our technology. They are blogging, tweeting and Facebooking about their experiences, making it much easier for others to find these savvy companies. Jump in - the water's warm! Happy Hunting!

Houston Business Journal - "Video Resumes Maximize Results"

2010-09-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Perhaps those of us over 25 are just too resistant to adopt an obvious trend? I mean we all agree that in the near future, job seekers are not going to use a traditional "paper" resume to market themselves. It will be an "intelligent resume" inclusive of traditional resume, video resume, personality profile, relevant test scores, links to social media and more. We ALL know it's coming, so why not be the first mover? It's not like there's any risk - it's a foregone conclusion, which creates an awesome opportunity to lead and become the defacto source in your market.

Surfing the net this weekend, I found yet another piece further validating that video resumes are the future of the hiring process. It's never easy being a pioneer, conversely it's MUCH easier to learn something while it's still emerging. You can be part of the process and collaborate to make sure TalentRooster technology continues to be the best intelligent resume site on the internet. Our partners continue to bring fantastic ideas!

Last week one of our clients was in need of an bi-lingual (English / Itallian) candidate. They were unable to find someone in their market so they posted the opening on Craigslist. Within 24 hours, a candidate 500 miles away responded. Our client used TalentRooster's "record from home" technology and sent the completed profile over to their customer, who was blown away! You no longer have to imagine the ability to "see and hear" candidates that live well outside your market - the technology is here, now. Happy recruiting!

Where Is The Resume Heading?

2010-09-16T16:47:00.000-07:00

Last week I spoke to a national group of search, recruiting and HR professionals in Chicago - this week a different group in Orlando. Everyone is asking the same questions - where is the traditional resume headed? How will the job seeker of the future market themselves? How will this impact my world? How can I keep up!! Many are concerned that if they do not demonstrate (to their existing employer) that they "get it", they may be usurped by younger, more capable talent.

Here's the good news - you don't have to go back to school or breech your comfort zone to get on board! The bad news is that you're going to have to learn a couple new things. I know, I know - we are all open to change..... NOT. To be relevant in today's fast changing world, you have to keep up and understand the basics, which really is not difficult. I mean, come on - look how far you've come utilizing email and the Internet (I bet you resisted both.... at first). Now you can't live without them!

The most intimidating buzzword you've got to confront is social media. I've never seen a better example of a sheep in lions clothing. If you can use email and Facebook - you're in! Take the time to read and learn - better yet, do what I did and find a twenty something to teach you. You will be a virtuoso within 30 minutes (and you'll add security to your job). See - I told you it was easy.

Many of the people I'm speaking to want to lead the evolutionary change of the traditional resume to a professional video resume, complete with links to social media and more. Everyone knows that it's coming and my hats off for their willingness to learn and become first movers.

This week TalentRooster installed two new locations (Phoenix and San Diego) and we couldn't be more happy. Firms in those markets are leading the infusion of resume intelligence and it's fantastic to witness. Ironically, these are not Fortune 50 companies - they are small businesses led by entrepreneurs. Talk to your leadership - the plane is leaving the gate - get on board now before your competitor does!

Temporary Bump In Hiring - What To Do Now....

2010-09-14T16:03:00.000-07:00

Thinking further about the increase in business to search, recruiting, staffing and HR firms, I had some additional thoughts. Granted we all want to see continued growth, but what can we do to sow the seeds? It’s time to peel back the onion and take a hard look at how your firm operates. Is your business paralleling what the market is doing or stuck in ways of the past? My firm used to place secretaries, receptionists and the like, but that market has all but evaporated due to cutbacks and technology enhancements. We began focusing our energies where we believe the future was headed; higher level office positions, accounting, IT and healthcare.

We used to have several branches throughout the city, today we do everything out of one location with fewer employees. Ironically we are having better sales with one branch than we had with many while enjoying significant operational efficiencies. Historically we spent a tidy sum advertising in the Yellow Pages and help wanted sections of the local newspapers. Now we utilize online resources, essentially moving money from antiquated expenses to modern that make better sense.

We have also embraced new ideas that demonstrate our firm is on board with technology. We are using TalentRooster “intelligent resumes” to help us create a competitive edge over our competitors. We felt that while our competitors are still sending our paper resumes, we’d stand out by sending video resumes. And we’ve had some success…many clients have embraced our new offering, and some now only want to see video resumes.

