The future: how is technology changing the recruitment process?

by Kate Berry & Sally Blaxall, QHQ.

As the use of technology changes the way we communicate and go about our daily lives, the use of video is increasingly common in social media, marketing and advertising. It has also worked it’s way into the recruitment industry with the production of Video CVs. It remains to be seen whether this development is going to be popular long-term, but as a candidate or employer it’s certainly something to be aware of. Online technology is coming in to play for many companies as they develop their own online recruitment processes and candidates are also using new technology to showcase their skills.

We’re all familiar with traditional paper CVs, but changes are forging ahead in the recruitment arena as candidates who are culturally more influenced by video content and social media are now more likely to be confident to create their own video content and use it to find a job. Video CVs are increasingly being used by candidates to help them stand out from the crowd and get offered a face-to-face interview. A Video CV can also be beneficial for a candidate who might lack career or industry experience but who wants to create a strong first impression.

It is relatively easy to create a Video CV by using the webcam on a computer or phone. The video is commonly a minute to a minute and half long and will include personal details, work experience, skill set and the reason why the candidate believes they are the right person for the job. Easy-to-use software is also available from web-based companies such as Ceevid who believe that video is the future of recruitment: “CeeVid allows you to explain directly to a prospective employer exactly why they should hire you.”

Candidates can choose to highlight their own individual personality and professional skills within their video. They can choose a formal interview style or a more funky, creative clip depending on the culture of the company they are approaching. They can also add music and graphics and put their personal stamp on the finished product in a way that is less possible with a traditional CV.

Kate Berry, QHQ advises: “ For any candidate thinking of submitting a Video CV, I recommend being concise and sticking to the most relevant information. Think carefully about the impression your Video CV is going to make on the intended employer and try to match your content with their culture and skills needs. Video CVs can be a challenge to create for less outgoing candidates, so an individual’s personality will also determine whether this is a good option for them.”

Sally Blaxall adds: “Make sure the finished product is professional, easy to access and looks and sounds really good. Used in the right way, video can be a great vehicle to show the employer a little of your personality and really convince them they need you on their team.”

Alongside the use of video technology, many companies are creating their own online recruitment portals as a way of increasing efficiency. Prospective candidates can view vacancies, upload their CVs and make applications through the portal. They can complete pre-employment checks to meet security or personnel requirements and they can then go back in to track their application and book their own interview time if invited to do so.

Sally Blaxall: “Online portals can increase efficiency on the upside, but the downside is that they do entirely cut out the personal touch that QHQ knows is so important when matching a candidate to a role, and a person to a team or organisation.”

Kate Berry: “Strong working partnerships with our clients and consultants form an integral part of our business. We provide an exclusive service tailored to our clients’ needs which is where using a specialist agency such as QHQ differs so vastly to using a portal.”

Job candidates are using technology to create online or digital presentations to show to prospective employers during the interview process. These can be a video, photographs or slides presented on a portable tablet or laptop or even phone.

Kate Berry: “A video or digital portfolio is a helpful way of showcasing your work and skill set particularly when interviewing for roles in creative industries such as fashion, beauty and homeware. We encourage candidates and graduates to showcase their work, skills  and experience in the best way possible. Technology can help them do this and has the added benefit of demonstrating to employers that they have good technical and computer skills.”

Learn more about QHQ and their job offers!Click here >>