Posted under Resumes on May 10th, 2007
In a March 2007 survey of 309 employers, 89% said they would watch a video resume if it was submitted. The survey, conducted by Vault.com, a leading research firm, showed that while only 17% of the respondents had actually viewed a video resume, the majority are receptive to the concept. A quick search of YouTube turned up 1,100 video resumes; however a recent USA Today article reported the site contained more than 4,000 video resumes.
While YouTube may have spawned the idea, others have been quick to jump into the fray. CareerBuilder, Jobster, WorkBlast, and Vault are offering video resume services, and Monster.com is considering the idea.
My HR background of course had me wondering if it’s legal. Essentially, there is no legislation and little EEOC guidance around the use of video resumes. Employers are warned not to let any information related to race, gender, or disability affect hiring decisions (this law has been on the books as long as I’ve been around). Still, from a policy viewpoint, it should be interesting to see how employers react.
In the meantime, what makes a good video resume? According to CareerBuilder, you should:
- Keep it short: Three minutes or less, so busy hiring managers don’t turn you off before you’ve made yourself memorable.
- Dress for success: This is going to be your first impression, so dress like you’re heading for a job interview.
- Know your audience: Tailor your video for the job and industry that interests you. One-size-fits-all videos aren’t as effective.
- Say “cheese”: This is your chance to go beyond your paper. Rather than simply reading aloud, highlight your personality so hiring managers know you’re a good fit.
Posted by Michele Haffner
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Louise Kursmark on 11 May 2007 at 10:31 am #
Michele, there was some interesting discussion about video resumes at the recent Kennedy Recruiting Conference.
Tony Lee of Adicio made the point that we won’t know if there are any legal-hiring issues (and what specifically those issues might be) until someone, somewhere initiates a suit charging bias on the basis of a video resume.
The evolution of this latest phenomenon is something we career professionals (and job seekers) should keep our eyes on over the next few months and years.
Don Goodman on 14 May 2007 at 11:59 am #
Given that the current generation has grown up on videos, there is no stopping the trend of video resumes. I think that employers will surely embrace video resumes as it gives them a quick and easy view of a potential candidate. However, I’m not convinced that it is good for the candidate.
The purpose of your resume is to get an interview. The purpose of the interview is to build rapport, get them to like you, acknowledge your technical/leadership skills and obtain a job offer. The candidate completely loses control of that process with a video interview. Plus the video had better be compelling, and few candidates really know how to make a great video. Other issues that can come up are your age and your appearance.
Although resume videos are coming, I would only suggest them to my clients for special circumstances.