I hope you find these tips helpful to your business – Happy selling!

Is Your Business On a Roll.... Don't Get Too Comfortable....

2010-09-13T07:36:00.000-07:00

Over the past 24 months, search, recruiting, staffing and HR professionals have been through a virtual blood bath - it has been brutal. Finally, many are experiencing a nice uptick in business. As the owner of a search, recruiting, staffing firm I can't tell you how nice it is to be truly busy (and profitable) again. I think I can finally exhale....

Here's the question - now that things appear to be on a roll, how can we prevent this from being a temporary "blip"? We all want to ride the wave and hope that it never hits the shore - no more recessions for me - thank you very much. So what should we do?

First we need to take a hard look at our businesses and determine where it's headed. With technology moving at warp speed, there is no way we can continue status quo - we too must evolve. We need to invest in the future for our businesses, now is the time to do it - before there is any sign of a slowdown.

We all know that candidates are becoming more savvy, finding unique and different ways to market themselves e.g. social media / personal branding. So what is your firm doing to keep up? Assuming you have a social media presence (if you don't, shame on you - if you do and don't update it a couple times per week, someone should lose their job!) use it! This is how the world communicates today and how the candidates you desire will find you. If your website hasn't been updated in the past year and you don't have a social media presence, get on it ASAP! Your website is the first place candidates go to learn about your firm. If your site is archaic, it speaks volumes to today's job seekers and you don't want to know what it says.... The good news is that over time the costs to update your site have come WAY down. We used to spend thousands of dollars per year in the Yellow Pages (Run Forrest - Run! No need to be in the Yellow Pages anymore - it's 2010!) - now you can spend far less and get much more - do it!

You also need to take a look at video resume technology. Candidates are no longer satisfied with the traditional paper resume - now they are going global using social networking sites and video resume technology. If your firm is the market leader in this emerging technology, candidates will find YOU!! This same principle applies to news - remember how you used to read the daily paper to catch up? Now when a story breaks, the news finds you via your phone.

My firm is really enjoying this uptick in business and we've invested in video resume technology. In fact we film every candidate that we elect to hire and market them accordingly. Clients love the fact that they can "see and hear" all candidates before committing to an interview or hire. The competition is still attaching a Word document to an email. Sooner or later they will catch on as will your competitors. Get a head start - call TalentRooster today and learn more. Happy selling!

HR Getting On Board With Video - Better Get it Right..

2010-09-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

I couldn't agree more with everything in this piece - with two exceptions.... NO way you should pay more than $50 for a professional video resume AND it doesn't belong on YouTube!!! Why on earth would you want your resume on a site with drunken college students, half naked people, cartoons and more. Believe me - no one will take you seriously - no matter how much you spend.

Another critical component of your video resume is that it should be a "one click solution" for your entire portfolio. Meaning, you should be able to send hiring managers a hyperlink that will show them:

Your traditional resume

Your video resume

Personality profile (which help hiring managers place you in an ideal environment)

Ability to post within your social networking sites

Relevant test scores or background checks

YOU need to maintain control of your profile

Sending a potential employer a TalentRooster digital video profile will provide 75% of the information they need to make sure you are the right candidate for the job. It will save both parties the pointless first interview (let's be honest - the entire point of the first interview is to make sure you can articulate and don't have three eyes). Employers that respond to your digital video resume want to meet you - their interest is sincere, saving everyone a ton of time. Get on the TalentRooster train now - it's free through the end of September 2010! Happy Hunting!

Solid Tips on Creating Your Video Resume

2010-09-09T10:22:00.000-07:00

Today TalentRooster is in Chicago to speak with 50 search, recruiting and HR professionals. They've all reached the conclusion that the traditional resume is on the same path as the fax machine..... Since most are not in their 20's they will be nervous - maybe even scared that this disruptive technology is being thrust upon them, like it or not. In today's competitive job market, not only do job seekers have to be more savvy and technically adept, but so do hiring managers! You can only ignore this technology for so long before you begin looking like a dinosaur.

Here's the good news - I'm not a technology person either, but recognized the writing on the wall. I figured we could get in front of this technology or get run over by it - I opted for the the former. TalentRooster.com has made video resume technology so easy, professional and consistent you have to see it to believe it. Our technology will allow you to complete the process from home - the filming too. No editing or complicated work is involved and your video won't end up on YouTube..... unless you post it there (which I never recommend for a serious job seeker).

