Why Tweet When You Can Crow

Last month the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled “The New Resume: It’s 140 Characters”. You guessed it:  Twitter is becoming the “new job board”. Rather than debate the validity of Twitter as part of the recruiting process, I’d like to share with you  a couple of reasons why video interviewing is quickly becoming a staple of the recruiting industry:

First, video provides a more comprehensive view of your candidate. Viewing a candidate’s social media interaction may provide hints at what is interesting and important to them, but if you’re looking for a real glimpse into your candidate’s mindset, video is the way to go.  It provides your candidates with the opportunity to more thoroughly present their unique skills and previous experiences—in the same time it takes for you to read a tweet or two on your feed.

Secondly, personality and professionalism aren’t always evident through tweets. Sure, the ability to be concise and deliver a message in 140 characters may be representative of a good communicator, but what about other important attributes like professionalism, communication and image? All three can be readily identified in a 60-second video before a recruiter/HR professional invests any of their valuable time in a face-to-face interview.

For some, posting jobs on Twitter has proven to be a great recruiting tool. For others, it has created a bombardment of unwanted resumes. Rather than miss out on great talent, we recommend using video interviewing—either include a link to your TalentRooster account or issue invites only to those candidates who pass your initial screening process.

TalentRooster Takes Video Resumes International!

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!

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 Resume Vs. Video Interview

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

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 Interview or Video Resume?

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!

Companies To Pay Candidates for Interviewing??

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.

Minnesota Requiring Teachers to Submit Video Resume

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!

A Blogging Guru Comments on TalentRooster

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.....

Personal Branding and Your Job Search

Over my first cup of joe this morning, I decided to Google "personal branding job search" - I couldn't believe how many responses popped up! This might be one of the hottest topics on the net! Job seekers are becoming more savvy and continue to find new ways to get in front of perspective employers. Think about this - within the next 3-5 years, how will job seekers represent themselves? We all know it won't be the traditional "paper" resume (unless you want to remain unemployed). Job seekers want to see candidates "get it" and will be an asset to their businesses. Developing personal branding, inclusive of a professional video resume will significantly increase your chances for hire - we see it everyday. Companies love hiring candidates that follow and utilize emerging technology. Most employers are intimidated or don't readily understand new technology - don't fall into that trap! Old dogs need to learn new tricks!

Setting Yourself Apart

It's no secret that the job market sucks and shows no real signs of improvement. Compounding this challenge is that employers have their "pick of the litter" - oh how job seekers miss the 90's! A friend sent me this great piece that provides some good insight on how a job seeker can stand out and get noticed - PROFESSIONALLY as opposed to standing on a street corner with a sandwich board.... One point of contention with this article - there was NO mention of utilizing video resume technology. Apply the teachings of this article with video technology and you will increase your chances for hire by 50% or more!

The Awesome Power of Video and Good Writing!

So much has been written about the future of the hiring process and what role video will play. Surfing the net tonight, I stumbled across this piece that I thought was well written and spot on! This blogger feels that video is very powerful and will get you noticed, but must be accompanied by a well written paper resume - I need to direct her to TalentRooster! As this technology becomes more widely accepted, job seekers and hiring managers will recognize that TalentRooster is one of the very few doing it right!

Increase Your Chances For Hire

Preliminary results are very encouraging! Candidates that utilize TalentRooster technology have a 32% greater chance for hire than candidates that utilize traditional methods - our numbers will only rise as video resumes become the preferred hiring methodology.

How validating it is when a respected trade publication recognizes your company! We've been working our tails off to get candidates and companies to check out TalentRooster.com. The market is very confused with so many unqualified companies trying to enter the video resume business. We have been contacted by several other publications that appreciate what we are doing - thanks for all the support!

Video Resumes Becoming Widely Accepted

There are a number of firms trying to capture the emerging video resume market. These resumes are becoming widely accepted by universities and employers alike. Savvy job seekers are locking in on this technology - are you? Get off the desk and on to the hiring managers desktop!

Social Networking Sites Can Haunt You....

With unemployment at 9.7%, companies have become more internet savvy. Most go online and view your social networking sites to learn about your personality, politics and philosophy - be careful what you post....

Maximizing Social Media

Job candidates are using social media in many unique ways to maximize their (proper) exposure. There is a fine line between appropriate and cheesy, but a properly executed strategy will get you noticed and perhaps an interview.

http://www.hrcapitalist.com/2010/06/a-tale-of-two-social-media-policies-vaders-death-star-vs-dont-embarrass-your-mom.html