Video CVs …pro or con?

It’s been a while since I wrote in this thing, but after learning last night from a few people they do occasionally come back to my blog, I’ve been inspired to post something new.I think it was the Herald Sun or some other weekend publication.. but I’ve noticed the rise in Video CVs being used in fields other than Digital Media / Creative Services. Before reading the article gingerly, I saw something similar by Kate Hilpern from the Guardian.I discussed the concept with a few of the people at work the other day and I got conflicting reports.

For those who don’t know, Video CVs are literally people reading a 2-3 minute bio (pretty much something you’d put in a cover letter) about themselves. Potential employers can now consider other factors when hiring; posture, mannerisms, speech, confidence and I’m sure in bigger companies which will take over the world one day, will definitely pass the videos on to their psychology department for an indepth review… even if they can’t buy Qantas.

A friend from Sky News and a valued member of the Sports desk always receives such things from anchor wanna-be’s.  I often pass Craig Norenbergs’ desk, and it’s often literred with profile headshots of pretty young thing’s wanting their big break reading news.  Some presenters and EP’s think the Video CV is the best thing since sliced bread, journo students can now manage to fudge their way through the application process with fancy words, well groomed hair and don’t discount a decent pin stripe suit.. but many fail to speak as well as they write. Other presenters think it’s a load of crap, saying you don’t need to oversell it.. And if you fuck it up, everyone’s got a record of it for the company goof reel. I thought it was fair go for journos and even creative types to exploit the video cv; we get to show off how techno savvy we really are + if you’ve got minimal talent with a decent rack, you’re a sure fire candidate.But now everyone from accountants to teachers are using the Video CV to boost their image. Looking through YouTube I found this….

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aYJBLrsA-WY

It sure looks impressive, but would it really work? I’m considering making one myself, but only for recreational purposes…

 Would you do it?

~ by debraj on May 27, 2007.