Empower Gen Z in Job Interviews

Gen Z Job Interviews - Audio CVs and Voice Notes

In a world where traditional job interviews often seem out of touch with the realities of Generation Z, the integration of Sound Branch with voice notes and audio CVs could herald a transformative shift in how these young aspirants navigate the daunting landscape of job hunting. Imagine a scenario where instead of the stilted, often superficial, face-to-face exchanges, candidates can express their personalities and professional capabilities through a medium that is second nature to them: digital audio.

This approach aligns seamlessly with the digital native identity of Gen Z, a generation that has grown up in an era of podcasts, TikToks, and voice assistants. For them, communicating via audio is not just convenient, it’s intuitive. By leveraging audio-based platforms in job interviews, we’re not just accommodating a preference; we’re tapping into a fundamental aspect of their identity.

Consider the case of Beth Green, a 26-year-old from New York, who struggled with traditional interviews, a common sentiment among her peers. In a voice-based interview, Beth might have avoided the anxiety and disconnection she experienced. Voice notes offer a less intimidating platform, allowing candidates to think through their responses and present themselves in a more authentic and relaxed manner.

Furthermore, audio CVs provide a richer, more nuanced representation of a candidate’s abilities and character than a traditional resume. They allow Gen Z applicants to showcase their communication skills, personality, and enthusiasm in a way that a written document simply cannot. This is particularly beneficial for roles that demand strong verbal communication or creative thinking.

The shift to audio-based hiring processes also aligns with Gen Z’s quest for authenticity and personal connection in the workplace. Traditional job interviews often feel like a performance, where both the interviewer and interviewee play scripted roles. In contrast, audio formats can foster a more genuine dialogue, a true exchange of ideas and values, which is deeply important to this generation.

However, this is not to suggest that transitioning to audio-based interviews is a panacea for all the challenges faced by Gen Z job seekers. It’s important to recognize that this approach, while innovative, must be part of a broader strategy that addresses the systemic issues in the job market and hiring practices. This includes reevaluating interview questions to focus on relevant skills, creating more inclusive hiring practices, and providing support and training for young job seekers.

Incorporating Sound Branch with voice notes and audio CVs into the hiring process could be a significant step forward in aligning with the preferences and strengths of Gen Z. It’s a move towards a more empathetic, inclusive, and effective approach to recruitment, one that recognizes and harnesses the unique qualities of this digitally savvy generation.

Audio CV
Audio CV

Voice Messaging App Reinvents The Telephone Interview

The Traditional Approach

A traditional interview process involves an applicant applying directly to a job via a job board or an agency.

These candidates are then filtered first by review of the CV and then by telephone interview before face to face interviews are arranged.

What if you combined the CV and the telephone interview?

How much quicker would it be to filter candidates and what efficiencies could be achieved?

This is where voice messaging app such as Sound Branch comes in. Candidates create a Sound Branch profile by downloading the voice notes app for iOS or Android.

Users can then register for their profile with 1 click sign in via Google, Facebook or Twitter and start recording an audio profile.

Audio profiles include a person’s education, skills, work experience and other interests. Instead of a soulless CV with no personality, the audio profile humanises the CV and brings it to life.

For The Candidate

The candidate has an opportunity to pitch to recruiters and companies who they would not ordinarily be about to reach. For the HR and talent management team, this is a more compelling way of filtering out candidates on fit, attitude and relevancy of experience.

For The Recruiter

One of the biggest challenges for a traditional recruiter is that the best time to call candidates is not during the working day which can lead to anti-sociable working hours.

Using Sound Branch for recruitment and job hunting is a new and different way of re-imagining the recruitment process.

You can tell a lot about someone from their LinkedIn profile picture but you can learn a lot more by listening to their voice. Voice messaging for recruiters means less anti-social timings for telephone interviews and an overall better experience for the candidate.