Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

Hi, I`m new to SUN but so far this place is awesome. I have an idea that has been burning a hole in my brain for a while now and I would like some feedback from the members on the viability of this idea.

Here goes... Job search websites are huge, social networking sites are huge, and YouTube is beyond huge. My idea would be a website that combines all three. The idea is to have users make a video of themselves answering 8 standard interview questions (possibly hosted by Youtube). The users would dress and act as if they are actually being interviewed by a potential employer. They would then upload the video and have the other members rate their performance. Once a certain performance level is achieved by the user, the video is posted for potential employers to view. The user would also have a profile/resume online at the site to be viewed.

I`m thinking the community aspect of the site will drive the candidates to produce better videos and also provide potential employers with better candidates. Candidates will be able to learn a lot about interviewing and hone their skills. The cream will rise to the top.

Candidates will also be able to add searchable tags to their profile (eg. CCNA certified, CPA, webmaster, etc.) to make searching easier for potential employees.

The name of the site will be "CandidEight" or "CandidEights" to reflect the eight questions.

Monetizing-I`m thinking sponsored ads or a fee for employers to contact candidates or proably both.

This is also an idea to have the top rated candidates win prizes offered by sposnsors such as a gift certificate for a new suit or dress etc.

All comments are welcome as well as big money backing. Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

 

 

 

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Get Out of Debt

Hi there :-) Welcome to the community.
I think you may want to consider two things, at least that`s how I see things:

1. Anything having to do with job searches is so over-done that I suspect you may want to do a bit more than usual market research.
2. In the nature of looking for a job, there isn`t any "community."

Finding a job is raw competition. Whatever advantage anyone has when going for a job, they`ll use it to wipe out anyone else going for that same job.

Additionally, after someone`s found a job, they could care less about the job posting boards. They`re covered, done, and a big scary moment has been passed or avoided. The less they`re reminded of being jobless, the better.

That`s not to say your idea wouldn`t be different, better, or successful. It`s just something to consider about the basic nature of job search sites. Y`know?

Great feedback Craig. As to item #1, this wouldn`t be a job search site. Can`t compete with Yahoo and Monster. It would be the other end, a candidate search site for potential employers to visit and find employees. It`s being done by other sites but not with video interviews so that employers can see what their getting before committing.

Item #2. You`re exactly right about there not being a community when candidates are going for the same job, however, there will not be any job postings on this site, therefore no competition per se. I feel that a voting system for the videos will generate a sense of community on the site and in turn will spur competition for better videos.

I`m attached to this idea so please keep smacking me upside the head until I come to my senses.

 

 

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Get Out of Debt

There are many issues with this format the worst one is the concept itself, in a video in order to get an idea of whom the potential employer is looking at he/she must watch the entirety of it, in a written format by simply glancing at the resume the employer "knows" if he/she would be interested in this person then invest the time. So, in the same amount of time it would take to view one video he/she could`ve gone through 30 resumes.

Good point Elids. The employers would begin by searching keywords for specific candidates, they would then be shown a list of candidates along with the option of viewing the video. The candidates would be listed in order based on their rating. Imaging you`re an employer seeking a CPA, you come to the site, do a search and are given a list of candidates. At this point you can gain a much clearer picture of who this candidate is by viewing the video. Remember, only top rated candidates will be listed. Also, every employer will chooses employees after they interview them themselves, this is just a shortcut for them to weed out undesirables.

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Get Out of Debt

In other words, searches would start with the profile (resume) and then proceed to the video.

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Get Out of Debt

Here is part of the problem I see.  Some people freeze up in front of the camera, no matter how charismatic they may be in person.  And if a job might be on the line... hooo boy!

That being said, what if a job wasn`t on the line?  What if your site wasn`t about finding jobs but specifically about honing interview skills?

Take the same basic concept and erase the fact that employers could look for jobs.  Make it a video site that is about people interviewing better.  Yep, some people may freeze up in front of the camera like I mention but now it`s not a big deal.  Focus on the interview process.  People can answer interview questions, standard questions, custom ones, ask others questions, rate, comment, share, etc.  Put up a guide to better interviewing and let people test their skills via video.  Who cares about job search.  Help people help each other get better at interviewing so they can get better jobs!

And here is what will happen.  Like LinkedIn, employers will gravitate to using it to search out employees.  It would happen naturally but I think your competitive edge is being the social site for interview skills.  That`s a niche that is not out there (at least of my knowledge).

Thanks CampSteve! I believe you are right. That would be a better way to approach the site. Help with writing resumes and maybe image consulting would follow also. Many Colleges are turning to video to interview potential students. This would also work for that segment. Hey Craig and ElidS, how about that angle? Is it viable?

Thanks for the help. I just found this site today and I have to say, the people here are amazing. Thanks again.
More suggestions welcome.

check this out http://www.careerjournal.com/jobhunting/interviewing/2001101 1-rosemarin.html

and this http://www.digitalvideointerview.co.uk/

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Get Out of Debt

CampSteve,  I did a little Google research and found the above  links and also this one http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobinterviewtypes/a/videointer v.htm
I think approaching the site from your angle is my best bet. I believe that just having a place to "practice" would be beneficial. As far as a revenue model, I feel a standard sponsorship ad model would probably work best. Maybe even Adsense? What do you think?

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Get Out of Debt

I think this is a great idea. I would definately use it to practice and improve
my career. I like the name "CandidEight", but I would put a "the" before it.
You could definately use both advertising and employer fees to make a
profit, I think employers would think this is an invaluable tool, it would
shave countless hours off of the hiring process.

If you do decide to go ahead with this, let me know. I own a graphic design
studio and would love to do your print graphics. Maybe a logo and some
print promotional material to present to employers and such.