The job recruiting process is changing rapidly, influenced by social media. And technology is having an impact in another area as well with video resumes.
 
Many employers seem to be receptive to the idea. Almost 90 percent of them said they would watch a video resume. They like the idea because it allows them to judge a prospective employee’s presentation and demeanor.

But what they are seeing so far has been far from impressive. Candidates do not come across as very professional in the videos. There is inappropriate giggling, recitation of long lists of skills, discussion of hobbies not related to work. Moreover, the candidates are not dressed very professionally either. The videos also appear to be too long.

Employers generally still look at cover letters and paper resumes first, and if there is enough interest, they will watch the video resume for maybe one to two minutes. Less than 20 percent of employers so far have actually looked at a video resume.

There are also complications that arise with the use of a video resume. Because of concerns about discrimination, applicants are not required to send photographs of themselves with their applications. And, the fact is, that because an employer can see the person with the video resume, the hiring manager has to be very careful about discrimination, which may influence his or her judgement in subtle ways.

An employer may be more vulnerable to legal action with the video resume because it allows them to see things that they normally would not with a paper resume.

Some career specialists are not as concerned about discrimination with the video resume because they contend discrimination can still occur at different points in the application process, such as at the interview,  even without a video resume. They counsel job seekers to use the videos if they feel videos would be more effective.

Other attorneys counsel just the opposite, arguing that the videos open employers to charges of age, gender, or race bias.

Some also talked about the problem of the time involved with video resumes. Employers generally spend just a few minutes looking at paper resumes, and so it is unrealistic to expect them to spend more time looking at a video.

If you are looking for work, send your paper resume or video resume to a recruiter at Winston Resources. We can help you get connected with some of New York City’s best employers. Contact us today