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Laney Balis

347

REALTOR® @ Align Right Realty Riverview

07/06/20 at 8:28PM UTC

Career

Video Introductions...Yes of No?

I was filling out an online application for a company, all standard stuff - contact info, connect to LinkedIn, add your CV, etc. This time though when I hit submit I got an error message. I searched for the error. I was missing a video introduction. To be fair the position is for a virtual event company as an Account Manager. Have you come across this in an online app? It was a bit off-putting for me. Thoughts?

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Robyn Wick

736

HiEd Professional/PT Fitness Inst

07/08/20 at 3:56PM UTC

We haven't added these yet, but at my organization the screening round prior to interviewing directly with the search committee happens via timed video questions. I feel like more and more organizations are moving this direction. It gives people a sense of personality to go with what they see on paper. That being said, we weren't allowed to rule anyone out based on how well they did on video even though this is a role requiring someone to be able to connect and communicate well regardless of format. So, I have pretty mixed feelings about it. I think video is a really hard first step and can eliminate great candidates.

Laney Balis

347

REALTOR® @ Align Right Realty Riverview

07/08/20 at 5:01PM UTC

This is where I find it hard to understand the use of the video introduction, even though you say you're not allowed to rule anyone out based on the video, human nature takes over and that person can be ruled out based on any number of personal biases whether the interviewer knows that they are doing it or not. I think it is the equivalent of using a DISC assessment prior to an interview to qualify a candidate, which is not the purpose of that assessment. I have also come across the situation where I've sent in an application and receive an email asking me to follow a link to answer a few questions prior to setting up an interview. For me if a company does this it is a complete turn off and not a company I want to work for. It is removing the social/personal interaction in the interview/hiring process. The same with the ATS, I understand the need for it but it concerns me that this is becoming the norm for hiring candidates.

Robyn Wick

736

HiEd Professional/PT Fitness Inst

07/08/20 at 6:03PM UTC

I would agree. It is why we cannot ask for photos. I'm not sure how the video intro isn't considered the same.

Laney Balis

347

REALTOR® @ Align Right Realty Riverview

07/08/20 at 6:09PM UTC

That's a great question.

Keila Alvarado

212

Writer/Associate Producer/E.A.

07/07/20 at 6:45PM UTC

Hi! Yes, I have seen required video intros before and virtual interviews/pre-testing. But I think that should only be necessary if virtual work is required or online presentation is needed to screen candidates. In some cases like when an in-person interview for a physical location job is required then a virtual pre-screening shouldn't be necessary as you will be seen live in any case. There was a time a recruiting company did NOT have any job openings but was interested in me so they wanted me to do the extra work of completing a virtual video interview and application...I declined as it could be a waste of time and efforts to get screened for possibly nothing when they could have just did a phone screening for first step instead.

Susan Graye

153

Global Talent Attraction & Acquisition Leader

07/07/20 at 5PM UTC

I haven't seen this.....but would love to hear insight from companies using this regarding how they use it from an assessment and selection standpoint and what their pointers are for a great video intro versus warnings of "what not to do".

Lisa Bass

HR leader and career coach

07/06/20 at 11:30PM UTC

In the current state with so many unemployed, I would expect to see more of this type of request. When there are so many applications, there needs to be a way to identify applicants who stand out. Look at it as an opportunity to highlight the great skills you bring and wow the recruiter/hiring manager.

Irina

224

Helping you become a coach or a consultant

07/06/20 at 9:54PM UTC

Yes, I did. Multiple times. It depends on the position. Most of the virtual companies are doing that and i guess it's the only way to understand if you are a goof fit for a position that is supposed to be the interface of the company online. I've done a lot of those videos. The first are always awkward but then it becomes the new norm. Again: it depends on the position. If it's not pertinent, then maybe not OK.

Laura

Unite People + Roles to Realize Their Potential!

07/06/20 at 8:32PM UTC

I haven't come across this however with interviews being webex, zoom or other video platform with the current COVID situation, it is good to get comfortable with doing our introductions via video. There are a lot of articles on getting the best lighting, sound, etc. Best wishes!