Video Résumés Are a Really Bad Move

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Well, if you look at this favorable Chezzhead article written by the man himself about VMploy's competitor (and CheezHead advertiser) VisualCV, maybe you'll see why Cheezhead is bashing VMploy.
http://www.cheezhead.com/2008/08/18/visualcv-free-itunes/
It looks like Cheezhead advertisers get great articles published on this site. Look at the VisualCV banner on the upper right hand side of this page or just look at this:
http://www.visualcv.com/joelcheesman/joelcheesman
Talk about bias.... wow, I'd be ashamed. What happened to balanced reporting???
This site is a joke. I wonder how much VisualCV paid for the article or paid for Joel really...

chris of NV 8:45PM August 19, 2008

I agree 100 percent Blair.
The old school recruiters/temp agencies are like the travel agencies and newspapers of the 80's. About to be destroyed by technology and the Internet.

Chris of NE 7:44PM August 19, 2008

I agree 100%. Get a horse. lol
Seems like Robert Half is in the same place as travel agencies and newspapers were before the Internet took off.
Either step up or step off.

of KY 7:42PM August 19, 2008

Remember how the early adopters of the internet "got it" and we all eventually benefited from the new concepts it enabled. The old school pen and paper folks took a long time to catch on and now many are still trying to catch up.
It looks like what vmploy is trying to do is introduce a new concept where you can better screen more candidates for their real skills. The skills that apply to a particular job. Not discriminate but differentiate.
I've interviewed many, and every time, once I see them, I have been able to "disqualify" them after a few minutes. Not because they are hot or not but because of their ability to communicate and present themself. Why did I fly them in? Sound familiar? Nothing will replace the final face to face interview where you can then "fully qualify" a candidate.
So whether you're part of the 60% old school, as Half discovered, or new school and want to benefit from the internet technology and what vmploy represents, I'll let you decide what works best. Either way, 40% of the employment community stands to benefit today. Sorry Robert.
Just like the evolution of the internet, I think you will see similar changes in employment practices that just make better sense. Why not give candidates a way to be noticed and companies a way to find the right candidate more efficiently.
If you don't understand this concept, please write me a letter, buy a stamp, and send me your feedback ;)

Blair of WA 3:13PM August 19, 2008

As a full resume, yes video resumes are not the way to go. As a one to two minute introduction, complemented by a full text resume, I think that Video is a great tool that enables prospects to sell themselves to potential employers. Video also enables employers to screen the communication and presentation skills of prospects.
I found this article by following a link about VMploy being listed for sale on eBay.
http://offer.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewBids&item=320286495892
After looking at that site, I think that they take video to a whole new level but enabling 1 on 1 virtual interviews online (yes, with video and audio). What a great way for job seekers to do preliminary interviews online and save gas in these tough economic times.
I think that done properly, the concept is great!

mark of MN 1:09PM August 19, 2008

On one hand the video resume helps the job seeker prepare him or herself for a better interview...but most companies have a hard time accepting them, even, due to discrimination concerns. I guess the answer is to save the performance for the real interview...the smart ones, might use the video as a practice tool so they can see how they appear. Chances are slim very many go to that length to do well. Sad to say.

whatwoulddadsay of 8:31PM August 01, 2008