Is the paper CV really dead?

If you’re tired of listing the transferable skills that reading 13th century Italian sonnets has given you, you’re in luck. A recent survey by graduate social networking site Kloodle reveals that the traditional paper CV may be on the way out. According to the results, 42% of students believe the traditional CV format isn’t dynamic enough to best showcase their skills, with half (49%) willing to welcome an interactive social media platform for job searching, like Facebook right?

Nicky Sidebottom, talent and resourcing specialist at the Manchester Airport Group, explains that both employers and job seekers are swapping the paper CV for alternatives. ‘Employers and job hunters are now embracing all the online world has to offer. The traditional CV format can be limiting, as it can give a one-dimensional overview of an applicant’s past accomplishments and skills, without any real insight into their actual capabilities and future potential.’

Despite the Paper CV falling out of fashion, the survey found that over half of students (57%) are still using the tried and tested format in their quest for employment.

Fride, a second year economics student was unconvinced by the notion of a digital CV. “I think it depends on the job. They are time consuming for both the employer and employee. I would prefer to do a traditional CV”.

However Emily, a second year Geography student felt that a digital CV could be useful, especially for those seeking work in the creative industries. “I think that it could be helpful for people who work in design: they could upload examples of their work to the internet so that employees could have a look”.

She also dismissed the idea of a digital CV being time-consuming: “if there are ways for you to upload videos of yourself that might be quite helpful for the employees to see who you are without having to interview you first”.

Phil Hayes, Founder and CEO of Kloodle, is keen to highlight the multidimensional advantage of a nontraditional CV, remarking that platforms such as Kloodle allow job seekers to create “a three dimensional story of a candidate’s experience. You’re encouraged to create an all singing, all dancing profile.”

Although opinion about the relevance of the old-school CV today seems split, with the perforation of digital into every aspect of our daily lives, the death knell may be sounding for our romance with the traditional CV.

Follow these tips from Kloodle on how candidates can make a strong impression online:

– 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? 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: your page should look innovative and striking at first glance to draw people in
-Director’s Cut, insert a video: This is a great opportunity to showcase your personality. Also, you may use this to demonstrate your passion for a certain career, if you’re looking to go into TV journalism why not include footage of you interviewing a local personality?
– Take Charge of Twitter: 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 would be interested in working for and use the 140 character limit to present yourself the best.
– The Grandma Rule: Potential employers often check your entire online profile, so think before you post. If you wouldn’t like your Grandma to see it, don’t post it!

Kloodle is the social networking site for student and graduate employability.
www.kloodle.com