As companies become more comfortable with video technologies, job seekers may want to consider how to take advantage of the power of video to engage the hiring manager by using a video introduction, also known as a video resume.
It’s important to note — video resumes haven’t become mainstream, yet. However, in some cases, they may make a difference in helping someone land an interview.
For example, companies such as the nonprofit Music Saves Lives have successfully incorporated video introductions as part of their hiring and candidate screening process for volunteer positions. Chief Executive Officer Russel Hornbeek says: “By requesting and watching the videos we have found those that truly have enthusiasm for our life saving programs. It’s great to be able to have our on-site touring staff recognize the volunteers chosen for the event we have them scheduled for.”
These video introductions are becoming more common in customer-facing industries such as retail, hotel, and hospitality because they offer the hiring manager an opportunity to observe the job seeker’s customer engagement and relationship skills in action.
However, it’s possible to successfully connect with a recruiter in a more traditional industry with a video introduction. Mike Ramer, president of Ramer Search Consultants—a professional recruiting firm specializing in the financial, energy, biomedical, and human resources fields—agrees that video resumes are a useful way for some candidates to demonstrate their professionalism and to help them differentiate from the crowd. According to him, “If I received a video resume, I would review it, and if it’s impressive, it can absolutely help the candidate.”
MyNextGig.com founder and CEO Richard Linden agrees. “These online video introductions are a great way for corporate recruiters to get to know the job seekers beyond the traditional resume and online social networking profile,” he says. “Many companies don’t like to be contacted face-to-face until the interview. Video introductions allow job seekers an opportunity to build a relationship with the recruiter and on the recruiter’s terms.”
MyNextGig.com’s job board offers job seekers the opportunity to create a video introduction. Its tools allow you to create a digital job profile that showcases your video resume as your application.
Linden suggests you follow these tips to create a video resume that makes a good impression:
1. Appearances are everything.
2. Short and sweet.
3. Don’t be afraid to be creative.
4. Highlights only, please.
Read the whole post on my U.S. News & World Report column.
