Web 3.0 Recruiting - Da Vinci Code style

About 2 years ago I presented my views on how recruitment would be in 2010.  Basically, my view was (and still is) that the first time we meet the applicant 'for real' is post conditional offer.

I talked not about video conferencing but something else.  I did not know what the something else would be but felt that technology would allow us to communicate virtually, for both parties to assess the fit and move to final negotiations without meeting.

Google state the lack of great talent as the critical element that will affect their future growth.  They will be one of the first to take the plunge into the new world of recruiting.  Today the future looks something like Second Life, tomorrow who knows.

Google will set a Da Vinci style crusade for potential Googlers who will need to enter Second Life and find their quest.  Initially there will be a location to find, followed by 'conversations' with various avatars; some will be automated and respond only to exact answers, some will be recruiting avatars that screen more intelligently based on criteria set by Google.  Once the applicant has achieved their goal only then will they have achieved a status needed to move to the next stage of recruitment.  Maybe more detailed tasks or whatever.  Either way, Google need to find better ways of managing the massive volume of applications they receive and lets be honest, most of the engineering types that could get into Google will have no issue with entering Second Life - if of course they are not already there!

This of course creates a whole new recruiting world.  Not only does it give Google access to a whole new workforce, who really can work anywhere, it also gives them the opportunity to assess the quality of talent in say, Siberia or Tibet or Lima or Rio etc.  Who knows where they should open up next - as they seek talent maybe this is how they find the best people?

This also creates work for avatar recruiters who can take almost any role in Second Life.  How much would you pay someone to walk around with an advertising sandwich board?  Do first level interactive screening?  Attend recruitment centres?  Guide applicants at various stages of their quest?  Take an 'acting' part in a quest?  Maybe they will pay on a PPC type basis?  People who meet the set criteria and move to next stage are worth $XY?

Google and many others need to find better ways of processing applicants so they can get to the best talent more easily.  Technology will play a part and web 3.0 recruiting will result in offer first, meet later.

In the meantime, chill out in Second Life before the head hunters arrive!!

Great skates by the way - a bargain!! (That's me BTW)