How Video Resumes Are Changing the Job Search
It's no secret that the job search process can be grueling and competitive, with job seekers struggling to catch employers' attention and stand out from the pack. As a generation of digital natives joins the workforce, they are seeking new ways to streamline a lengthy and often cumbersome hiring process and utilize the platforms and forms of expression they are most familiar with. Video resumes are one of the ways that job seekers are changing up the job hunt. Video resumes provide a medium for applicants to display their personality and creativity while highlighting skills and accomplishments that aren't easily expressed in a traditional resume format. This new type of resume is especially appealing to the digital natives of Generation Z who are entering the workforce and are accustomed to using a variety of mediums and online platforms to creatively express themselves. While video resumes are not yet common and do have drawbacks to consider, they can offer a unique opportunity for candidates to stand out and connect with potential employers in a way that is more personal and engaging.
What Are Video Resumes?
So, what are video resumes? Exactly what they sound like: a resume in the form of a short video, where job seekers speak directly to prospective employers and dynamically explain the key points of their experience and the valuable skills that are difficult to express on a paper resume. Video resumes can vary in length, although content creators usually recommend keeping them short and to the point. Similar to an elevator pitch, a video resume should quickly introduce you, your experience, and your career aspirations to the viewer. They can include any information you want to share with potential employers, such as the skills and experience that make you a good fit for the job and your reasons for wanting to work for their company. Unlike a traditional electronic or paper resume, video resumes provide an opportunity to show off your personality, creativity, and communication skills. Job seekers can directly address the hiring company, going beyond an impersonal, one-dimensional list of dates and responsibilities and creatively presenting themselves as an asset to their future team.
Seeking Creative Ways to Job Hunt
Although traditional electronic or paper resumes are not currently in danger of being replaced, video resumes may become more common as more Gen Zers enter the workforce. Born in the generation of digital natives, these new job seekers spend significant time on social media platforms, which provide a variety of mediums for expression and creativity. For employers to meet them on these platforms is a logical move, just as job ads moved from the classifieds section of the newspaper to online job boards as internet use became more common. For many internet-savvy job seekers, the traditional job search process has become inefficient and outdated, frequently requiring months of time and effort that yield few results. They are looking for new ways to speed up these processes, breach the walls of applicant tracking systems, and get themselves in front of hiring managers.
TikTok Resumes
Seeing this opportunity to provide new ways for job applicants and companies to connect, some companies like TikTok are stepping up. In July 2021, TikTok launched a month-long pilot program which invited users to create a TikTok resume for any of the jobs posted by several US employers on the platform. The jobs ranged from entry-level to senior positions in a variety of industries. Employers could view these video resumes and contact the candidate for additional information or to schedule an interview. The pilot program gained a lot of attention, and although it ended in July 2021, TikTok users can still create a public TikTok resume with #TikTokResumes. Although the video resume has not gain widespread popularity so far, with more employers utilizing social media for recruiting and a generation of digital natives joining the workforce, resumes or job descriptions in a video format may become more common in the future.
Why Should Job Seekers Use a Video Resume?
There are several reasons to consider creating a video resume. First, they can help you stand out from the crowd. With so many job seekers vying for the same position, it can be tough to get your resume noticed. A video resume combined with your traditional application is more likely to catch the attention of a hiring manager. They also provide a unique opportunity to showcase your personality and creativity, highlight skills and experience that aren't easily conveyed on a traditional resume, and connect with potential employers on a more personal level. Employers are able to get a better idea of a candidate's personality and whether they would be a good fit for the position or the company's culture. Posting a video resume on your social media accounts can help social media-savvy employers find you, as well as provide opportunities to network with other professionals in the industry you are interested in.
Cons of Video Resumes
Like any tool, there are both pros and cons to video resumes. Critics point out the potential for bias, as employers may unfairly reject candidates based on appearance or speech patterns rather than judging their skills and experience. Some candidates are uncomfortable appearing on camera and may give a poor first impression as a result, while others may lack the skill or familiarity with the technology to create a good video. And while the potential for creativity is one of the biggest pros of video resumes, candidates who focus on creativity over content may neglect to include the key details and quantifiable accomplishments that are most valued by businesses.
Length can be another stumbling block in a video resume. Content creators recommend they should be between 30-90 seconds or less. Some candidates may struggle to effectively translate their experience and qualifications into such a short video. On the other hand, even the shortest video resume will take longer for recruiters and managers to review than a traditional resume. While a traditional resume can be quickly skimmed for keywords and experience requirements, this is not the case with video resumes. Since it takes considerably longer to view video resumes, hiring managers who are already overwhelmed with applications may find it impossible to review all of the candidates who apply, making it harder for even the best applicants to get noticed.
