I’ve known about gaming applications as a hiring tool for some time now, but this new article over on the NY Times shows the serious investment being made in the development of video games to help hiring managers choose talent.
In short, more and more people will be using their thumbs to help them land the job. (My hands are aching just thinking about it!)
What If You Aren’t a Gamer?!
Okay, so if you’re reading this article and thinking, “Crud. I stink at video games. My 5 year old son, nephew, neighbor, etc. kicks my butt every time we play.” Or, “Dang. I was good at Ms. PacMan, but it’s been awhile,” then you’re not alone. Millions of job seekers aren’t gamers – and that’s okay. You’ll just need to leverage your other assets – and I’m not talking about your good looks or college degree. (Here’s an article on why college degrees don’t get you hired, passion does.)
Personality, Aptitude & Experience – They’ll Still Count For Something
While using video games might help a company identify traits in a candidate that aren’t easily recognized in an interview, they will still need to make sure that you have the:
A) Personality type that will mesh with the rest of the team. If you can’t communicate and get along with your peers, you’ll negatively impact the office environment and team productivity.
B) Aptitude to adapt to change without getting flustered. Yes, the game might be able to test that to some degree, but they’ll still want to see how you physically handle the stress. They need to ensure you are able to stay positive in your thoughts and communication style enough keep it in check and not let it affect your teammates.
C) Experience needed to maintain a certain level of professionalism. Being “professional” is learned. You spend time in an environment and come to understand the unwritten rules of proper business etiquette and teamwork requirements. Even if you were the top scorer on the video hiring game, if you can’t act like a proper professional, you won’t be selected.
Want to Skip the Games? Become a Super-Connector
I do think even when these video games become mainstream in hiring, there will still be a way to bypass this part of the process: just be a super-connector. Those that recognize their network is their net worth know building powerful relationships will always be the best way to find work. (Here’s the Ultimate Cheat Sheet on Becoming a Super-Connector.)
Super-Connectors Don’t Play Games…They’re Game-Changers!
The definition of a super-connector is someone who focuses on helping their network with their career goals. They serve their network, and in return, their network rewards them by referring them to employers looking for their type of talent. There’s a reason 80% of all jobs are gotten today via referral – it works. So, while it might not be a bad idea to pick up a video game from time to time so your eye-hand coordination stays current, I’d spend more time picking up the phone, inviting people to coffee, attending networking events, and making professional introductions for others so you can build and maintain the quality relationships needed to get doors opened for you in the future.
Humans Hire Humans to Play the Work Game Together
My advice to anyone worrying about the video game hiring trend is to remember the best companies create cultures where the employees feel like they are on the same team. Humans hire humans so they can play the work game together. Not every employer is going to use this type of hiring tool. There will always be plenty of employers out there for you to land a position with that won’t make you hurt your thumbs to get the job offer.
via Why Your Thumbs Could Hurt on Your Next Job Interview | LinkedIn.
Why Your Thumbs Could Hurt on Your Next Job Interview