If you need additional tips on completing your video resume, check out this piece - they did a nice job, with the exception that they forgot to mention TalentRooster!

PS - TalentRooster officially broke through the 2,000 professional video resume barrier today! That makes us number one by a mile (No I don't count YouTube - I said professional). Happy searching!!

Employers Search Job Seekers on Google

2010-09-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

Some people would say that the downside to the internet is that too much information is available in an instant. Whatever you've said or done (and posted) is available for all to see and it's virtually impossible to take it down. While waiting in the airport today I came across this piece regarding the power of a Google search and your name. Any hiring manager worth their salt does a Google search on you before bringing you in - yes, that means they are likely viewing your social media sites (insert scream here). Better keep them clean - even if you think it's private, it's not - there are still photos and other pieces that can be found via your connections - scary stuff - try it, you'll see.

You need to provide employers something to find when they search your name - a professional video resume profile. Not one of those hokey videos you find on YouTube, but the professional version that you can only find on TalentRooster.com. Because we utilize social media so much (FB, LinkedIn, Blog, Twitter etc.) your profile will be easier to find when an employer conducts a search. Upon discovering your TalentRooster profile an employer will find all the information (about you) that they need - and it's all very professional.

We now have almost 2,000 professional video resumes on the site - more than anyone else can claim (other than YouTube, which is the last place you want to be found). Check us out - we are offering our service for free through the end of September 2010. Happy searching!

ReEvaluate Your Job Search

2010-09-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

One of our recruiting firm partners just shared a fantastic story - I've got to pass it on. A candidate came in for a sales position - she was perfect for the job! The recruiting firm sent the resume over to the hiring manager, who sat on the resume..... The recruiter called and shared his excitment about the candidate, "she's perfect for your company - I know your culture - trust me..."! The hiring manager wanted to think about it and circle back later.

A savvy recruiter doesn't wait so he had the candidate create a TalentRooster digital video resume and sent it over to the client. Within ten minutes the hiring manager responded to set up an interview. He hired her the next day!! Just another example of how video resume technology will expedite the hiring process for everyone - It just works.

This got me thinking further - I know a professional video resume works and will increase a candidates chance for hire by 30% or more. We all know that the traditional resume will be dramatically different in the next 12-24 months - it will be digital with video, personality profile, links to social media and more.

To prove both points, TalentRooster will provide our professional video resume services for FREE through the end of September 2010. You can complete the entire process from home - all you need to do is send me an email and I'll send you the link - you won't believe how easy it is OR how quickly you will stand out for the other job seekers still attaching a Word document to an email. Happy Labor Day!!

LinkedIn Promoting Video Resumes

2010-09-01T07:58:00.001-07:00

You had to know it was coming - finally the biggest player in the social media / job hunting space is going video. You've got to read this piece to learn more - very compelling stuff! Now that LinkedIn is off and running with video resume technology, the market will be more receptive than ever. Even those stuck behind the discrimination paradigm may finally get on board that the hiring process has forever changed. You didn't seriously believe that job seekers would always use a piece of paper to market themselves - did you?

Remember - DON'T just create a video - it's so much more than that!! Do it right, professional and consistent. TalentRooster profiles include: traditional resume, video resume, personality profile, links to social media, relevant test scores, background checks, drug test and much more. Our technology can provide hiring managers with 80% of the hiring information they need BEFORE they every commit to an interview. Better yet you can send a link to a candidate to record from home or anywhere in the world!

Techy Guru Video Resume Success Story

2010-08-31T06:22:00.001-07:00

You've got to take five minutes and read this piece, posted by a blogger in Ireland. From the onset, we always believed that the first adopters to video resume technology would be the entry level and recent college gradutates. For the most part we were right, but now we are seeing more and more professional candidates. This change was inevitable, however I'm still shocked that it is happening so quickly! Isn't is supposed to take years for a new technology to become widely accepted? Aren't "seasoned veterans" slow to change?

I'm a parent and really beginning to sound like one.... I can't stress how important it is that you create a professional video resume with zero cheese factor, music or other distractions. This video is not a replacement for your "paper" version, but rather an enhancement. Doing it "right" will be germane to your success. It doesn't belong on YouTube, nor does your resume belong on Monster or Career Builder - EVERYONE does it that way and you will not get noticed. Also, it doesn't cost $300, but it isn't free (to do it right).

