AI Video Resumes | drafted

A New Platform Addressing Challenges in Early Career Job Placement

The current job market presents increasing difficulties for recent graduates, often requiring extended periods to secure employment. Many find themselves accepting positions that don't fully align with their career aspirations. Recognizing this issue, Drafted, a newly launched startup, has developed a specialized jobs platform.

Focus on Students and Early-Career Professionals

Drafted specifically targets students and those in the initial stages of their careers, a demographic the company believes is underserved by established platforms like LinkedIn, Handshake, and Indeed. This focused approach allows for tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of this group.

Leveraging AI and Video Resumes for Enhanced Matching

Unlike conventional keyword-based systems, Drafted utilizes artificial intelligence and video resumes to connect candidates with potential employers. This innovative method aims to provide a more comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s suitability.

Extensive Network of Partner Companies

Drafted has already established partnerships with over 3,500 companies actively seeking new talent. This network encompasses a wide range of organizations, from emerging startups to established Fortune 500 companies, including those backed by Y Combinator, as well as industry leaders like Google, Amazon, and DoorDash.

Collaboration with Leading Universities

The platform is actively collaborating with prominent universities, including UCLA, the University of Miami, the University of Chicago, and Georgetown University, to facilitate connections between students and internship/job opportunities.

The Founders' Backgrounds

Drafted was founded by Andrew Kozlovski, a serial entrepreneur, and Rodrigo Pecchio, a former software engineer from Amazon. Their paths crossed while both were students at USC.

From Supplements to Solving Job Market Issues

Kozlovski previously founded Brainz Power, a company specializing in brain health supplements. While the business achieved revenues between $10,000 and $30,000 monthly, he sought to apply his entrepreneurial skills to a more impactful endeavor.

“I began consulting for several startups, particularly those within the Y Combinator network, gaining valuable insights into the dynamics of tech business development,” Kozlovski explained. “This experience highlighted the significant shortcomings in the job market for both startups seeking to hire and entry-level professionals seeking opportunities.”

The Genesis of Drafted

Observing the challenges faced by both employers and job seekers, Kozlovski conceived the idea for Drafted. He then enlisted Pecchio as CTO and co-founder to bring the vision to fruition – a mission to accelerate job placement for students and connect startups with the talent they require.

How Drafted Works: Candidate Profile Creation

The process begins with candidates providing their name, university affiliation, and degree information. They are then guided through the creation of a video resume, responding to common interview questions like “What distinguishes you from other applicants?” and “Describe a time you successfully navigated a difficult situation.”

Job seekers can then directly submit their profiles to companies on the platform that are currently recruiting.

Employer-Side Functionality and Filtering

Employers can efficiently filter through video resumes to identify suitable candidates. They can specify preferences for candidates from particular universities or possessing specific skill sets.

The platform then presents video resumes alongside compatibility scores, indicating the alignment between a candidate’s expertise and the company’s culture and position requirements.

The Novelty of Video Resume Integration

“Currently, no other platform prioritizes video resumes,” Kozlovski emphasized. “This approach is entirely new, and the integration of AI matching – going beyond simply analyzing PDF resumes to consider communication style and content within the video – significantly enhances efficiency for employers.”

He further explained that this allows employers to conduct numerous initial screenings in a single hour, a process that could previously take weeks.

Moving Beyond Keyword-Based Matching

Kozlovski asserts that Drafted differentiates itself from other job platforms by eschewing reliance on keywords, a practice he believes can inadvertently overlook qualified candidates. Furthermore, video resumes are more likely to capture attention and receive extended viewing compared to traditional resumes.

Future Plans and Pricing Model

Drafted intends to maintain free access for job seekers indefinitely. While currently free for employers, the startup plans to introduce a subscription model based on usage, positioned as a cost-effective alternative to traditional recruitment services.

Long-Term Vision

Looking ahead, Kozlovski envisions Drafted becoming “the primary job site that college students consider upon graduation.”

The company’s immediate focus remains on growth and expanding its student user base.