A new survey from Kloodle, a social networking site for grad recruitment, reveals 42% of UK students believe the traditional CV format is not dynamic enough to best showcase their skills. Yet, over half (57%) claim they are still using the old fashioned approach in their job hunts.
Over half (51%) would welcome more advice from careers officers on how to create a standout digital CV and 44% say an online format with video content and images appeals to them most. Half (49%) would welcome an interactive social media platform for job searching.
Nicky Sidebottom, talent and resourcing specialist at the Manchester Airport Group, says: ‘For decades the traditional CV has played a key role in recruitment. However, employers and job hunters are now embracing all the online world has to offer as well. The constrictive traditional CV format can be limiting, as it can give a one-dimensional overview of an applicant’s past accomplishments and skills, without getting any real insight into their actual capabilities and future potential.’
Says Phil Hayes, Founder and CEO of Klooldle: ‘With digital being such an integral part of everyday business, it makes total sense that a traditional CV format should be shunned in favour of other social and digital approaches.
The idea with Kloodle is that it creates a three dimensional story of a candidate’s experience. You’re encouraged to create an all singing, all dancing profile, with emphasis on soft skills rather than just UCAS points. When an employer searches for your profile and applications, it will work like Google and bring the relevant people to the top of their list.
We want to encourage students to take the plunge and embrace this approach – once their profile is set up, they can sit back and let it do the hard work for them – it really isn’t an intimidating process.’
Follow these tips from Kloodle on how candidates can make a strong impression online. There are a number of steps they can take to stand out from others when applying for roles:
- Keep ‘on it’: Whatever online platform/social network you’re using, make sure you keep your online profile up to date and remember to list all the skills you have that people may search for
- It’s not all about UCAS points: Remember to highlight your ‘soft skills’ as well as your academic achievements. Have you shown initiative in your extra curriculum activities? e.g. do you bring your leadership skills to the rugby pitch? Have your organisational skills benefitted the theatre group you’re part of?
- First Impressions Count: Make your page as visually appealing as possible – on Kloodle you have the chance to add a profile picture, video and wallpaper – your page should look innovative and striking at first glance to draw people in
- Director’s Cut: On Kloodle you can add a (no length restrictions) video – this is a great opportunity to add some face to camera footage to showcase your personality. Or you might use this to demonstrate your passion for a certain career e.g. if you’re looking to go into TV journalism you could include footage of you interviewing a local personality
- Take Charge of Twitter: Don’t ignore your Twitter account – this is a great platform to show that you are a thought leader by tweeting and commenting on relevant stories. Follow individuals and businesses you’d be interested in working for and use the 140 character count limit to present yourself well
- The Grandma Rule: Potential employers often check your entire online profile so think before you post, whatever platform you’re using. If you wouldn’t like your Grandma to see it, don’t post it!