Article

Job seekers 'crow' qualifications via TalentRooster video resumes

An Ohio-based company makes it easier for employers to meet job candidates.

March 15, 2011

Employers no longer have to sift through stacks of resumes to search for possible job candidates. Instead, they can use TalentRooster's video-resume kiosk to watch interviewees sell themselves by creating digital-video profiles.

"Everyone is familiar with application kiosks in retailers like Target and Walmart," said David DeCapua, CEO and President of TalentRooster. "We're taking that idea and pushing it to the next level -- adding the power of video resumes. Now every corporation can have their own video-resume kiosk, giving job seekers the ability to make a video resume when they apply for a job."

How it works
TalentRooster sets up a "studio" in a company's office by delivering turnkey hardware and software and then teaching employers how to use the system. Each kiosk includes a laptop with a Web cam and audio equipment, a backdrop, video-capture and editing software, a customized-branded, video-resume portal, a video-resume repository search engine, marketing-support materials and professional set-up, training and ongoing support.

Employers can use the kiosks in one of two ways – an employee can run the system for candidates or they can set up the kiosks as a 100-percent self-service solution. Option 1 requires recruiters to ask candidates questions on camera and wait for their responses. DeCapua said his corporate clients often favor the latter option, because it saves them even more time and money and is still easy for candidates to operate since the kiosk provides step-by-step directions to help them shoot their own videos.

DeCapua said both options give employers a better sense of potential interviewees' personalities than reading old-school resumes.

"It saves a ton of time and money," said DeCapua, who has already deployed 22 kiosks since the comapny launched in June. "Companies can standardize their hiring process and make it paperless. Plus, companies can see and hear all candidates before committing to an interview."

The TalentRooster system also allows multiple co-workers to view videos simultaneously and forward applicant profiles to one another.

The cost
Kiosks start at $4,995 but can cost more as companies select customizable options, said DeCapua, who is confident that the employer's ROI will be huge.

"Our current clients are saving an incredible amount of time and money by using video resumes in the hiring process," he said. "Our clients can quickly and easily review hundreds of candidates in the time it takes for most companies to interview one candidate."

Do you think you'd be comfortable making a video resume? Comment below!