Yesterday, USA Today featured a story about job seekers who are submitting online video as part of their interview process. The story caught my eye in part because the article highlighted a candidate seeking a job at EarthLink where I work.
Without going into specifics about that applicant, the article made me think about hiring as I am now looking for a new corporate communications manager in my department.
Using video is just another indication of how technology is the raising the stakes in the workplace. As I have previously pondered, computers and web 2.0 are forcing all of us to acquire an increasingly larger number of technical skills. For students, typing is not enough; PowerPoint skills are now expected. For bloggers, text is not enough. We must be multimedia experts incorporating pictures, sound, and video into our postings.
For a generation now growing up with camera phones and the ability to inexpensively access and post online content, using video as part of the screening process seems only natural. It demonstrates their comfort level with web 2.0 technology. In the short run, it may even help separate them from the field.
But not so fast. It is only a matter of time before the rest of the field catches up. The first bank to have Saturday hours or the first gas station to be open 24/7 may have had an initial competitive advantage. But what is the long term result? Longer hours for everyone.
We should also be careful what we ask for. For one, are we now going to be judged on our background and qualifications or on our production skills? Will everyone be expected to provide video (thus eliminating the competitive advantage) and will those who don't be regarded with suspicion? What if we don't do well on video which in most cases has no bearing on the job itself? Will video hurt our chances, even though our "performance" has nothing to do with our job?
I think in the end, we shouldn't use technology just because we can. But perhaps it is generational. I asked a seasoned recruiter about video resumes. She was not impressed. She thought it was a distraction and could raise legal issues if people were contacted or not contacted for an interview based on their looks.
Are You Ready for Your Screen Test?
I am personally not wild about video resumes, but I know it is only a matter of time before it is standard practice. Soon actors may not be the only ones who will need a screen test for a job. This is coming from someone who started his career in video and television news. I will still rely on resumes and in-person interviews. But then again I am not inclined to post highly personal material on a MySpace page -- which in fact has cost some young applicants a job offer. Of course, standards are changing. Those who can't adapt may very well be left behind.
Let me get back to you.
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