The question "Is the resume dead?" might sound provocative, but it’s becoming increasingly relevant. Believe it or not, the traditional resume is quickly losing its importance in the hiring process. Why? Because companies are finding it harder than ever to trust them, and a new, more reliable system is already emerging.
Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve.
Why Resumes Are Losing Credibility
The rise of AI tools like ChatGPT has made it easier than ever for job seekers to tweak their resumes to match job descriptions perfectly. While this may sound like a win for candidates, it’s been a nightmare for recruiters. Companies are flooded with resumes that look ideal on paper, only to discover during interviews that candidates don’t quite match the skills and experience they claim. It's almost impossible now to distinguish between truly qualified candidates and unqualified applicants who simply used AI to get past the ATS.
This growing issue has led many organizations to question the value of resumes entirely. When the information can’t be trusted, the document becomes worthless.
A Shift Toward Evidence-Based Hiring
BigstockSo, what’s replacing resumes? Evidence-based hiring is taking center stage. In the past, the hiring process moved from a resume to an interview, where candidates could provide evidence of their abilities. Now, companies are looking to skip the resume altogether and jump straight into gathering evidence of a candidate’s skills and experience.
One way they’re doing this is through asynchronous video interviews. These types of interviews allow candidates to answer pre-recorded questions on camera, giving employers a chance to evaluate them without scheduling a live interview. However, this approach has its downsides.
As a job candidate, you probably feel that asynchronous video interviews are impersonal and limit your ability to present yourself authentically. That's because it is impersonal and, honestly, an unfair way to be evaluated. You have no control over your brand in these scenarios.
The Rise Of Video Evidence
BigstockThe solution? Proactively providing evidence of your expertise through video content.
Platforms like LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube are making this easier than ever. LinkedIn, for example, has launched a video feature allowing professionals to share their skills, insights, and accomplishments directly with potential employers. Apps like McCoy already exist to help you tell your professional story to hiring managers on your terms.
Here’s how the future of hiring might work with video authentication as the priority:
- Video Profiles: Instead of a written resume, you might create a video profile answering key questions about your skills, experience, and goals.
- Searchable Evidence: Advanced technology will allow recruiters to search video content for specific skills and match candidates to job descriptions.
- Eliminating Job Descriptions: Eventually, companies may input a job description into a tool that automatically finds the best candidates based on video profiles.
Video allows you to validate that you can do the job. This shift means you’ll no longer rely solely on a piece of paper to prove your qualifications. Instead, you’ll use video to authenticate your expertise and demonstrate your personality.
How To Prepare For The Death Of The Resume
BigstockThe transition away from resumes is happening faster than you might think. By the end of this year, more companies will adopt video-based hiring processes. Here’s how you can prepare:
- Embrace Video: Start practicing how to present yourself on camera. Share your expertise and answer common interview questions in short, engaging videos.
- Build Your Brand: Use LinkedIn’s video feature, the McCoy app, or platforms like TikTok and YouTube to showcase your professional strengths.
- Leverage Resources: Don’t worry if this feels overwhelming. There are free tools and training available to help you adapt.
Stay Ahead Of The Curve
BigstockThe job market is changing rapidly, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. To help professionals stay ahead, my team and I created a Free Resource Center filled with live podcasts, training materials, and strategies to succeed in this evolving landscape.
This shift might seem intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity. With the right preparation, you can stand out in a crowded job market and land the role you deserve.
The death of the resume is here, but the rise of video-based evidence is opening up new doors. Are you ready to step through them?
Good luck! Go get 'em.
