The days of studying want ads in newspapers and making cold calls trying to meet with employers may be coming to a close.
A survey by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas finds that new technologies will likely make big changes in the way people find work and in how they are assessed and hired.
“Staples in the job search still remain, including the resume, networking, and interviewing,” said Challenger, Gray & Christmas CEO John Challenger. “However, recruiters and job seekers alike are increasingly turning to new technological tools, such as apps and video resumes, to aid in candidate selection and the application process.”
Commonly used tools
Google and LinkedIn are used by many recruiters to find talent. In fact, some companies even mandate that every new application they receive go through a specific Google screening process -- meaning the first page of a candidate’s Google results matter significantly more than more traditional information sources.
The Challenger survey found that 78.9% of recruiters check potential candidates on social media and Google, and 75.5% do this before ever contacting the candidate.
New technology
Caliber is an app described as a search engine for business contacts. It accesses your social and professional networks, letting you search for and chat with connections based on their professional background. Users can get the most out of their networks through simple, non-invasive, and direct communication.
According to the CEO, the app has more than 4 million searchable profiles, including one million in New York and San Francisco. Additionally, the app facilitates communication at a rate of 23 percent – meaning one in five requests is accepted.
Other apps, such as Weave and Reach, use a service similar to Tinder, deploying a matching algorithm that allows users to swipe through potential professional contacts in their area.
The founder of Weave says his app provides a more discrete, convenient approach to networking as opposed to blind reach-outs, which can be a hassle. Reach allows networkers to find professionals by proximity, visited places, or interests, in real time.
Along with the addition of job search-assisting apps, candidates may also create video resumes. Creating a video resume (sometimes called a profile video or video profile) is an excellent way to stand out among other candidates.
Lasting typically 60 seconds, these videos provide the best first impression to an employer -- letting the employer to actually see you and assess your communication skills, personality, and charisma, all before a physical interview.
Video resumes are more of an enhancement, not a replacement, to the traditional resume. They offer a chance to expand and highlight the skills you have to offer for a job, rather than just speaking to what is already on your resume.
“The future of the job search includes increased use of technology that makes the job search more convenient and accessible, as well as the ability to better assess candidates quickly and efficiently on their merits,” Challenger concludes. “It will be exciting to see what other new technologies may pop up in the job search or how existing technologies will be adopted.”