In certain segments of the job market, companies are inviting candidates to submit a short video resume in lieu of their normal CV. But is that method of recruiting here to stay? Will it replace traditional paper resumes in the foreseeable future?
Likely not. Traditional paper resumes (typically sent now in digital format via email submission) are definitely here to stay.
They hold valuable and important information that recruiters and employers need to know, like education, experience, responsibilities, achievements, personal details, career goal, skills and competencies.
Having such information in the written form is useful, essential and pertinent to fulfilling the hiring process. You just cannot get all of that information in a video CV that lasts a couple minutes.
A video resume still holds some value
For example, in many retail, fashion and marketing sectors where people need to be able to express themselves and engage in-person with customers and groups of people, a video resume can give a valuable insight (as an initial form of screening) to how the candidate presents, their mannerism and conversational style.
Not everyone feels comfortable selling themselves on camera
It would be a big mistake for employers to think that every candidate is willing and comfortable enough to film themselves on camera.
If someone is not comfortable to submit a video resume, they may decide to pull out altogether from the job application process, leaving the employer without a potentially great candidate that otherwise would have been suited for the role.
Traditional CVs are important, necessary and hold valuable information
If someone is good at selling themselves, they'll likely shine during the video interview. However, if someone cannot speak well, then the employer will think that they are not suitable, when in reality that may be far from the truth.
Some people are good at expressing themselves on camera. While others are better at expressing themselves in the written form.
A written CV and cover letter enable the candidate to properly articulate why they're suitable for the position, what they have to offer and why they want the job.
The candidate writes down what they want to say and get across. The recruiter or employer then reads their application, considers them for the role and ponders over what they have written.
With a video resume, you're only limited to that specific time frame, like a couple minutes. A written resume gives the prospective employer more time to read and ponder over your application.