The video resume gained sudden popularity when it was introduced by TikTok in its (defunct?) “TikTok Resumes” feature, aimed at employers. Little known to the general public, this vehicle is nevertheless gaining ground with recruiters (76% are in favor of it, according to a LinkedIn survey) and candidates who dare to think outside the box to stand out. Let’s see what it’s all about.
Let’s start with what the video resume is not. Most people who speak on the subject agree that the video resume – contrary to what its name suggests – is not a replacement for the resume, the cover letter or even the LinkedIn profile.
When people say ‘video CV’, the slightly silly bias that comes with it is that it is a repetition of the CV, when that is not the purpose of the exercise at all. You have to see the video resume as one more tool in your arsenal to convince the recruiter to call you in for an interview, says Amokrane Mariche, a LinkedIn branding and positioning consultant.”
So reading your resume on camera is not an option. Amokrane Mariche describes the video resume as “a short introductory video,” or, “a pitch-style speech.
You introduce yourself briefly, explain why you are contacting the recruiter or employer,” he says. You want to show a lot of clarity from the start. Then, depending on the context and the organization, I suggest talking about an achievement you’re proud of or giving your opinion on an issue facing the target company.”
The goal: to demonstrate your expertise while piquing the recruiter’s curiosity.
Imagine the surprise of a recruiter who is overwhelmed by work and who receives redundant things, to receive a video that addresses him in a human, respectful and intelligent way. The video CV is a way to stand out.”
A young person’s business?
Describing the virtues of the video resume can do some good, because – according to our LinkedIn micro-survey – many professionals wonder what it is, or doubt the relevance of using it for themselves.
However, Amokrane Mariche rejects the idea that this medium is only for the young, the extroverted, the tech-savvy or the communication-minded.
You don’t have to be the most eloquent person; if you’re extremely good at something technical, you can explain an accomplishment you’re proud of, using terms specific to your field, and the expertise will filter through to the screen.”
One medium, multiple channels
The video CV has been discussed for a few years, already. However, Amokrane Mariche notes that it really took off during the pandemic.
Job seekers and recruiters had to make their approach from a distance, and they were looking for a more human way to connect. Video is a good medium to bring our positioning to life and show our personality to the employer.
Today, the brand consultant sees several contexts of use for the video CV, in the promotion of his application. A job seeker can create a short video presentation to accompany his LinkedIn profile, he can insert a video message in a recruiter’s LinkedIn messaging system or he can attach a video CV in an email to an employer.
The video brings an element of “savoir-être” and not only, of know-how. The recruiter sees if the candidate is passionate about his job. If he is convinced of what he is saying. They can also evaluate their communication and persuasion skills.
The exercise itself is beneficial for candidates, adds the consultant.
In interviews, one of the most frequent questions is: ‘Can you introduce yourself? When you work on this question beforehand, when you prepare a video CV, you take a burden off your shoulders. At the time of the interview, you know what to answer. I’ve seen it in the people I’ve coached: working on the manner and structure of what they have to say gives them confidence for the interview.
Now that’s one way to kill two birds with one stone!
