A very interesting article. There are a few points made that I would love to discuss with you in more detail and following a recent conversation, may be of interest.
Feel free to find my details on LinkedIn http://uk.linkedin.com/in/samcooper1985

Thanks

Sam

One of the reasons that the lineup might have seemed underwhelming is that generally, the recruitment industry doesn’t invest in technology unless it really has to. Over the years I’ve been involved, both as a recruiter and also as someone on the technology side, the industry has had to be dragged kicking and screaming into each new trend. And if it involves spending money, then its even more difficult.

As Gary said at the event – they love the phone so most cant understand why they should spend money on anything else. One look at where the innovation has been in technology terms shows you it isnt with the agencies. And as customer demand drives innovation, the issues speak for themselves.

I dont see this changing. The mainly sales driven, stack it high recruiting organisations are not all of a sudden going to start thinking more innovatively or, more importantly, be tempted to put their hand in their pockets and invest.

And Adam, I can see the concept, but whatever you do, candidates are never going to ‘feel as if the recruiter is truly investing in them’ sorry!

If it’s one thing we love about our industry, it’s engaging with true recruiters – those professionals who possesses a very real passion for what they do, have candidates’ best interests at heart, and a deep concern about our industry’s direction. We know that your comments are motivated by the purest interests, and that you’re open minded. When that’s the case, any debate is welcomed and can only be of benefit.

We are sorry that you didn’t have the chance to stay for our presentation, where we explained the Innovate CV concept – with a special emphasis on the first word in our name! We were grateful to have received a very positive response from the audience.

Innovate CV exists to make the recruitment process easier for everyone – clients, recruiters…and of course, the candidates.

You’re the client. From one agency, you receive a mish-mash of different word CVs, online profiles, essays etc. From another, you receive a number of agency-branded CVs. Each CV is perfectly standardised, and may include (for example) ratings on relevant skills and attributes and embedded videos where candidates have answered key relevant questions.

Which agency stands out? Which candidates stand out? Screening and interviewing times are dramatically reduced for client and recruiter. After all, the recruiter or client doesn’t need to waste time sitting through countless interviews to get a ‘feel’ for every candidate.

The whole system can be perfectly integrated into recruiters’ own CRM databases, so putting together this impressive presentation is fast and easy, and the recruiter can have a client-ready CV very quickly. As it is standardised, it can also improve the recruiters search results. The Innovate CV platform has many additional benefits specifically for recruiters such as metrics and tracking, so consultants can focus their time more accurately.

Candidates also feel as if the recruiter is truly investing in them. They appreciate the multimedia tools that enable them to truly sell themselves by embedding documents, presentations, videos, social media links, images (etc) as appropriate. With a single click, their old word/pdf CV can be converted into an Innovate CV, or they can always import their Facebook or LinkedIn profiles to use as the building block to their more encompassing CV. Additional benefits such as CV advice, and ease of putting a CV together are also very popular.

Clients are impressed. Candidates are confident. And of course, the whole process is utterly simple from the recruiters’ perspective. Innovate CVs can easily be accessed anywhere, on the go using our App, or from any computer or tablet.

James, we’re just touching the surface of course. I’d love to offer you a succinct demonstration of exactly what we’re bringing to the table, and why we think it’s a great step forward – what do you say? Let me know the when and where is good for you!

Thanks for providing a fantastic forum for debate!

All the best,
Adam Lewis
Innovate CV

I think you’re right, but I am simply amazed that this is the case. We live in a World where everything is there, at the click of a button, in your hand the phone or some other variety.

I was totally blown away by some of the things being said, I had never heard of Gary but some of the comments were almost as if LinkedIn hadn’t just had a $8.5Billion IPO valuing it at around 5 (I think) that of Monster.com and people are still talking about telephones (as in desk phones).

I think if that is the state of the agency business model then they’ll get eaten for breakfast in the coming years.

I’m sorry that the event wasn’t for you.

My personal opinion is that not all recruiters suck (well, I would say that!) but that some are not quite as “ahead of the curve” as others.

Many recruiters are still tackling some basic “IT” issues; others want to be sure they have the basics right.

There are plenty of social media/innovation events – many which are superb.

Maybe it’s sad but the basic, every day operational, stuff still needs to be addressed and that was partly the aim of our event.

I personally think you should be glad that not everyone is at your stage of development. It will give you an edge in client pitches and in locating those hard to find candidates!

Louise