Go to TalentRooster.com and find the location nearest you - we are in 12 U.S. markets and growing. If there is not a location nearby, send us an email and we will send a link so you can complete the process from home. One of our recruitng professionals will help you through the process to ensure you capture your best 60 seconds (which is all that an employer really needs to see). We truly care about being the only site where hiring managers will find professional, consistent videos. Check us out - we are fast approaching 2,000 people on the site!!

Professional Video Resume Will Increase Chance For Hire By 30% or More!

2010-08-29T06:14:00.000-07:00

We've seen it time and time again. An uncertain job seeker comes in to create a professional video resume. Is this professional? Will it truly help? Are other candidates doing it? Will employers watch this? The answer to these questions is absolutely! So long as you choose to complete your intelligent resume with a reputable provider like TalentRooster!!

Companies are bombarded with traditional "paper resumes", which makes it virtually impossible to distinguish one candidate from another. TalentRooster technology enables a job seeker to provide hiring managers solid information that will expedite the interview process. The information contained includes: Traditional resume, Video Resume, Personality profile, Relevant test scores, Background information, Links to social media and more. Submitting a TalentRooster intelligent video resume will clearly get you to the front of the line. It demonstrates to hiring managers that you "get it" and are not afraid of new technology (which most people are...). Visit TalentRooster.com and view other digital video profiles - you will quickly see why some candidates are getting hired quickly and others are not. It has nothing to do with image - it's about preparation and completing the process. The candidates that are fully prepared, complete the process and post their TalentRooster link on their social media sites get hired faster, it's that simple. Check us out - we are quickly approaching 2,000 intelligent video resumes on the site!

Number One Professional Video Resume Firm On The Web

2010-08-26T02:55:00.001-07:00

It hasn't been easy, in fact it's been more work than I ever imagined and the work will continue. Since our official launch on May 19th, 2010 TalentRooster has surpassed 1,800 professional digital video resumes, which makes us number one! Sure there are lots of imitators out there that would have you post your "professional" video on YouTube or like site - don't do it - it's not where the serious job seekers post their videos and certainly not where any employer would bother to look.

The good news is that more and more job seekers and hiring managers are beginning to see the light - video resume technology (or resume intelligence as I like to call it) just makes sense. The idea isn't new, in fact it's been around for ten years or more. However, until recent technological advancements it was virtually impossible to do it right, professionally and consistently without paying through the nose.

Upon selecting a provider, the following are absolutes:

1. It isn't free - although many things on the internet are free, this shouldn't be one of them - it's too important. Do it right and spend less than $40.

2. It is consistent - every video has the same "look and feel" as a traditional resume. Don't be clever or funny - chances are that an employer won't see it as such.

3. It will go into a free searchable database for employers to search and provide a hyperlink for you to market yourself.

4. It enables you to put your entire "intelligent resume" (including traditional resume, video resume, personality profile, relevant test scores, background information, links to social media and more) in one place and on ONE page.

5. You have control of your video resume, meaning YOU can take it down anytime, free of charge.

There are several other critical factors but in today's world people won't read - they prefer to watch the video! Best of luck on your search.

Video Resume Dance Floor Syndrome

2010-08-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Ever been to a wedding or party where the music is awesome, the drinks are flowing but no one dares to hit the dance floor? Eventually someone will get the nerve - then slowly another couple will follow and so on until the party starts rocking!

This same principle applies to video resume technology. People are starting to "hit the dance floor", but choosing some terrible music (e.g. posting their video on YouTube). A video resume should be professional, consistent and available for employers to search without any cost. Conversely a candidate will have to incur some cost to insure they get a quality product. You can't have "quality" and "cheap" in the same sentence - it just doesn't work (assuming the provider has integrity). As video resume technology continues to gain ground, more and more writers continue to post pieces that provide terrific insight. Take the time to learn about this technology and how to best represent yourself. No question a professional video resume will increase your chance for hire by at least 30% or more - it just works!

100K+ Absolutely Need Video Resumes

2010-08-23T18:46:00.000-07:00

It's so refreshing when a market leader endorses your technology! For months I've been singing the praises of video resume technology, however even I tended to zero in on the entry level to 50K crowd - WRONG!!! The quest for resume intelligence goes much further!

