Video resume

A video resume is a way for job seekers to showcase their abilities beyond the capabilities of a traditional paper resume. The video resume allows prospective employers to see, hear and get a feel for how the applicant presents themselves.

Contents

History

Video resumes, sometimes called Visumé [1] or Video CV, were first introduced in the 1980s for use and distribution via VHS tape, but the idea never took off beyond the video taping of interviews. However, with the modern capabilities of transmitting streaming video via the internet, video resumes have taken on new popularity.[2]

Criticism

With the popularity of video hosting solutions there has been much debate in the usefulness of video resumes. Most recruiters feel that a video alone does not give an employer enough information about a candidate to make a proper evaluation of the applicant's potential and more importantly skills. One article suggests that

"While a video resume introduces applicants on camera, the value such visual imagery adds is debatable. A text resume allows for specific pieces of information to be parsed out and compared across candidates. When the information is delivered verbally, recruiters need to glean the details themselves."[3]

Video resumes can serve to facilitate racial, ethnic, class-based and age discrimination, or lead to accusations of such discrimination.[4]

References

  1. ^ "Visume – Video Resume". IndiesHD. June 4, 2007. http://www.indieshd.com/2007/06/04/visume-video-resume/. Retrieved October 7, 2011. 
  2. ^ "It's a Wrap. You're Hired!". Time. February 22, 2007. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1592860,00.html. Retrieved May 27, 2010. 
  3. ^ Time to Call Pause on Video Resumes
  4. ^ Lefkow, Dave. "What the Lawyers Think of Video Resumes"; directorofrecruiting.com, June 24, 2007

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