Privacy and confidentiality are other factors to consider for resumes posted on platforms such as TikTok. Because the resumes must be publicly accessible on TikTok for potential employers to view them, candidates risk exposing their job search to their current employer or being rejected by employers who see them applying to multiple positions.
Are Video Resumes Right for You?
Video resumes can be a great way to showcase your skills and experience, but they may not be right for everyone or for every job. If you're shy or uncomfortable in front of the camera, this may not be the best option for you. However, if you're targeting a position that values creativity or if you have an interesting story to tell, a video resume may be the perfect way to stand out from the competition. If your dream job requires social media expertise or is in a creative industry, a video resume will display your familiarity with technology and social media platforms and your understanding of how to use them for professional purposes. On the other hand, those looking for jobs in a more traditional industry may want to stick with the traditional resume format for the time being.
Tips for Creating Your Own Video Resume
When you make a video resume, keep it short and sweet - no more than 90 seconds. Thirty seconds or less is typically advised. Plan your video content in advance and write a video resume script. Recite or read your video script in a natural, friendly, and professional manner. This might not be the best moment to ad-lib, but don't be afraid to let your personality show. Rerecord each part until it looks and sounds the way you want.
Carefully consider the content of your video resume. Think about what you would want to highlight on a cover letter and use your video resume to express your passion, ambition, and what makes you unique from other candidates. Introduce yourself and briefly discuss past experience, education/training, and skills that are relevant to the position, but don't just repeat what is already on your paper resume. Remember that this is an opportunity to show your personality and explain what will make you a great addition to the prospective company. Talk about your current role, the work you enjoy doing, your future goals, and how your skills can translate to your next role. Since this is a more informal medium, don't be afraid to personalize it and briefly mention your hobbies, especially if they include transferable skills.
As with all job applications, your video resume shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Tailor your video resume to the job and company you are applying for so you can specifically address how you meet the qualifications and what you find exciting about their business or the work you would be doing. Include key details and quantifiable measurements that apply to the specific job description. Employers usually want their employees to be excited about working for them, so it may jeopardize your chances of hire if they find you have five public resumes using the exact same script to express your enthusiasm for working at five different companies. Taking time to edit your resume for each job application shows you are detail oriented and committed to putting your best foot forward.
When making a video resume, it's important to take your time during the editing process. Poor sound quality, backgrounds, and other issues can make you look unskilled or distract employers from the content of your resume. To avoid these problems, be sure to edit your video carefully. Pay attention to sound quality and make sure there are no background noises or other distractions. When it comes to creating a video resume that will make a lasting impression on a hiring manager, taking the time to edit and polish your presentation is essential. You don't have to be an expert video editor, but you do need to put in the time to make sure everything looks and sounds the way you want it to.
Finally, post your resume on social media and your LinkedIn profile and see who you connect with, or submit it directly to a potential employer with your application. Don't forget to follow safe internet practices though-- if your resume is public, you will probably want to avoid using your last name or giving out your direct contact information.
Embracing New Methods of Recruiting and Hiring
As more digital natives join the workforce and become hiring managers themselves, the video resume may become more common, either independently or as an addition to a traditional resume, similar to a cover letter. Whether they are here to stay or just a fad, it is undeniable that employers need to look beyond the traditional methods of finding candidates to connect with a new generation of workers. Meeting them on their own turf-- whether TikTok or other social media platforms-- is a great way to appeal to a young workforce that many employers are currently struggling to reach. And while creating a video resume may not be right for all candidates, prospective employers can likely assume that those that do create them are both very interested in the position and invested in making a good impression, in addition to being tech and social media savvy.
In a changing job market, employers will need to be open to going beyond traditional recruitment methods and using multiple platforms to find the best talent. In addition to being platforms for job seekers, social media may also provide new ways for companies to advertise their job openings. Gen Zers tend to be more conscious of both their own brand and employers’. They want to know the company they will be working for prior to accepting a job offer, including who they are, what they stand for, and what their culture is like. Just as job seekers look to catch the attention of employers through video resumes, employers may be able to attract more candidates by using video ads instead of traditional ones. By allowing candidates to see inside the company and meet employees, video ads may become more effective in reaching Gen Zers than traditional text-based job postings.
While video resumes have some drawbacks, they offer a creative way for candidates to stand out, showcase their personality and creativity, and connect with employers in a more personal way than traditional resumes allow. They can be especially appealing to social media-savvy Gen Zers and are a great way to help hiring managers see candidates' skills in action. To be successful in a changing hiring landscape, companies will need to be open to using a variety of strategies to find potential candidates and address the needs of multiple generations of workers, including utilizing social media and accepting new forms of applications. Consider whether a video resume may be right for you in your next job search!
