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Video Recruitment Jobs

Job interviews by video link: Adjust Your Set, 23red, Fitch, PowerMeeter and RIVS Digital Interviews offer insight on the benefits - and the pitfalls

By Angela Haggerty, Reporter

Adjust Your Set

|

Jobs article

February 25, 2014 | 6 min read

The recent launch of a video interviewing software product which replaces the potential employer's interview role with an avatar signalled the recruitment industry's interest in how technological advancements can improve and simplify an often gruelling process.

But how much does adopting video interviewing techniques really improve the process, and what are the potential problems? The Drum spoke to a range of industry professionals for their views.

Juliet Rowles, head of talent at Adjust Your Set (video marketing agency)

Video CV’s are not suitable for every job, but for roles where personality counts or roles in the digital industry, a video CV is worth considering. As a digital content agency with video at our core, we welcome people who take the initiative to send us a video CV. What better way to demonstrate an interest and knowledge in our world than by applying for a job by video? It filters out candidates just trying their luck from those truly passionate about working for us. It’s also the perfect way to highlight strong communication and presentation skills - rather than stating them on paper. However, there are some watch-outs. There is a line between coming across as confident and engaging and avoiding being arrogant or cheesy. Also, not everyone comes across well on camera so unless a candidate has strong presentation skills, it can detract the viewer from listening to a person’s skills and experience. Another risk is being judged on appearance - without the opportunity of meeting face to face. Top tips for making a video CV:1.) Videos should ideally be no more than 2 minutes long. Cover key achievements in short, concise sentences. 2.) Develop the video like a story. Introduce yourself at the beginning, share your experience and leave contact details at the end. 3.) Start with something punchy to grab the viewer’s attention. People decide to keep watching in the first 10 seconds. 4.) Prepare what you are going to say before you start filming but don’t make it sound too scripted or stilted. 5.) Add some creative flair to keep the viewer engaged throughout.

Jane Asscher, founding partner, strategy and management, creative agency 23red

During last year’s ‘Bright Red’ graduate recruitment process we received a large number of videos in response to a request for candidates to show or tell us how their CV fitted with our values. We did watch them all, and we can’t deny being influenced–sometimes adversely! Those that creatively brought the CV to life were much more successful than a ‘talking head’. It’s not easy to make a good video, especially one that will impress an ad agency audience, and some of the ones we saw didn’t do their makers any favours.On a cautionary note, video job applications can bring with them potential legal risks for employers. The UK, like many other countries, has strict employment laws, and there are real concerns that employers requiring a candidate video (or even weighing them in the balance) may run into trouble because of possible allegations of discrimination based on age, gender, ethnicity, and disability.

Leigh Chandler, design director, Fitch

Being a designer today is like being an actor in Hollywood – everyone is one. Therefore, trying to stand out is becoming harder and harder.It is ever more common for portfolios to be supplied as movies or web links. At Fitch we see this as a positive progression. Movies and showreels provide an insight into a designer's personality and approach to creatively presenting work. They can convey a multi-disciplined skill set and successfully bring work to life in an increasingly digital world.Last year we launched RAW – a graduate scheme for design students from leading universities. As part of the submission, we requested they submit a movie. The brief was simply – to introduce their work and themselves. The results varied from the simplest of slideshows through to video interviews in the pub. For us, it was a great insight into each individual.At Fitch we bring brands to life. Our studio is full of diverse personalities that make this happen. It was important that we found students that would fit in, and stand out, in such a creative environment.The best submissions showcased creative ability and expressed the candidate's personality – their hopes, dreams, ambition and fears. By demonstrating enthusiasm, drive and a confidence to challenge a brief, we saw exceptional potential. After all, design skills can be learnt, hunger and passion can't.

Måns Gårdfeldt, managing director of video interviewing platform PowerMeeter

Recruiters in the past have relied far too much on the traditional recruitment methods. People have been talking about flexible working for years, but it’s only recently that companies are considering flexible interviewing. It means that you are able to kick off the interview process regardless of geography and timing and in a cost effective way. It also means companies can make sure the right candidates are brought in to face to face interviews, without solely relying on two pages of bullet points to dictate this. This will surely reduce the amount of bad hires that take place within organisations.

Britni Salazar, marketing communications specialist at RIVS Digital Interviews

I see the popularity of video interviews growing every day and it's an exciting space to be part of. It's so clearly evident that we are living in a very digital-centric world now, and of course, technology can be a very powerful tool for employers if utilised properly. When video interviews are incorporated into hiring processes, they help to increase screening efficiency and get employers to that final step of an in-person interview faster. This is no passing trend, and it's interesting to see how the landscape will continue to develop over the next few years.
Video Recruitment Jobs

Content created with:

Adjust Your Set

A full-service digital content agency designed for next generation marketing We have been pioneers & distributors of video in a multi-screen world since 2008....

Find out more

23red

23red is an integrated communications agency that knows how to get people to do things through brand activation. We provide clients with either specialist expertise...

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Fitch

FITCH is a global design consultancy that influences the world around you by translating brand into consumer experience.

We have a strong expertise in retail...

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