Latest recruiting trend: ‘audio resumes’
June 26, 2008 by Sam NarisiPosted in: In this week's e-newsletter, Latest News & Views, Online recruiting
Don’t want to read a candidate’s credentials? Now they can read ‘em to you.
That’s essentially the idea behind a new service offered by JobCircle. Now, when candidates post a profile to the site, they have the option of recording an audio file embedded in the page.
Job seekers get 60 seconds to tell you everything they need you to know. It seems almost like a safer version of the video resume, which many recruiters have avoided. Many say the benefits, if any, aren’t worth the time or legal risks associated.
But a problem remains with the audio resumes: Hearing a candidate speak doesn’t seem to add much. It’s hard to imagine anything an applicant would say in 60 seconds that won’t already be included in the cover letter.
We’d like to know what you think: Would you listen to an audio resume? Do you think it would add anything. Let us know in the comments section.
You can read more and listen to samples here.
Tags: audio resumes, JobCircle, video resumes
July 1st, 2008 at 3:02 pm
I would definitly listen to an audio recording from a candidate, not so much for what they would say as how they said it. Most of our positions require a fair amount of interaction with members, union representatives and others, so it is important to have someone come across as reasonablly well spoken. Having the audio would hopefully save me from having someone come in to interview who could not smoothly handle a conversation.
July 1st, 2008 at 3:25 pm
While this is an innovative idea, with a potential for helping to streamline the hiring process, it continues to have the same pitfalls of the video version. Being able to listen to a candidate, this early in the process, where accents, speech difficulties, etc., can be clearly heard may open the door for questions and/or accusations if the candidate is not moved forward in the process. For this reason, I will continue using only the safer, although more laborious, resume/application process.
July 1st, 2008 at 4:39 pm
If the job required excellent communication skills, (reception, sales) yes I would.
July 9th, 2008 at 9:41 am
I would only utilize if I was seeking a sales or public speaking position. I don’t feel it’s vital in jobs where speaking is not the priority; although having good speaking skills are very important. My industry is in hotels and very often employees are from different countries, speak different languages and have accents, all of which add to a luxury or boutique hotel. Body language and appearance are more prevalent when selecting a candidate for the hotel industry.