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Stephen Mulhern Discusses How Young People Can Reach The Right Employers by Utilising Social Media

Research suggests that having a strong academic record doesn’t guarantee that an employee will be the best candidate for a job
Celebrities, Leisure - 22 October 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Stephen Mulhern and Mike Godolphin| Login to Download

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  News Hooks:

The launch of the new film The Social Network is released on 15th of October charting the world’s most high profile social network at a time when research reveals that 86% of young people in the UK own a mobile phone with over one billion page impressions on social networking sites being made via mobile each month. The 18-34 age range accounts for about 50% of mobile social networking usage, with female usage higher than that of men, yet men account for 75% of mobile videos and 71% of mobile TV clips purchased.

More people than ever before are experimenting with new services. According to new research, 57% of 18- to 34-year-olds have interacted with a company via an SMS short code number and 60% have used their phone to access mobile content in the past three months.

Job seekers have been reliant on internet job boards when searching for a job, with 34% of people securing their last position this way. Even when the job may not be dependent on previous academic achievement, employers seem tied to the traditional recruitment approach involving a written C.V and covering letter. This is despite just 8% of interviewers believing that academic qualifications reliably indicate future performance in the job.

. Introduction:

The traditional CV with written cover letter, followed by a formal interview has been applied across most industries for decades. Yet it could become a thing of the past as some more imaginative employers now believe that creative talent isn’t best conveyed on paper. Research reveals that young people are more confident with technology, including the internet and social media. It appears they would prefer to upload a video application that communicates their personality above focusing on their academic qualifications. It also seems that youth employment experts also see this as the future, with less than one in 10 employers trusting that academic qualifications reliably indicate future performance in the job, whereas first impressions really count.

How is the entertainment industry using technology to find young talented individuals?

Joining us to discuss this further are former Redcoat and TV presenter, Stephen Mulhern and Head of Entertainment, Mike Godolphin, from Butlins.

. Suggested Questions:

How many pages are people in our area viewing on social networking sites each month?

What are the pitfalls associated with the traditional ways of recruiting?

Are some jobs are more about personality than academia?

How can young people use their internet and social media skills to help with their job search?

What about creative young people without access to the internet?

Stephen, tell us about your experiences as a former redcoat.

Where can we find out more information?