I am hearing thoughts on video resumes again… this is a topic that just isn’t dying (even though some people think it’s a horrible idea, and others think it’s an awesome idea and traditional resumes better watch out!).
Last week I had a thought… I personally don’t like the idea of a “video resume,” as in a video clip that takes the place of a resume… I’m not a recruiter who reviews hundreds of resumes each day, but I have had times where I’ve had to fill a few positions and the idea of watching video resumes would have been enough to make me insane.
I don’t think it’s possible that video resumes replace traditional resumes.
However, what about something that can complement the traditional resume?
What about a “video profile?”
Just changing the word from “resume” to “profile” is pretty powerful – no longer are we trying to replace the resume… we are simply delivering something that someone can view if they want, in addition to viewing my resume.
Here’s the cool thing – video profiles have been around for YEARS. It’s nothing new. I think they are, or can be (if done right), highly effective.
But don’t think of them as replacing that steadfast document: the traditional resume.
Thanks for your thoughts. I couldn’t agree more. There is no question that a “traditional” resume presents quantifiable information about candidates much more efficiently than a video can. I think where it gets interesting is in the middle of the process, for example, replacing a series of time-consuming phone screens or validating a solid choice for getting a candidate on an airplane for an out-of-state interview. I also think that cover letters are a very powerful way to determine suitability, since the manager is able to evaluate a candidate’s thought process and their specific response to a job description (not to mention their writing skills). With a solid resume, cover letter, and video profile presented to the hiring manager, finalists invited to an in-person interview should have a high likelihood of a good match.
Great post, by the way.
Whenever I hear someone talk about “video resumes”, I remember the occassional one that gets on Youtube and becomes viral.
When you write out a resume, you can make it so that you don’t sound pretentious.
But in video form, there’s no way to avoid it.
Malcom