Upon reading this piece written by the creator of The Ladders (you know, that site for people seeking jobs that pay in excess of 100K). Turns out anyone looking for a job should fully investigate a professional digital video resume. Finally the technology is robust enough to make any level of candidate look professional without breaking the bank. That's the beauty of the TalentRooster.com model - it was built by search, recruiting, staffing professionals for job seekers serious about their search. We fully understand what hiring managers want to see and know how to make sure you capture your best 60 seconds on camera. Get out of the pile of resumes and on to the desktop - you won't believe how easy it is OR how quickly you get noticed!!

2010-08-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

As the proliferation of intelligent video resumes continues, so will the naysayers. I can only imagine how Blockbuster must feel, watching Netflix take their business by simply using a better methodology. I'm certain there was an executive begging Blockbuster to get on board with the Netflix model, yet leadership failed to see the obvious writing on the wall - now their days are numbered... Same thing happened to K-Mart - they had a great thing going, yet failed to notice the new guy (Wal-Mart) doing it better - how can this happen?

These same principles apply to video resume technology and the opportunity for first mover advantage. If you are in search, recruiting, HR or staffing and fail to get acknowledge this trend, you're putting your company at risk.

Within the next three to five years students will no longer market themselves with a traditional paper resume - virtually everyone acknowledges this. Still the detractors continue to lob grenades at this logical business trend. I'm sure horse traders fought like mad to keep Henry Ford from building cars.

The facts speak for themselves - intelligent video resumes are the future of the hiring process. Providing hiring managers with intelligent resumes, inclusive of; traditional resume, video resume, personality profile, relevant test scores, background information and links to social media sites is simply logical progression. Search, recruiting and HR professionals have an incredible opportunity to lead this fast approaching trend - it's coming soon and the opportunity to lead this emerging trend is now. Check out TalentRooster.com

Fortune 500 Going With Video Resumes

2010-08-18T11:21:00.001-07:00

It's rhetorical question time!! If you could see and hear a candidate, plus review their personality profile, relevant test scores, links to their social media sites and more BEFORE committing to a time consuming interview, would you? OF COURSE YOU WOULD - told you it was rhetorical....

TalentRooster is in serious discussions with several Fortune 500 companies that "get it" - you should too! Many people (and companies) are caught in the discrimination paradigm and they are completely missing out on the future of the hiring process. Check out this piece from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (E.E.O.C.) - even they are on board with video resume technology.

Soon, many companies will be utilizing TalentRooster intelligent resume / video resume technology as a means to expedite and manage their hiring process - it just makes sense. Check out our website (TalentRooster.com) as we will soon be rolling out the only site where candidates can professionally film themselves from home, easily! I'm over 40 and the furthest thing from a technologist, so I had to make sure this process was entirely user friendly! It is - even I can do it! Check it out - it's coming soon!

$7,000 Video Resume??

2010-08-16T11:13:00.000-07:00

The market for video resume technology is beginning to mature and it won't be long before every candidate will be expected to have a digital video profile - it just makes sense. "Intelligent resumes" that include the traditional resume, video resume, personality profile, relevant test scores, links to social media and other pertinent information are fast becoming the norm and TalentRooster is honored to lead this trend! Soon hiring managers will have access to 80% of the information they need, before ever meeting the candidate! Therefore it is mission critical that job seekers understand how important a professional video resume is quickly becoming....

Upon reading this piece, I couldn't believe that some people pay as much as $7,000 for a video resume - seriously? There is NO reason any candidate should pay more than $39.95 for everything including graphics, hosting, video and more. While the technology to do it "right" is not cheap, I'm saddened to learn about candidates that end up paying hundreds or thousands of dollars when they don't need to - it's like paying full retail price for a car! Just remember to do your homework and learn what all is included, before committing. Nevertheless, having the power of a professional video resume at your disposal will put you at the front of the hiring line. Good luck!

Professional or Fun Video Resume??

2010-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

I received an inquiry from a gentleman, who did something very unique with his video resume. He's a "Gen Y" candidate that took his video resume to the next level! Virtually all "Gen Y" candidates are going video in addition to their social media, which means those of us over 30 need to get on board! This video is certainly unique and will provide several good laughs! The question now begs are your chances better with a "funny" or professional video? I'm certainly NOT being critical of this candidate - he's a creative person and clearly demonstrated that!

