From Social NetWorking to Social GetWorking
14 March 2008
Social network profiles are now as important as and even more influential than the traditional CV for prospective employers.
Recent research shows that one in five employers admit to checking candidates social network profiles but the majority of job hunters make no effort to optimise their profile page to appeal to potential employers.
Today global social networking website Badoo.com has revealed a guide to creating a “3D-CV” to give candidates an online edge with recruiters. The company has partnered with Margot Katz, a top international career coach, to produce an online template that will favourably grab an employer’s attention.
International career coach, Margot Katz suggests, “Around 75% of job hunters do not consider their social network profile as an extension to their job application, but the 25% that do could find themselves at a huge advantage. Social network profiles are an integral component of society. Without having a positive social network presence candidates will soon find themselves losing out in the job market. Those already ahead of the game are latching onto the trend of creating their own ‘brand’ using social networking.”
Katz estimates that sometime in the near future employees will consider social network profiles more informative than the CV in the first step of recruitment. The 3D-CV enables job hunters to present both their academic and work experience and achievements alongside their social interests and hobbies through words, videos and images.
Badoo.com is one of the first in the UK to discard the traditional CV in favour of Badoo.com profile pages as the first stage of their recruitment process and believes that this is the key to clever recruiting.
The website recognises that it is not only job hunters who will benefit from 3D-CVs and that more recruiters will turn to online profiling as part of the overall recruiting mix. With a quarter of all externally hired employees not working out in their new roles, mainly due to personality and behaviour clashes – recruiters are well aware of the limits of a traditional CV.
Badoo.com believes the 3D-CV provides a far more rounded picture of a prospective employer and can help ensure a better cultural fit.
Lucy George, global director of communications at Badoo.com explains; “Relying on a standard CV can be a real gamble for recruiters. A flat page of A4 provides no indication of personality and due to the rigid format often provides a limited guide to a person’s abilities. This is especially true within the creative industries.
‘People with real creative flair and talent may miss out on a first round interview as a traditional CV is so often judged purely by academic success. An online 3D-CV enables candidates to showcase their talents and skills in a more creative and relevant way.”
Badoo.com’s 3D-CV guide goes beyond the standard advice of removing naked or drunken photos from people’s profile pages and explains how to translate experiences, skills and successes into employer appealing video or photo entries. For people working in advertising, fashion, photography, art, marketing, entertainment, design or online industries the 3D-CV is already a major asset in presenting past work and showcasing their talent.
Badoo.com Tips include:
Consider your social networking profile to be an extension of your personal brand – employers will judge you on your appearance, language and opinions when they meet you in person – they will make the same judgement about your social network site
Think how you can bring to life the ‘other interests’ section that usually sits at the end of a traditional CV. Mention all of your different experiences, from trips around the world to volunteering projects; these will make you stand out from the crowd e.g.
If you play a musical instrument consider adding a recording of you playing to your profile page to showcase your proficiency
If you are a talented artist, illustrate your page with your work rather than just adding photos
Highlight your language skills by writing an entry [with translation] in another language
If you’re a runner and have completed the Marathon or major race, show your dedication and determination by including a snap of you crossing the finishing line or brandishing your medal
If you’re a writer – use blogging facilities to draw people to your work
If you have a passion – let people know. From good food, surfing, cats, fashion, poker and chess through to cooking, knitting, darts to djing – these all help bring your personality to life
Margot Katz explained, ‘It’s a well know fact that communication is only 7% about words; 93% is about speech and body language. In the first all important selection stage of recruitment, a traditional CV gives no indication of cultural fit within an organisation. Forward thinking employers have to use a variety of creative tactics to secure the best candidate for the job. A 3D-CV can include video footage which will provide valuable visual information.
‘Similarly when it is difficult to determine between similar calibre candidates, a hard-working 3D-CV will give recruiters additional material to weigh up. Job hunters with active lives outside the workplace will really have an edge on the competition if they are able to demonstrate this in a compelling way.’
Lucy George summarised; “Research indicates that 45% of employees attempt to change their personality during job interviews but only 7% claim to do so on social networking sites.* This is a compelling reason for more employers to embrace social networking sites as one part of their recruitment process.’
London based Badoo.com gained its 13th millionth member at the end of February and expects to double its workforce throughout 2008 as the company turns its attention to the UK and US markets. Everyone working for Badoo.com lives and breathes the site so it makes perfect sense for applicants to apply via their online profiles. It is currently recruiting for a web analyst.
