Video CVs are a Long Way from Commonplace

A recent survey conducted by MRINetwork, one of the worldís largest executive search organisations, has shown that most job seekers stick to conventional CVs. Despite the prominence of the internet in job searching today, most people do not use videos to enhance their presence in this very visual medium.

Survey results of more than 500 potential candidates reveal that only 4 per cent have used a video CV in a job search. ìItís too soon to say whether video CVs will take offî, says Michael Jalbert, President of MRINetwork. ìRight now we estimate there are probably less than 200 of them posted on various sites, but there are companies that are trying to develop business around this conceptî.

ìVideo CVs have been around for yearsî, notes Jalbert. ìThe growth of broadband connections and the existence of easy-to-use video-making applications will most likely spur usage as more candidates hoping to stand out from the competition post video CVs online to boost their chances of being noticed and hiredî, he says.

Jalbert cautions that employers have to be careful when considering video CVs. ìVideos can reveal information ñ age, disabilities, race, religion ñ that should not be factors in the decision about who gets the jobî, he says. ìEmployers viewing the CVs must learn to ignore appearances and focus strictly on qualificationsî.

As the current crop of university students enters the job market, Jalbert anticipates that video CVs will grow in popularity. ìThe younger generation has grown up with YouTube and MySpace as part of their livesî, he observes, ìand they are more likely to embrace the idea in larger numbers. They are already being approached while still on campus by new businesses trying to convince them that video CVs are the next big thingî.

If you are planning to use a video CV, Jalbert offers a few tips:

ï Use an appropriate introduction and closing for the recording. Your introduction should be brief, explaining who you are and the purpose and format for the video. Your closing should provide a very specific next step for the employer to follow in making direct contact with you.

ï Ask a capable friend, relative or colleague to review and critique your video CV.

ï If you are distributing your CV via CD or DVD, have copies made for you professionally to avoid the ìdid-it-in-my-basementî look.

ï Label each recording with a printed label, including your name and contact information.

ï Include your written CV with the recording.

ìI donít think a video CV will ever be a substitute for a well structured face-to-face interviewî, concludes Jalbert. ìYou will still have to interview live, in person, for the company and be prepared for the tough behavioural-based questions that you are most likely to be askedî.