Technology is always updating. Newer models. Greater capacities. Faster speeds. But what if we could use technology to not only aid our search for candidates, but to do it for us? Already there’s a case for this happening, with Facebook and LinkedIn dominating the recruitment world, as well as Job Boards like Indeed, Jobsite, Google jobs and so many more. But what about a platform that hasn’t been explored? What about the virtual world of Bitmoji’s?

What is a Bitmoji?
It’s a sort of virtual Avatar that gives you a identity while searching the web. It consists of nothing more than a head and some hair. But what if that was all the information a recruiter needed in order to access whether you were suitable for a position? Well, this article might give you the answer!

Human resource app, Canvas, has teamed up with Bitmoji’s owner, Snap, so recruiters and candidates can converse using the quirky cartoon-like characters.

The plan is part of Canvas’ founder and CEO Aman Brar’s strategy to shake up what he describes as ‘the outdated recruitment industry.’

“It’s an important step forward in transforming the way enterprise recruiters connect with candidates,” Aman told CNBC Make It.

“People are using avatars to communicate everywhere — at work, in life, and even in texts with coworkers and friends. Now, job seekers can expect to get personalized avatars from the next person interviewing them,” he said.

In times we’re in currently where unemployment is at it’s lowest, recruiting talent is becoming increasingly difficult. A range of Fortune 500 companies and start-ups have been interested in the concept as they look for more effective ways to recruit talent. Health-care business Roche and online restaurant reservation company OpenTable were among the app’s early adopters. Today, it is used by hiring managers from Silicon Valley to the South of France. The idea behind it all is to add that bit more “personality” to recruitment instead of the usual monotonous process. It allows both employee and employer to talk on a very human level, unlike the current formal process which can make even the most glowing of candidates shine that little less bright.

According to a recent study by business solutions provider LivePerson, during the recruitment process 73 percent of 18 to 34-year-old Americans and Britons would ditch the conventional phone function and instead opt for the texting app.

However, whether or not the digital characters, Bitmoji’s, will receive the thumbs up remains to be seen.

“I certainly can understand and appreciate the desire to humanize the text-message interview process, but I’m not convinced using Bitmoji avatars is the right solution,” said Amanda Augustine, a career advice expert at recruitment guidance site TopResume.

After speaking to a number of graduates she works with she said, “The consensus was that the communication tool is better suited once a personal relationship has been established and that if an employer used Bitmojis at the beginning of a ‘cold-text’ conversation, his or her professionalism — and the legitimacy of the job opportunity — would be called into question,” she said.

So, in conclusion, there are strong cases for and against the introduction of Bitmoji’s into recruitment. But perhaps an updated version which portrays a professional image is required, rather than the current, relaxed, unprofessional approach it currently has.

Having that professional environment in an interview allows the employee to see what the candidate is like under pressure and can place them out of their comfort zone. However, with the relaxed social approach, candidates that aren’t particularly great under pressure and don’t have that drive can seep through the cracks as the criteria to meet isn’t as strenuous. However, that’s not to say we cannot consider the other approach. Adopting a relaxed approach to recruitment might allow candidates to come out of their shell faster and develop within the business faster.

So in conclusion, we think it’s fair to say that we will see Bitmoji’s in the future of recruitment, but perhaps not just yet. We think once other avenues have been exhausted like Facebook and LinkedIn we’re likely to see these newer more relaxed methods take the lead.

Source: https://recruitingtimes.org/news/23846/recruiting-tech-can-bitmojis-play-a-part-in-the-recruiting-process/