It’s official: recruiting has entered the twenty-first century.  A few weeks ago, I introduced the concept of Web 3.0, and what do you know?  We’re here already.  TMP Worldwide is working with exclusive companies including eBay, Microsoft, HP and Verizon, to create NiW (Network In World), the world’s first virtual, 3D interactive job fair, held in Second Life on May 15-17, 2007.

Second Life is the world's first 3-D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and today has nearly a half-billion registered users from around the globe.  Upon entering the World, you uncover a vast digital continent, teeming with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity.

For the job fair, which meets over three days, you’ll show up on TMP Worldwide Island, will get briefed on how to interact inside Second Life, and then will be teleported directly to your interview locations. Inside the companies’ locations on the island, you’ll meet recruiters, hiring managers or both, and have time to chat and ask questions about available positions or the organizations in general.

NiW happens over three days, so you can meet with multiple companies, at convenient times. Registering on Second Life and creating your Avatar (the virtual you) is the first step, followed by putting in requests for the companies you’d like to meet with and request the day/s and time/s you'd like to attend. If your qualifications meet the needs of the employers, you will be contacted. 

If you’re currently on the job market, why wouldn’t you do this?  It’s one of the few networking and job hunting activities that actually sounds fun.  A special thanks to Steven at CollegeRecruiter.com for turning us on to this fascinating opportunity.