It is fair to say that the internet has changed everything about the way we live our lives. If you consider the recruitment process now compared with 20 years ago, it is hard to imagine how people coped without the instant nature of emails and company websites that we now have at our finger tips. As ever though, the way we look for employment opportunities is evolving and no doubt in 20 years time we will look back and wonder how people coped with an 8mb broadband connection. It was with interest then that I came across a news report last night whilst doing a bit of channel hopping which focused on the evolution of the CV and how it may change in years to come.
The premise for the report was that a large number of people have begun utilising online sources such as YouTube to submit Video CVs to potential employers, with admittedly mixed results! Essentially the approach that these candidates have taken is to use the video format to try and convey as much personality as they can, whilst discussing what their core skills and experiences are. Now without wanting to get into too much of a debate about whether a technique such as this is viable on a mass level (from a recruiter’s perspective, it would be pretty impractical to watch 100+ videos each day at 3 minutes a piece), it does provide another example of how people are being as creative as they can to help them find their next opportunity, and in so doing, helping to evolve the overall process at the same time.
What I found particularly interesting about this technique is that at a superficial level, a video CV does what every good CV should do and that is separate the individual from the crowd. If, as a candidate, you can make the reader remember you for the right reasons (even if you are not right for that particular job), the chances are you will be remembered further down the line when more suitable opportunities arise. In terms of paper CVs, separating yourself from the herd isn’t just about listing your interests at the back. More often than not it is the candidates who are able to convey evidence based achievements that really stick in the memory.
Now whilst the YouTube example may be a flash in the pan that never takes off, surely the general theme of innovation and embracing new technology is something that anyone looking for a new job should bear in mind. Another recent example of creativity and innovation paying dividends is Paul Weston, whose blog about the struggles of redundancy eventually became so popular that he secured a job from it. Practically speaking, not everyone is going to write a blog that secures them a job, but some of the activities that everyone can do that will increase their prospects include opening up an account on LinkedIn along with Twitter and Facebook. LinkedIn in particular is something that has really taken off over the past couple of years, to the point where I’ve spoken to several Project Managers over the last few months who have embraced it as one of their main search tools with great success. Given that only 30% of all jobs are actually advertised through online methods, it now makes more sense than ever to embrace the alternate technology at our fingertips and to be as pro-active as possible.
So will everyone have a YouTube CV in 20 years time? I doubt it somehow, but it could be another stepping stone in an ever evolving marketplace.
Image courtesy johntrainor and re-used with permission.
I can’t see a YouTube CV taking off as the method of choice, although it could work wonders for freelance PM’s or small consultancies pitching for work. Everything else however, LinkedIn, blogs, Twitter, is already having an impact. I’ve been able to stay in touch with former colleagues who can alert me to potential new opportunities long before they’re advertised. Viva l’internet!