General-Electric (Energy-Europe), has just launched a recruitment campaign for its future employees via the game Second Life. Judging by the number of interviews and applications received, this strategy has been a real success.

Designed to be a simulation of a real society, the game allows players to live a “Second Life” in the person of an “avatar” controlled by the players themselves in a world of their own making.

Second Life has recently been criticised for its potential to act as a showcase for a number of dubious causes. But despite seeming strange, the merits of this initiative by Energy-Europe cannot be denied.

Over a thousand CVs have been received by the company’s Human Resources manager and the companies involved with the recruitment campaign. Around a hundred applicants made it to through to the interview stage, which was also held on a virtual basis!

And after a virtual interview involving two avatars, the successful candidates were offered very real jobs!