Using Blockchain to Verify a Candidate's Credentials and Fill Job Vacancies

Image: APPII

While researching articles for the previous post on this blog about Microsoft's Resume Assistant, which aims to help craft a compelling resume and see relevant job opportunities on LinkedIn, I read an article by Bernard Marr in Forbes who writes that "a new and potentially revolutionary application of blockchain technology could have wide-ranging implications for the way employers assess candidates and fill vacancies."

APPII Limited, Mr. Marr says, leverages blockchain’s function "as a 'trustless' system to give employers confidence that the candidate sitting in front of him is who he or she say they are." Based in London, England, APPII claimes to be "the world's first blockchain career verification platform."

"Blockchain," Mr. Marr notes, "is basically a method of recording information on a distributed and encrypted ledger – eliminating the need for trust, or middle-men in many applications. Today it is best known as the breakthrough technology behind virtual currency Bitcoin. But it has implications for any industry which relies on recording, storing and tracking transactions."

He further provides a thorough, yet simple explanation on how APPII's platform works:

APPII's platform allows candidates to create Intelligent Profiles – recording details of professional achievement or educational certification on the distributed ledger, where it can be verified and then permanently recorded.

It then allows organizations such as businesses or educational institutions to verify the "assertions" that candidates make during applications. By recording on a candidate’s profile that an assertion has been verified, there is no need for it to be checked again in the future.

It also uses facial recognition technology to verify the identity of candidates, by asking them to take a picture using the mobile app and comparing it to a photograph on official identification documents such as passports.

I share Mr. Marr's enthusiasm that "it's certainly very exciting to see blockchain starting to be put to use in some innovative ways, and making it possible for us to do things we just wouldn’t be able to do before. The concept of a distributed and encrypted ledger has obvious implications in finance - where many are speculating it can replace many of the traditional functions of a bank. But beyond that, I believe it can effectively and innovatively be put to use for just about any function which involves recording, verifying and tracking data."

In addition, I support APPII's assertion that "having the credentials of an individuals CV verified by educators or accreditors and former employers is of enormous benefit." The company further says,

Blockchain technology can be put to great use in the recruitment sector. The recruitment sector after all is a broker industry. The technology can assist in expediting commodity processes undertaken by intermediaries unlocking valuable capital to be put to better use by employers in growing or optimizing their businesses.

In APPIIs case, the broker role currently undertaken by 3rd party verification companies is superseded by the blockchain technology and network. The technology makes the process immeasurably faster and, at the same time, ultra-trustworthy.

The blockchain technology ensures that the verification activity only happens once and is stored securely and permanently for any person or organisation that wishes to view it. The technology also eradicates double handling and processing by multiple verification providers.

What do you think about using blockchain to verify an individual's curriculum vitae/resume or as a job recruitment tool?

Aaron Rose is an advisor to talented entrepreneurs and co-founder of great companies. He also serves as the editor of Solutions for a Sustainable World.