Video Resumes: Lights, Camera...CUT!!

Job competition can be fierce and thinking of ways to promote yourself above that competition is growing. Video resumes are becoming more popular in the job market.  But, are there really advantages to submitting a video resume or could it have an adverse effect?  Some say it's not worth the effort and could actually worsen your chance of being hired for your dream job. Others believe they provide an edge over other competition and seal the deal. 

Let's look at a couple of scenarios that may help us understand the difference between sealing the deal and spoiling the deal.

Susan - Scenario #1

Susan is a recent graduate with a love for animals. She is a well-rounded individual who volunteers weekly at the local animal shelter caring for homeless pets. She also volunteers at her grandmother's assisted living facility on Friday nights during bingo. Susan is seeking her first job and submits her application for a job advertised at a neighboring city veterinary hospital as a pet aide. It's the perfect job for her since she loves animals. Susan decides to submit a video resume that includes her working with the "fury children"  at the shelter. She's dressed professionally and interacts with the staff in part of her video also. The Human Resources Manager at the veterinary office reviews all of Susan's information but isn't sold on her experience since Susan has no real job experience. After viewing the video resume, it's obvious Susan is the best fit for the job. Her video displays not only her interaction with the shelter animals but demonstrates her duties and interaction with shelter staff. Susan's video resume was a success! 

Sarah - Scenario #2

Now, let's change it up a bit with Sarah's scenario. Sarah has similar credentials: recent graduate, loves animals, volunteers at a shelter and assisted living facility. However, Sarah has some additional experience working at a local pet store. Sarah is also applying for the job at the veterinary hospital and also submits a video resume. However, Sarah's video is produced in her "not-so-tidy" bedroom and she didn't bother to change out of her gym clothes into something more appropriate. Her video is more of a giggly list of skills or unrelated hobbies that do not positively affect the position she is seeking. The Human Resources Manager reviews Sarah's application and is impressed with her employment and volunteer work. Then HR reviews the video resume and Sarah's experience is instantly countered by her unprofessional dress, disorganized room, and ineffective presentation. Sarah's video resume may ultimately cost her a job opportunity that she would have otherwise received.

Conclusion

While some employers are accepting video resumes others reject them for fear of being accused of discrimination. Laws protect the rights of applicants by not allowing certain questions to be asked on employment applications. However, a video resume provides visual information that could be viewed as an invitation to discriminate. 

Other unconventional methods may serve a better outcome than a video resume. For instance, a personal webpage can be created to  demonstrate a portfolio of design work for an artist seeking a graphic designer position. The webpage link can be referenced on the employment application to provide examples of work produced.

If you are given the opportunity to submit an electronic version of yourself, (video, webpage, etc.) accurately and professionally represent your image - unless your goal is to remain unemployed!


Author Note:  The names and scenario details are purely fictional and are not representative of anyone or any actual life events.