Video CVs are a Long Way from Commonplace
24 July 2008 – A recent survey conducted by MRINetwork, one of the world’s largest executive search organisations, has shown that most job seekers stick to conventional CVs. Despite the prominence of the internet in job searching today, most people do not use videos to enhance their presence in this very visual medium.
Survey results of more than 500 potential candidates reveal that only 4 per cent have used a video CV in a job search. “It’s too soon to say whether video CVs will take off”, says Michael Jalbert, President of MRINetwork. “Right now we estimate there are probably less than 200 of them posted on various sites, but there are companies that are trying to develop business around this concept”.
“Video CVs have been around for years”, notes Jalbert. “The growth of broadband connections and the existence of easy-to-use video-making applications will most likely spur usage as more candidates hoping to stand out from the competition post video CVs online to boost their chances of being noticed and hired”, he says.
Jalbert cautions that employers have to be careful when considering video CVs. “Videos can reveal information – age, disabilities, race, religion – that should not be factors in the decision about who gets the job”, he says. “Employers viewing the CVs must learn to ignore appearances and focus strictly on qualifications”.
As the current crop of university students enters the job market, Jalbert anticipates that video CVs will grow in popularity. “The younger generation has grown up with YouTube and MySpace as part of their lives”, he observes, “and they are more likely to embrace the idea in larger numbers. They are already being approached while still on campus by new businesses trying to convince them that video CVs are the next big thing”.
If you are planning to use a video CV, Jalbert offers a few tips:
- Use an appropriate introduction and closing for the recording. Your introduction should be brief, explaining who you are and the purpose and format for the video. Your closing should provide a very specific next step for the employer to follow in making direct contact with you.
- Ask a capable friend, relative or colleague to review and critique your video CV.
- If you are distributing your CV via CD or DVD, have copies made for you professionally to avoid the “did-it-in-my-basement” look.
- Label each recording with a printed label, including your name and contact information.
- Include your written CV with the recording.
“I don’t think a video CV will ever be a substitute for a well structured face-to-face interview”, concludes Jalbert. “You will still have to interview live, in person, for the company and be prepared for the tough behavioural-based questions that you are most likely to be asked”.
About MRINetwork Worldwide:
MRINetwork is one of the world’s largest search and recruitment organisations with over 1,000 offices in more than 35 countries. MRINetwork has been a leader and innovator in recruitment for more than 40 years and its proprietary Accelerated Recruitment™ approach is a customised combination of its streamlined methodology and the knowledge of its industry experts from all major business sectors, all over the world.
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