Mobile Curriculum Vitae (m-CV) is a Web-based CV offering people a more effective way of CV writing, editing, storing, and presentation. It is developed on weblog that can be displayed in both web and mobile versions. By publishing the CV online, the users can print or view the CV via Internet using various mobile devices such as smart phone, tablet PC, net book and laptop. Although the traditional CV is still being practiced until today, the self-marketing strategy is now shifting gears. This is due to the revolution of information and technology that has encouraged the value of ICT applications in our everyday lives (Mohammad et al, 2007). Besides, personal computers or laptops which now replace type-writers are mostly available at home to make CV editing and CV preparation more flexible. Since a well-prepared CV enhances the chances of graduates in getting an interview (Hesse, 2006; Middleton, 2007), this highlights the significant touch of IT towards generations. In the global era, graduates face new challenges and competition in getting their dream careers. In fact, a CV in this digital age is no longer a statement of career experience to date, but a marketing document (Holmes, 2003; Hesse, 2006; Middleton, 2007). Boyle (2010) is of the view that building a network helps graduates to promote themselves to potential employers and companies. This is due to the informal networking that can take place anywhere with anybody – family, friends and even people online. Thus, the m-CV can be an alternative since it allows user to publish a CV online in which it can be viewed by potential employer or recruiters who are looking for candidate (Holmes, 2003).
A study was conducted in a form of survey to investigate the acceptance of m-CV on a group of 200 diploma students in one of the Malaysian universities-Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Penang Campus using questionnaires based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). After conducting a two-hour seminar on the m-CV, a total of 191 questionnaires were collected. Descriptive analysis was done using SPSS based on 4 point Likert scale. The study found that m-CV was perceived to be more useful rather than ease of use. It reports on how far the diploma students are in favor of using the online method instead of the traditional way to create their CVs. The study attests the process involved in user acceptance of using information and communication technology (ICT) in the making of CV that can be modeled and predicted.Top 10 reasons having a m-CV are listed as follows.
- m-CV shows an innovative way of presenting an individual CV in applying a desirable job.
- m-CV can be written, edited, presented, and stored online in high speed.
- m-CV is convenient since one’s CV can be achieved directly through handheld devices anytime and anywhere once it is connected to Internet.
- m-CV is time and cost saving in CV preparation and presentation.
- m-CV is the most effective ways to “publicize” and “sell” oneself in 24 hours a day and 7 days a week due to today’s highly competitive job market.
- m-CV increase the chance of getting the dream job by impressing the future employer whether in the CV presentation and job interview.
- m-CV is enhanced with multimedia features-m-CV owner’s videos, pictures and audio files can be uploaded to present oneself in a more interactive and live manner.
- Having an individual m-CV shows an extra soft skill in computer programming, web design, as well as hypertext and Java script writing.
- m-CV can keep motivating and upgrade oneself based on the record of self-achievement.
- m-CV is eco-friendly since the use of m-CV advocates the “Green Campaign”–no paper and inks are used.
m-CV is presented in Invention, Innovation, & Design (IID) Penang on 10-11 September 2011 at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Penang Campus, Malaysia. An individual who wishes to create his or her own m-CV can sign up a consultation package. This includes the set up of personal m-CV hosted by Blogger.com (the m-CV owner’s copyright will be protected by Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License), content delivery, Web design, Web marketing, and other technical issues. Click HERE to access m-CV.*To find out how to create your m-CV, please click HERE to fill up the feedback form.