In a recent video posted on LinkedIn, Martin Houle, founder Jobzylum, urges candidates to create a video accompanying their CV.
He argues that this element is becoming “inevitable” in job search.
“This will become the norm in the near future, he argues. TikTok and Instagram’s popularity clearly shows that younger generations are super comfortable in front of a camera… sometimes a little too much!”
The founder of Jobzylum places the video as a compliment to the CV. What to think about this suggestion? Must we absolutely force ourselves, as job seekers? We asked recruiters and employers about this in order to get a broader view of the situation.
“I am in digital performance, says Sabrina Belval, associate of the Asteur web agency. I have received some, mostly YouTube links. I don’t see it as a must, obviously, but it creates one more contact with the person.”
For her, the practice is not a standard. However, it can earn points for a candidate.
“The human being, being a social butterfly, I think it’s a plus to be able to hear the person before even inviting them for an interview. If the person is not able to demonstrate his or her strengths in writing (which is not a given to everyone), he or she has a second chance on video.”
The simple act of creating the video gives the image of a person who goes above and beyond in his or her work, adds Sabrina Belval.
“The fact that the person goes to the trouble of creating a video makes me feel like he or she is going above and beyond in his or her work. In the current context, the video is not as “mandatory” as a CV or a cover letter. So, I would tend to think that the person is doing more than asked.”
The digital marketing specialist does not dare to say whether this is a temporary trend or not. However, she believes it is an asset to “differentiate yourself” in a market where employers have the upper hand.
No influencer who wants
Before we conclude too quickly that we must get started, let us look at some of the disadvantages of this medium in order to make an informed decision.
First, creating a quality video is not within everyone’s reach. You must have the right framing, the right lighting. You must add some punch.
“Even if you do your video on an adapted service, where you will be trained, guided, in the end, these videos are flat, adds Jacques Froissant, head-hunter and CEO of Altaide, in a video on the subject. It is not an easy exercise. The result is that 99.9% of the videos are uninteresting and serve the candidate more than anything else.”
Recruiters allocate a limited time to each application, recalls the head-hunter. On average 7.4 seconds according to this survey, while some videos stretch from 2 to 3 minutes! Therefore, it is an inefficient way to communicate a comprehensive list of technical skills.
Also, it is very difficult to customize a video accompanying a CV according to each company we want to submit our application to.
Overcome your shyness… once and for all!
On the other hand, more and more companies are asking candidates to complete a HireVue-style pre-recorded interview – the general trend of audio video content seems to be well present, fueling TikTok and Instagram in this world.
Perhaps it is preferable to go ahead of the wave and adapt now to the reality being imposed on us by these social media?
It is up to everyone to make a decision based on their business sector, communication skills and the time they have to make such a video!