With TalentRooster technology, you can create a powerful digital video resume - an "intelligent resume" if you will - complete with video, traditional resume, personality profile, test scores, recruiter assessments and much, much more. The "all in" cost with TalentRooster (film from home) is $39.95 and it takes less than 10 minutes! No nickle and dime fees for hosting, uploading, etc - that's it! Plus we've made it entirely user friendly! In additional there are TalentRooster recruiting firms popping up around the U.S. that will help you through this process for FREE. Check out TalentRooster.com to learn more.

Conversely you could do it yourself and spend north of $1,000 and take an entire weekend (or more).....

Intelligent Resumes - Coming Soon!

2010-08-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

As recruiting and HR professionals become more technically savvy, time quickly becomes a premium - with today's technology, shouldn't we all have more time? It turns out the answer is no!

Unemployment continues to remain at or around 10%, which means there are more than enough candidates applying for open positions. There are some really bright "resume writers" out there that can offer advice on writing a resume or cover letter. TalentRooster is speaking with several to find the best source to assist our candidates. A powerful video resume with a well written profile (resume) will increase a candidates chance for hire by 30% or more - it just works.

Although the term "video resume" or "video CV" has been around for ten years or more, today the connotation is entirely different. Within the next 24-48 months, all job seekers will utilize an "intelligent resume", complete with video and more - TalentRooster loves being the leader of this emerging space!

Entrepreneurial Spirit Makes America Great!

2010-08-07T02:27:00.001-07:00

For months I've been talking about the future of the hiring process - how "kids" will no longer use paper resumes - it's inevitable and everyone seems to agree. Early adopters of TalentRooster video resume technology are taking us in directions we never envisioned. Browsing the site, I've come across some really unique ideas to help job seekers and employers connect - isn't that what it's all about?
We've got some really exciting things coming soon, including the ability to view our videos on Apple products! I'm no technologist, but I've always been mystified why Apple doesn't support flash (which enables users to view video). Luckily things change over time - in fact I understand that Verizon will be selling the iPhone in January, THAT is awesome! Soon employers can "see and hear" potential candidates while riding the subway or bus!
But I digress, TalentRooster is meeting with a couple Fortune 100 companies that have come around to the idea that video resumes are the future of the hiring process and they need to get on board. This one particular company wants to be able to see and hear all candidates (regardless of their locale) as part of their interview process. This company will take the video profiles and forward them throughout their company to appropriate hiring managers - how much time will this save?
As our product becomes more and more robust it won't be long until hiring managers will be able to have 80% of the information they need to make a hiring decision BEFORE they ever meet the candidate in person. Stay tuned - we are on the case!

Almost 1,400 Video Resumes ALREADY!

2010-08-05T05:52:00.000-07:00

Within the next two - three years, kids graduating college will no longer use the traditional resume - it will be digital video with graphics. This "video resume / video CV" will present employers with comprehensive real time information, inclusive of the traditional resume, personality profile, video resume, skills assessments and more. The transition to this technology just makes sense and will save everyone their most valued asset - time.

So how come this transformation hasn't happened yet? There are a couple of reasons, primarily the technology to "do it right" has just come of age. Previously it was impossible to create a professional digital video profile. It was complicated, cumbersom and hiring managers didn't have the software to view the profiles - not anymore.

In addition, there will be a learning curve for those of us (currently in the workforce) that have been doing it the same way forever - change doesn't come as easily when your over twenty-five. In time we will recognize the huge advantages to technology that makes our lives (and businesses) better - TalentRooster video resumes are a great example of that.

We've been working on this technology for over two years and officially launched our site on 5/19/10. In just over two short months we have almost 1,400 video profiles on the site and growing by 10-20 per day! Better yet is that our partners (largely search, recruiting and HR professionals) are really starting to understand the potential of this technology and advocating its proliferation.

TalentRooster will soon be launching the "film yourself from home" feature, which will be a complete game changer for this emerging technology. We have made this technology so user friendly, consistent and professional that engaged job seekers will quickly adapt. Check us out - you'll see what I'm talking about!

