No Excuse for Not Using Video

I recently read an article by Mark Finn through TLNT called “6 Reasons Why Video Interviewing Will Soon Go Mainstream”. It was a great article with valid points to which many HR professionals can relate so I wanted to address my thoughts on the issues as well.

Culture Fit

Sourcing for job seekers-at a time where unemployment levels have left highly qualified candidates looking for new opportunities-is no longer the issue. The issues of today’s rebounding economy now lie in the selection process and which candidates appear to be the best cultural fit at your company. Social media has enabled hiring managers a glimpse into who these candidates might be, but then again, would you want someone judging you for a new position based off of your social media outlets? Video interviewing provides a fair look at a candidate’s personality that cannot be achieved by social media.

Affordable Out of State Options

Video interviewing technology also provides the opportunity for you to cast a wider net and reach out of state candidates that may be a fit for your company. Many candidates looking for jobs are willing to relocate so don’t limit your candidates to the x-mile radius surrounding your company because there are no travel fees with video! 

Video is the New Norm

Employers should also take notice to the evolving job seeker. This shift towards video also stems from the new generations’ comfort ability with video. Apps such as Facetime, Youtube, and Skype have made the millennials accustomed to being in front of a camera. As the workforce switches to a younger demographic, the use of this technology that doesn’t shock new job seekers only creates a more efficient hiring process.

Effortless Candidate Tracking

Don’t make it hard on yourself to remember every interviewee!  Video interviewing allows documentation of interviews so when you’re trying to remember which face goes to which resume, all you have to do is check the video!

As spring hiring begins and a new batch of recent college grads become job seekers, make your process easier on yourself by embracing TalentRooster technology, an efficient way to help you find the best talent for your company. No excuses!  

What's in a Name?

TalentRooster… We may have picked an unconventional name for our company, but it fits our unconventional technology and how we are trying to transform the hiring process.  Our name may be tricky to remember but our message is quite clear: A better return on talent.

The truth behind the name is that our technology allows candidates to “crow” louder than the rest. When a piece of paper determines a future, who wouldn’t want to be able to stand out among everyone else? There are only so many different ways to describe being a hard worker so our technology allows a candidate’s personality to be seen, something which can’t be transcribed onto paper.

As hiring managers, receiving resumes via job postings leads to a large stack of papers with scribbled notes like “good work history” or “seems personable on the phone” but after a week or two has passed, you’re left unable to distinguish your candidates from one another. Letting your talent “crow” leaves you with an online database of videos to help you put a face to the name and insures that you interview the candidates that would be the best fit for your company. Not everyone can have a name as unique as TalentRooster that stands out in your mind but each candidate is indeed unique. 

Building new features with YOUR business in mind

Many of us started the year off by making resolutions in an attempt to change ourselves for the better. Now that it’s mid-February, hopefully we are still committed! At TalentRooster, we are no different. Ultimately, our resolution is to make YOU better. This quarter we have made our services more customizable to your brand with personalized videos, invites and collateral materials.

Some of our new features include the ability to record the same candidate multiple times without losing any previous videos. Your candidates can have multiple videos that now can be longer than the original 60 seconds. You are no longer limited to the quick 60 second “elevator pitch” and are able to record as much or as little as you desire for each question! Interview questions are also now visible in text, allowing you to choose the answers that YOU want to hear. You can also reach out to multiple candidates with one email and they will now be led to your enhanced landing pages, which feature your company logo, images and messaging in reference to YOUR brand.  

It has been a very busy start to the New Year here at TalentRooster but we’ve only just begun! This year our partners can look forward to live streaming interviews, web based recording solutions and mobile applications amongst other new features. So here’s to hoping you stick to your resolutions because we are certainly sticking to ours!  

Recruiting Firm Studies Video Interview Impact

Following are some actual numbers from a TalentRooster client, a branch that was slow to adopt TalentRooster at first but is now using it regularly. The plus sign shows the approximate date in 2012 on which the branch started using TalentRooster more heavily. Note how this branch has seen a steady increase (that wasn’t seen the previous year) since starting to use TalentRooster.

Below is the GM chart for a branch that started out as a strong TalentRooster user but that has slowed down of late. The X sign shows the approximate date where the usage slowed. Note how the GM has slowed as well.

Certainly, there could be other factors for the GM increases and decreases at these branches, but it’s also fair to suggest that using TalentRooster videos in the hiring process can help you increase your bill rates, close the order faster, and secure your client’s loyalty.  You can’t be in staffing today without using video!!

Video - Becoming More Integrated Into the Job Search

TalentRooster was highlighted in an article in USA Today College about how video is moving full speed ahead into the job market.  Hiring managers are requesting video over paper resumes and job seekers are realizing how important it is to stand out from the crowd.  College students, especially, understand how imperative it is to have video skills in order to keep up with the social media centered world we now live in.  

“If only they would meet me, I know they would hire me” is the phrase most commonly said among job seekers who keep hitting dead ends in their search.  Video interviews (also known as video resumes) are a way to do just that; have an employer meet you.  Putting your face, personality, skill set and professionalism on the front line is guaranteed to make you unforgettable.  TalentRooster enables you to create a digital video profile that includes a resume, personality profile, computer testing scores, links to social media accounts and the video interview.   

Read the article from USA Today College here -> Video resumes revolutionize job search  

A Powerful Screening Tool for HR and Recruiting

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 Webinar For Talent Acquisition

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. 

Santa Uses Video Interview - Hires Rudolph!

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!!

Recruiter Uses Video - Hits In Park HR!

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!

42% of First Interviews via Webcam Says Wall Street Journal

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"

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

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

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!

Video Reduces Interview Process by 60%

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. 

Recruiter Says, "TalentRooster Video Resumes Work"!!

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!

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

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 Resume Technology Quickly Becoming Mainstream

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!

The Value Proposition of Video Resume Technology

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!

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.