Do you believe that video-resumes and video-job postings are the future?
Since the recruiting world is constantly changing, and every day there is something new to learn, do you consider that major job boards will start using videotaped resumes (instead of the classic black on white written one) and videotaped job descriptions? Do you consider that this will make job boards charge th job seeker for the service or not? I would appreciate some pros and cons...
Thanks all
Clarification added August 30, 2007:
Ok, how about voice recordings (like a radio spot) as far as resumes go?
Good Answers (4)
Will D
Human Resources Professional
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I hope not. And I also hope my answer is forthright and engaging enough to convince you and others that video resumes are not the best way to find great candidates. To be frank, this sort of hiring practice is pure exclusion based upon superficial characteristics. It is imperative that organizations ask of themselves if that's the cornerstone upon which they would like to build their human equity brand.
As prudent business people we should not allow ourselves to repeat the mistakes of the past simply because the scheme by which to do so has been changed. Let's not fall prey to the shiny allure of technological advances at every turn we take. Of course, many uses of technology are great and we all bow to their arrival. But taking the human out of human resources will never be a wise process improvement for the simple reason that we will all never be anything but.
The proponents of video resumes will tell you that they allow a candidate’s persona to shine through, their video resume will make a bigger impact than a traditional one, and that one can quickly gauge a person's soft skills. However, they don't tell you how many takes it took for the candidate to read those lines or how much of the video has been edited to present the candidate just so. Never mind even mentioning the ever present fear of potential discrimination. Studies by Harvard have proven that we are even capable of discrimination based solely on a person's name, much less their general appearance.
The truth is video resumes are dragging our discrimination out into the light. Most managers all make decisions about one's appearance, their backgrounds, and their lifestyles based on our own life experiences, but would never peep a word of that to anyone else. And now, with this contemporary spin on the resume, we're all faced with a well lit view of our own preconceptions. So now the video resume has forced us to ask ourselves, "Will I succumb to a fad that I know invites discrimination into my company?"
To answer Oana's question directly; Yes, I do think job boards will pursue video resumes as another business line. And of course, these companies have every right to do explore new profit opportunities. However, we as business consumers should not allow this market to develop and send a clear message to discourage it. We're all open to new and inventive ideas to help the hiring & recruiting process, but this just isn't one of them.
Conversely, video job posting are a superb example of just that; technology reshaping the contemporary job search. And even when they’re just marketing-driven with no real substance, they’re still pretty much harmless in the hiring process. No doubt, this could be real fun, engaging way for companies to present the benefits of joining their organizations to candidates everywhere. And a much better, less liable, and smarter way to engage technology.
John K
Project Manager at OGPlanet
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Video Job postings yes. Real-time video interviews..yes..especially for international jobs.
Video job postings do make sense to convey a much more involving presentation to potential recruits as well as differentiation...as the job market becomes more and more competitive for employers...I do see video job postings as increasing.
Video resumes. No.
There are legal, ethical...and other issues that video resumes would present for usage outside of those industries where video usage is integral.
Karl G
CTO/Owner Intelligent Fusion, Enterprise Architect, Business Strategist, PhD
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I actually disagree with the legal angle on discrimination (unless a company required them). It's not that different than including a photograph (which some folks do) and noone would question the legality of a candidate including a photo (although you could question the wisdom).
I think video resumes could be quite useful to augment an existing resume where you might also include a link to your video rather than replacing the printed version.
That said, I'm sure video resumes will lead to discrimination for many positions. But probably much more discrimination against, er, less beautiful or non-skinny people or poor speakers than explicitly racial. I'd bet many video resumes would be a negative, but few would actually realize this.
I really don't think that this is a good idea. For a number of reasons. People make a lot of first impressions on looks. So if the individual is scruffy or stammering in the video then they are not necessarily going to get a first interview. Second, what about those people who are better at writing rather than effectively presenting.
I do think though, that webcam interviews (to save on time and cost) are something of the future. Does anyone have any statistics on the use of webcams for a first interview?
Links:
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Sheilah E
Owner, ★SME Management:.......... Business Management and Accounting Consultant
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I think video resumes are a huge mistake. Far too many opportunities for disciminination and personal bias' to come into play.
Sheilah
Eileen B
IT Professional, Information Security Quality Assurance Operations & Administration / President, CMU SEI LI SPIN
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Sounds too much like video dating and opens up a whole new set of legal issues that I am uncertain I would like to be a part of.
Eileen
Based on my experience (actually designing a video resume site), I see a lot of value in video resumes especially when it comes to the international community looking for opportunity else where, but I believe there are far to many issues here in the States have have to be worked out.
Example - Universities and government can not use a video resume system because of the potential bias it brings to the hiring process. Legal would be working overtime if everyone used it now.
As we move to smaller offices with more remote workers, the video resume system will actually play a key role in that market, until then most will avoid because of the legal issues.
Nick H
Entrepreneur, Start Up Consultant and Coach, and Team Builder
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One simple consideration: we can eyeball a lot of written resumes in the time a single video resume would be done loading, and it's hard to scan a video for keywords. It's about velocity.
Oana
My opinion. I echo the comments on discrimination. Unless you are a trained actor/presenter used to video it is very difficult for anyone to come across as well as they would in reality. Nerves kick in and people mince their words. Even video conferencing well is an art in itself. Might be useful for models, actors, TV presenters.
Voice recordings are superfluous as any serious recruitment probably involves some telephone activity where I am sure judgements are also made.
A
If we are able to address legal and ethical issues involving video resumes, I believe they would be a positive move in the right direction to assist recruiters and hiring managers. I would endorse it!
Chris R
I help employers "humanize" themselves through audio jobcasts. Learn more at Jobsinpods.com
Best Answers in: Staffing and Recruiting (3)
Right now there are more video resumes than video jobs. I think this trend will continue. Employers dont have the time or money to create video ads for each job.But sites like "Jobs in Pods" are cerating audio job descriptions which employers seem to like.
Links:
Juliana H
Looking for oportunities as Financial / Marketing Analyst in Montreal, QC
Video postings are already on the web and they seem to be VERY popular. Just think of the videos that show how it is to work for Google or Microsoft. And that is appealing, at least to me. The applicant can see what are they offering before applying...
I also think that video resumes might involve legal implications, especially considering the fact that all companies care about their diversity numbers and ratios (even though they don't advertise that).
Gary K
Multifamily Property Manager
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I think job description/company description videos will be the wave of the future.
