Editor’s note: This article was first published in April 2011. The reactions of Spanish managers and the remark that virtual interviews are becoming common reflect that moment.
In some countries there is already a trend for augmented reality CVs: a more innovative and original way of applying for a job that lets you present your knowledge and work experience out loud rather than in writing, with a few “visual effects” thrown in, it must be said.
But this is Spain, and just this morning I spoke to a few company managers. I asked them whether, if they received a CV like the one in the video, that person would have a better chance of being hired.
Watch: An augmented reality CV
What a question to ask, because their first reaction was to burst out laughing as if it were a joke. Some said they found this kind of presentation not very serious, others still prefer a paper CV, and some were more reasonable, explaining that if, instead of those visual effects, it were a video CV in which the candidate speaks seriously, they would indeed have a chance to assess the candidate and how they sell themselves, and above all how they express themselves, something you can’t see in a CV.
Perhaps this is something we in Spain aren’t ready for yet. We still take things rather seriously when it comes to hiring staff and running a company.
Even so, companies are increasingly moving away from the usual hiring methods. They are now using virtual interviews so as not to waste candidates’ time, saving them the trip, especially when the interview is in another province.
See also: The future of business and employment: ideas for the future
So remember: for now, if you decide to send a video CV or an augmented reality CV, leave out the “special effects” 🙂
Further reading
- Common mistakes of Hispanic business owners
- Differences between Hispanic and American business owners
- A leader’s mistakes
- The main causes of failure in life and business
Featured image: zedinteractive, CC0 1.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
