Video Job Applications
Blog Reposted from Feb 2020
I was asked last week to submit a video introduction with my CV for a working partnership with a modern, fashionable company. It’s not something unheard of and I’ve done plenty of videos in the past, and yet I found myself agonizing over the details. This led me to dig a little deeper and learn more about Video Interviewing.
By far the biggest advantage, one that I have been preaching for years, is that the balance of experience and education is tipped simply by adding an immediate injection of personality, attitude and the all important body language factor. This is important because many viable candidates are often immediately discounted as a result of not meeting statutory requirements on paper.
Personality is something you don’t get with the plain old Cover Letter and this therefore means that businesses are cutting down on valuable recruitment turnaround times in not having to wait for face to face interview to answer some of their basic questions. I would say that the shift in Talent Acquisition is clear, personal attributes rather than purely education and experience are now in the driving seat.
There could unfortunately, for all concerned, be clear disadvantages with this methodology. Is there a possibility that immediate impressions could lead to unfavourable responses? Candidates may feel that they have been discriminated against for reasons such as appearance. It is important that businesses provide all round feedback to candidates and use a transparent, clearly balanced recruitment process of which video introductions can be a useful and fundamental part.
According to RecRight.com statistics show:
•Companies are 2.7 times more likely to improve their cost per hire using video interviews;
•Recruiting agencies report 800% more engagement with job postings that have video embedded;
•83% of candidates are satisfied with video interviews as a method;
•Job listings with videos get 34% more applications than listings without;
•63% of recruiters spend 10 minutes or less reviewing one candidate’s video;
•Best-in-class companies are 61% more likely to use video tools for interviewing candidates compared to other companies
*https://www.recright.com/en/video-recruitment/
One of my thoughts was that perhaps this process would potentially deter good candidates from applying, yet the statistics seem to imply that more candidates are applying than would normally do so. It is true that many people are what we call, visual learners and may feel more empowered by the opportunity to create rather than write.
Top Tips
So you are ready to create a Video Introduction, where do you begin? The script, of course, is a great start. How do you go about writing the winning script? Bear in mind that you have 15 seconds in which to captivate your audience!
As I said above, the Video Introduction is focusing on personal attributes and less on education and experience. Your aim, therefore, is to highlight your best attributes. What sort of things should this mean? Communication skills, verbal ability, eye contact, posture and body language, voice tone and emphasis are all considerations.
Start by sitting down and brainstorming what makes you, you. This does not mean that you define yourself by your profession. This is not the point of your video introduction! Focus on the skills and attributes you possess which make you the perfect candidate for the position for which you are applying – aim for relevance. If I were applying for a Primary Teaching Role I would want to portray my ability to communicate with a range of different levels in a positive and enthusiastic manner. I would want to discuss some of my favourite teaching methodologies and why they light my fire for example.
When you were writing your CV were there things you struggled to put into words? Were there things that you felt would have been nice to include but perhaps not ‘professional’ enough? Are these things you can include in your script?
Once you have your script – only 1 to 3 minutes of recorded speech – you need to practice it and preferably learn it. Know it, so it very clearly came from you. One trick is to practice it in front of the mirror and watch yourself carefully enunciate every word; the mirror forces you to open your mouth and speak clearly! Failing that, read your script to your friends and family and get their feedback.
Content is ready, now you have to prepare yourself! This is an application that could change your life, so I would say regardless of the position, you should try to dress smartly – formal attire if possible. One of the reasons I’ve been putting off doing my video is that I’m not due at the hairdressers until Saturday! So grooming is also super important as it is a reflection of your attention to detail; how much you attend to yourself could be a direct reflection on how much attention you give to your work. It’s all about perception I’m afraid. Think about what kind of first impression you wish to make.
Script – check; personal grooming- check; location…choose a quiet spot in the house with good acoustics and minimal background interference. Choose a blank wall if at all possible. Try to make sure the light isn’t shining in behind you and if you can, use a microphone attached to your camera.
I picked up some useful dos and donts from a recent Ted Talks presentation:
I do think that this is the way forwards; along with video Job Descriptions, Interactive Org Charts and Career Case Studies this could help recruiters to provide a far more transparent and equitable recruitment process.
Good Luck with your filming!