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As hiring shifts towards virtual interviews, an increasing number of candidates sending in video CVs to stand out is on the rise. Should you do the same?
Well, it depends on the role you’re applying for. If it’s in the tech, media or digital space then it’s a definite YES. If it’s in engineering, construction or medical – it depends on the company.
Employers have seen a rise in potential recruits taking the initiative to send over a short video introducing themselves that acts as a quick culture-check at the same time.
Ram Gupta, MD of Nybble IT, explained: “Those softer skills that employers are looking for don’t come across in a CV. Technology now supports candidates to be more employable through different mechanisms than just a traditional CV.
“As an SME, we get 100s of CVs land on my desk – and they all look the same. Normally if a CV lands in my inbox, I would normally forward it to the team. The ones that come through with a video attached catch my eye and I look at every single one of them. It allows people’s personalities to shine through. Candidates can deliver a video message to a potential employer saying this is me, this is why I want to work for your company, and these are my aspirations.
“We’ve employed apprentices over the last six to 12 months based on their video CVs that accompany a summary of their skills and experience.
“You learn a lot from the videos and see their personality so you can gauge whether they’d be a good fit for your business or not. Before you’ve booked in rounds of interviews – which are very time intensive for employers – you know you’re not wasting your time.”
Tom Smith, founder of Complete Online, admits traditional education wasn’t for him – and this has influenced the way he hires new recruits.
He said: “I would watch a video CV with a covering email. I’m not necessarily bothered about grades – if they can learn the job. I want to see a willingness to understand code, adaptability, and those softer skills coming through like communication – they can’t just hide behind a screen.”
Giving advice to students with little experience, he said: “If you really want a job at least say I would love to work for your company. Demonstrate your willingness to learn, say you’ve not got lots of experience but X, Y and Z. Sell yourself. I’m looking for chemistry. Could I work with this person? Would they fit into the team?”
Employers are looking for examples of transferrable skills such as teamwork, initiative, dedication and customer service within a CV.
Taking the initiative to go the extra mile and gain experience in your chosen field goes a long way. If you haven’t already, can you get work experience to help improve your references?
Nick Griffiths from Chiptech said he has looked after the hiring of apprentice placements in a previous role – and shared his additional pearls of wisdom.
He said: “We used to run a two-stage process – set questions that the candidate needs to record themselves responding to, and then an interview stage.
“We are looking for who has prepared, if they’re wearing a shirt or a hoodie, if they’re a character – but also how seriously they’re taking the process, how well they speak and if they’re researched the job they’re applying for.
“My colleagues might look technical capabilities for engineering roles, but I would look for a willingness to learn. If you’re a nerd, tell us – but also reassure us that you can get up every day and that you’ll put the effort in.
“Based on their video, we would then shortlist them into the office for face-to-face interview if they stand out.”
