More video resumes aren’t the answer

November 4, 2007 · Filed Under Finding Your Job 

MSNBC writes about how video resumes aren’t the answer to your job hunting woes. Surprisingly, they talked to me. I wonder why?

They talked quite a bit to Aleskey Vayner who did the Impossible is Nothing video resume. Vayner is still looking for a job. I know you’re probably as surprised about that as I am.

Even if Vayner’s video resume was the most spectacular failure of them all, there are apparently many small flops every single day being made that are a waste of 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

Many people have seemed to use tired arguments about phone/in-person interviews, resume and other deficiencies in the interview process. I am well aware of the deficiencies of these methods. Video resumes don’t help. They hurt job seekers when they don’t need it. Good candidates stand out because they give me a resume and cover letter that speaks to the position I am hiring for, they are competent in their field and they show a great interest in their job and our company. Video resumes can rarely communicate that better than a resume or interview.

Let’s put video resumes to bed and I’ll look forward to technology that actually helps me make better hiring decisions.

Comments

5 Responses to “More video resumes aren’t the answer”

  1. Matt Sawyer on November 9th, 2007 2:52 pm

    Is it possible you don’t like video resumes because you aren’t comfortable on camera? If you find the right type of person, who excells on screen, this would give them a distinct advantage in landing a job that would require the individual to be in a spot light position. If the shoe fits…

  2. Your HR Guy on November 9th, 2007 3:42 pm

    If you are actually interested in it, I have linked three prior posts to why I don’t like video resumes.

    I don’t need an advantage of the camera and I am fine in front of the camera. I’ve had seminars and training sessions I have done in the past video taped and been very happy with the results.

    There are plenty of people out there that aren’t great in front of the camera that I would hire over anyone else in their field. I don’t think it is valid as a distinguishing factor in a req search and I don’t think it adds anything to the process.

  3. Career Video Expert Bullhorn » Just Say “No” to Video Resumes on December 17th, 2007 12:51 pm

    [...] agrees that more video resumes aren’t the answer: Every manager and HR person I’ve talked to hates the idea of video resumes in any context. [...]

  4. systematicHR - Human Resources Strategy and Technology » Thumbs Down for Video Resumes on February 19th, 2008 1:04 am

    [...] YourHRGuy.com wrote about video resumes recently, casting an overall thumbs down for them.  Usually I’m the advocate of technology and doing/thinking about things differently.  In this case, I’m going to go with everyone else and pronounce this one to be a bad idea. [...]

  5. Tribute Media » Thumbs Down for Video Resumes on February 19th, 2008 1:08 am

    [...] YourHRGuy.com wrote about video resumes recently, casting an overall thumbs down for them.  Usually I’m the advocate of technology and doing/thinking about things differently.  In this case, I’m going to go with everyone else and pronounce this one to be a bad idea. [...]

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    Your HR Guy is a Human Resources Generalist practicing in the field. But don't let that fool you, this isn't a boring blog. I seek relevance and humor in a place we will spend much of our lives. Everything from workplace issues, job seeking and terrible bosses. Read more...

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