Louise McGregor Buzzword, Scam File

Doxxing

I heard this for the first time recently, despite being online for hours of every day for the last 15 years, and despite witnessing a couple of examples of it.

So what is it? Here’s the definition the Urban Dictionary gives, you’ll note it’s from 2008


Some examples;

  • in an anonymous forum someone figures out who you are IRL (in real life) and publishes your real name.
  • your social security number ends up on a site based in the former soviet union – and you’re the First Lady, Michelle Obama
  • the head of FBI’s home address was posted online (although an out-of-date address)

It sounds like a problem, and it could be in some cases, but it’s legal. Or at least it’s legal to re-publish public information.

If the information is obtained by hacking or by social engineering then a crime may have be committed, and if the information is used to infiltrate emails, commit fraud or to threaten someone that is a crime.

But publishing public information? Not a problem.

Which means we should all be smart about how much information we share online, but as the number of devices we use grows, and the amount we communicate online grows this gets harder.

image: address book via pixabay

Louise McGregor Buzzword

Showrooming

This is a function of the rise of online shopping, and refers to people selecting an item to buy in a shop, but making the purchase later online.

It’s interesting that this pattern has evolved in the early days of online shopping there was a pattern in the other direction; to research a purchase online, but make the purchase in store. Perhaps as online stores have become more trusted and distribution has become more reliable customers have taken the opportunity to make price comparisons online.

I’m guilty of showrooming and I didn’t even know what it was.

HBR this week came up with four strategies to overcome showrooming, including offering in-store discounts or making sure your product mix includes items where in store purchase is intrinsically better – buying high-fashion clothes for example.

Alternatively provide a great in-store experience and a wow website and then worry less about where people buy – as long as it’s from you.

Image; showroom

Louise McGregor HR

Job Applications via Video

If companies could use videos as part of the job ads, couldn’t they also use it as part of the recruitment process? As an employer would you believe a CV stating “Proven Sales Skills” or a video clip of the candidate giving her best sales pitch?

Actually this isn’t at all original – it was done 50 years ago by Milt Grant. See if your candidates can beat this pitch.

Wouldn’t it help you in the selection process if you could see people in action before hiring them for certain roles? You could watch a chef, view a presenter, see a sales pitch, an interview, a demonstration of their motor repair skills, a sample of their film direction work…. I’m sure there are others. It could be time consuming so maybe it’s for your shortlisted applicants rather than the hundreds of applicants.

 

image Barbie via pixabay

Louise McGregor HR

Using Videos to Recruit

What if companies used videos to recruit?

Most recruiting sites are pretty boring. Even the world leader monsterboard is all about function rather than attracting talent. Yet recruiting talented people is tough.

The standard process consists of a CV casting the best possible light on the candidate being sent in response to an advertisement written by HR for a job they may not understand.

If the candidate is lucky enough to proceed to the interview a big part of the assessment – on both sides – is whether there’s a ‘fit’ between the candidate and the team. Or more particularly the candidate and the manager.

So what if the job ad included a video?

Hi I’m Chris Smith, I could be your next manager, I’m looking for someone with a background in finance, who speaks English and French, who’s attentive to detail…. These people here could be your new colleagues…. and this is where you could be working.

Assuming the manager has some personality (which might be the big downfall in the plan!) this could be a more appealing way of marketing your company to potential talent – rather than the generic videos seen on HR sites.

Employers need to market to the YouTube generation. I haven’t seen it started anywhere yet.

image Barbie via pixabay