Finding real talent through a virtual world

Imagine a world where you can interview a multitude of job seekers from around the world without having to ëgo' anywhere; theyíll be teleported to you.

Imagine a world where you can have private conversations with forward-thinking and creative prospective employees in a lush, sophisticated and futuristic environment.

Imagine a world where you can be ëpresentí at a job fair and enjoy fantastic brand exposure without having to worry about logistics such as setting up or packing away stands and collateral.

Well there is no need to imagine anymore. That world is here now thanks to virtual reality!

The UKís first ever ëvirtual worldí careers fair will be held in Second Life from 16 to 18 October 2007. The event, hosted by recruitment and communications specialists TMP Worldwide, will allow leading employers to tap into new talent from around the world without anyone having to leave the comfort of their own office or home.

KPMG, The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and Yell will use this innovative new channel to connect with job seekers in a relaxed and neutral environment. While both recruiters and job seekers alike can be anywhere in the world, their avatars (computer generated images of themselves) will be attending an online interview.

Candidates will be requested to register for the companies they are interested in at the event website www.i-jobsforreal.co.uk

Each company will carry out some initial screening of candidates and then invite them to an interview in Second Life.

The 3-day ëvirtual worldí job fair will take place on TMPís UK Island in Second Life from 4-8pm on the 16-18 October 2007. Once candidates enter the 3-D online virtual world, they will be greeted by virtual concierges and escorted to TMPís virtual office where they will be given basic training on how to interact inside Second Life. They will then be teleported to the employerís offices on the island where avatar recruiters will greet them and discussions can begin via live chat and instant messaging.

Phil Owers, deputy managing director at TMP Worldwide comments:
ìWe constantly strive to find new ways to reach talent for our customers. By hosting the job fair on Second Life we dissolve all geographical boundaries enabling job seekers from around the UK and the world to connect easily and cost-effectively in a friendly and impartial environment. The targeted marketing approach is consistent with more traditional routes but the experience for the candidate and customer is enhancedî

Isabelle Hung, head of national resourcing at Yell UK, adds:
ìThis is a truly innovative use of new media to reach potential employees. The kind of people who are on Second Life may have just the right blend of determination and customer focus that weíre looking for.î