Video Resumes Are Not the Answer

I've been meaning to write about this for some time, but just came across a post on HR Guy's blog that said exactly what I have been thinking (thereby saving me quite some time!)

Every manager and HR person I've talked to hates the idea of video resumes in any context. The only people with interest are three types of people:

1. HR and managers who are curious about it but don't want it to become popular
2. Companies that have video resume products to sell
3. People who are desperate to get a step up in competitive areas or markets

When I started my company, most of my clients were creative professionals. I tried to devise something new and innovative that would allow them to display their work and get noticed. My web developers came up with some beautiful Flash templates and an amazing little content management system that let me customize them for each client. These things were like little movie trailers only for a person. They were really cool and I was very excited.

The only problem was that no one wanted to buy them. And they were right. Despite being a former HR exec, who had handled the stress of trying to fill many positions at once, I forgot to think like the old me. I forgot to ask myself whether I'd actually want a Flash promo movie instead of a resume.

The answer, of course, would have been no.

Still, all wasn't lost. I think we sold one Flash promo in 12 months before we gave up on the idea.

HR Guy is right about video resumes. They are simply a slower and more inconvenient way of screening candidates - and unless you're talented on camera (which is irrelevant for 99.9999% of all jobs) you might damage your chances of getting the job.

Comments

[John Moore]

Thanks for the info.