A Blogging Guru Comments on TalentRooster

2010-08-03T07:19:00.000-07:00

Ok, ok - so I toot my own horn too much - isn't that what an excited entrepreneur is supposed to do? As video resume technology continues to pick up momentum, TalentRooster is continually mentioned as the best site on the net - and it's NOT me saying it (although I'm inclined to agree)! Check out THIS PIECE, written by one of the top bloggers, who writes on video resume / video CV technology. The video resume space is quickly getting crowded by technologists that don't have any experience with recruiting, search or staffing - and it shows! Its like asking a ten year old to drive a car - they'd have a general idea, but likely end up in a ditch or worse......

Darrin ("The Interview Guru") took the time to call and discuss the TalentRooster model, our goals, vision for the future and more. Frankly I was impressed as I thought most bloggers write based on assumptions - not Darrin - he really drilled down and asked the hard questions. Now if we could only get others to ask these same questions of our "competitors"..... Virtually all of TalentRooster's competitors take the same approach to this technology - film yourself, upload it, brand it, add graphics, etc - it's not professional, it's not standardized and will not help a candidate land a job. In fact, those methodologies are everythng that's bad about video resumes. This technology is coming fast - do your homework before committing to a bad model - there are plenty to choose from.....

Breaking Blogging Rules....

2010-07-30T03:16:00.001-07:00

I've never been one to follow too many rules - not that I'm above them, there are just too many! I spend hundreds of hours reading the posts of others - there are some great writers out there and unfortunately, I'm not one of them...

So how can I educate job seekers and not make it appear self serving? I've been thinking about this all night and couldn't come up with a solution - can't say I didn't try... Here it goes....

I'm annoyed - correct that - I'm angry! As video resume technology becomes more pervasive, more and more "competitors" are entering the space. I'm all about competition (bring it on!) but struggle with nefarious operators that offer a horrid product - there are many.
Virtually all video resume / video CV sites offer the exact same service - film yourself and upload it. The costs to do so vary by company, but you've got to triple check first! Are the charges one time or monthly? Are there charges to host, upload, add graphics, send copies - the list goes on and on. TalentRooster is the only site where you pay a small fee ONE time that includes everything and more. I'm a firm believer in two business cornerstones:

1. Provide the best product possible and charge a fair price.
2. There is no such thing as cheapest and best - it's not possible.

We've been tracking the success of candidates with video resumes - guess what? Our candidates have increased their chances for hire by over 30%! Coming soon you will be able to film from home and the finished product will be equally as professional as those on the site today. Check us out and let me know what you think!

Standing Out From The Crowd

2010-07-28T04:00:00.001-07:00

I remember graduating college and seeing computers begin to come on the scene. Employees fought like heck to keep the "paper process" in place - change never comes easy. In today's world where change comes at break neck speed, how are we supposed to keep up?? In actuality we have no choice - especially those seeking employment. Hiring managers want to see candidates that "get it" and will likely teach existing employees how to do things more efficiently e.g. technology. This same principle applies with video resume technology - although it's been resisted for over ten years, change is inevitable and coming fast.

Surfing this morning I came across this piece which presented some great advice for those on board with change. I advised the writer that TalentRooster will soon be rolling out the "film yourself from home" feature, that will truly take video resumes / video CV's to the next level. Stay tuned.

Risks of Social Media?

2010-07-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

I've been reading post after post regarding the power of utilizing social networking sites. If you are not maximizing your exposure via social networking sites, you must be living on a different planet - right? In large part this IS true, with one caveat.....

During my usual morning reading, I came upon this piece, which really made me think further. I wonder how many job seekers realize the potential downside of inappropriate or over exposure? As a search, recruiting professional I can't tell you how many times colleagues have shared "bone head" posts by job seekers! It's as if they don't understand that everyone can view their "work". With video (especially video resumes / video CV's) becoming more pervasive, it is mission critical that job seekers be extra vigilant about what they post. Seeing photos or reading posts is one thing, but a video is an entirely different game. In today's world, people may not read but they sure will watch a video - especially if it's one that offers a good laugh (at the candidates expense). It's an instant world out there - be careful what you post, share or forward - you never know who is watching.

Video Resume Personal Branding Piece

2010-07-22T07:40:00.000-07:00

We always believed TalentRooster was a superior product, when compared to anything else on the market. Now the media is waking up to the reality that video resumes are quickly becoming the future of the hiring process! Check out this piece on video resumes, personal branding and how you can stand out among the crowd of job seekers. TalentRooster is the only site that has made ths process fast, easy and affordable. Check us out!