In today's competitive job market, job seekers constantly search for ways to stand out from the crowd. One trend that is gaining popularity is the use of video resumes. Video resumes are one- to two-minute videos that allow job seekers to showcase their skills, experience, and personality to potential employers.
In a survey conducted by LinkedIn in 2021, 76% of hiring managers believed that a pre-recorded video from a job seeker would be helpful. Both job seekers and hiring managers see the short video as a way to introduce the applicant's personality above and beyond the ability of the written cover letter to do the same.
According to data from Google Trends, searches for "video resumes" have been steadily increasing since 2017, with a significant spike in March 2020. This spike was surely brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to reach out when confined by the lockdown. However, like many other impacts of the pandemic, the video resume or cover letter seems here to stay.
LIGHTS, CAMERA... STOP AND THINK
As you consider creating your own video profile, here are some crucial points to consider:
The video is not a replacement for a written resume or cover letter. The video may be an excellent way to stand out, but hiring managers still need quality documented records of your qualifications and desire for the job.
The video resume is not the time for your life story. Video resumes should be a short, punchy introduction to your personality and your work. No hiring manager will want to sit through a video of over three minutes that is a mere reading of your resume.
The video resume may not be right for every application or every position. While the video is a great chance for creatives to show off their work or skills like presenting, more traditional roles like accounting or finance may not be interested in a video or find it useful.
BENEFITS OF A VIDEO RESUME
If you decide a video resume is right for you, they offer several benefits that traditional resumes cannot match. Here are a few advantages of using a video resume:
- Showcase Your Personality: A traditional resume can provide a glimpse into your skills and experience but doesn't show your personality. Video resumes allow job seekers to showcase their personalities and communicate their passion for the job.
- Stand Out from the Crowd: With hundreds of resumes flooding recruiters' inboxes, it can be challenging to stand out. A video resume allows job seekers to differentiate themselves and make a lasting impression.
- Highlight Your Communication Skills: Effective communication skills are essential in almost every job. A video resume allows job seekers to demonstrate their communication ability, which can be a valuable asset in many industries.
- Better Engagement: Video resumes offer a more engaging and interactive experience for recruiters. They can quickly get a sense of the candidate's personality and whether they would be a good fit for the company culture.
- Show Don't Tell: Video resumes allow job seekers to show their skills and experience in action. For example, a graphic designer can showcase their work or a salesperson can demonstrate their pitch skills.
CHALLENGES OF VIDEO RESUMES
While video resumes offer many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider. Here are a few potential drawbacks of using a video resume:
- Technical Issues: Creating a video resume requires technical skills, such as video editing and lighting. Job seekers unfamiliar with these skills may struggle to create a high-quality video resume.
- Time-Consuming: Creating a video resume can be time-consuming, especially for job seekers unfamiliar with the process. It can take several hours to film and edit a one- to two-minute video.
- Bias: Video resumes may be subject to bias based on factors such as race, gender, and appearance. To combat this, some companies have implemented blind hiring practices where video resumes are not viewed until later in the hiring process.
THE VIDEO RESUME IS HERE TO STAY
While creating a video resume offers rewards and risks, they are not simply a trend and are likely here to stay. Both applicants and hiring managers alike see them as a great way to stand out and be noticed. Carefully consider if a video is right for you, be aware of the benefits and risks, and you can create a message about yourself and your personality that just might help you land that dream job.