What do you think of the Video CV?

What do you think of the video CV? The craze around the uses of video never ends; it has recently appeared in the field of recruitment, with the emergence of new CV creation services for candidates. The debate rages between the defenders of the traditional paper CV and the supporters of this new form of application.

1. Strengths

An original application format
Since the paper CV is used in 80% of recruitments in France, it is obvious that a video CV will be able to "stand out", but it is still necessary to succeed in sending it simply to the recruiter. To do this, you can use the well-known online video hosting services (Youtube, Dailymotion) and send a viewing URL. However, be careful to maintain control over the distribution of your CV.

Ideal for creative professions
Creative profiles often despair of not being able to show the extent of their skills through a format as restrictive as the CV. The video allows them to prove their abilities: originality of presentation, quality of editing, mastery of visual and sound effects... This allows them to express themselves more broadly to recruiters.

A complement to the traditional CV
The video CV can also be used as a complement to the paper CV: the recruiter can, on the one hand, process the application in a standard selection process, on the other hand, quickly obtain relevant additional information about the candidate.

2. Weaknesses

The image trap
Making a video CV requires the same rigor as a paper CV: if the use of this medium is done to the detriment of the quality of the result, it will inevitably harm the application. Well-presented paper CVs are expected, without spelling mistakes: why would recruiters be satisfied with a poorly framed video presentation, with poor lighting and poorly adjusted sound? The proper use of video is not within everyone's reach; it is better to use it only if you master the entire production chain.

How to operate the selection?
If a recruiter receives several applications for the same position (which is obviously very frequent), the processing of video CVs will complicate the selection. If it is carried out upstream by specialized software, it will simply be impossible. Otherwise, it will require the recruiter to do in-depth analysis work that they may not have the time to do.

Longer to consult than a paper CV
It is estimated that a recruiter spends less than one minute per CV. A video CV is often much longer: between 1 and 3 minutes. Can the recruiter afford to spend more time on video CVs? Are they properly equipped to be able to view them, knowing that Dailymotion or Youtube sites are often blocked in companies? If the consultation is tedious, the positive effect of the medium will be greatly reduced.
When you write your CV, remember that every word counts. The objective is not only to present facts objectively, but to convey information through the terms you use. Don't forget to carefully check the spelling, we can't say it enough...

Here are some verbs that will give your CV some punch:

A

Accomplish
Acquire
Adapt
Administer
Analyze
Anticipate
Advance

B

Build
Budget

C

Calculate
Classify
Command
Commercialize
Conceive
Conclude
Advise
Consolidate
Contract
Create

D

Decide
Define
Delegate
Develop
Dialogue
Diversify
Energize

E

Listen
Exchange
Save
Edit
Develop
Undertake
Investigate
Establish
Evaluate
Experiment
Export

F

Manufacture
Facilitate
Finance
Finalize
Merge
Train

G

Win
Manage
Generate
Guide

H

Harmonize
Approve

I

Identify
Illustrate
Import
Influence
Initiate
Innovate
Encourage
Integrate
Interpret
Invent

L

Launch
Rent

M

Maintain
Manage
Maneuver
Develop
Implement
Modernize
Motivate

N

Negotiate
Standardize
Establish

O

Work
Organize
Guide
Open

P

Share
Participate
Persuade
Plan
Specify
Present
Preside
Provide
Produce
Program
Promote
Propose
Prospect

R

Rationalize
Achieve
Research
Recommend
Recruit
Write
Correct
Reduce
Reform
Reinforce
Profit
Solve
Restructure
Succeed

March 4, 2008

MonCV.com