Le CV vidéo est-il la lettre de motivation 3.0 ?

Is the video CV the 3.0 cover letter?

Is it possible to envisage an evolution in the way of applying with the traditional cover letter? Has the video CV become the new way to introduce oneself and apply for a job? Do the new media allow us to be innovative in our job search?

Yes… but with certain nuances!

Here’s why:

A recruiter spends an average of 11 seconds on a CV, he quickly gets a mental picture of the person applying and sees whether or not they seem to fit the ideal candidate he is looking to recruit. So far, everything seems very consistent.

Today, companies are increasingly recruiting profiles based on the soft skills and personality of the candidate, in addition to the technical skills required, the diploma, the know-how. We are talking about adaptability, management skills, interpersonal skills, good communication and relational ease … soft skills, which are more and more in demand in our companies in search of talent.

How to detect these “soft” skills outside of a video interview, a Skype or a face-to-face interview? If we add to this a growing number of career changes, so-called “atypical” profiles and various reconversions in search of more meaning or value in their new job… the list becomes long. How can we allow a candidate to explain his choices, a change of direction or how his skills are the right ones, even if on the basis of his CV, we don’t see the red thread, the logical continuation, usually sought by the recruiter?

The video CV is, in my opinion, a natural implication of the new technologies and media available today in a constantly changing job market. Who doesn’t have a smartphone with a camera or access to a PC with a webcam?

To be used with certain nuances

Here are 10 tips to make your video CV effective:

1. The video CV should, in my opinion, be seen as a complement to the CV. Video gives context and insight into your personality but will not replace the traditional CV anytime soon.

2. Give a human touch and meaning to your application by explaining why you are applying for the job, why you are the right person, what you are looking for in a job, your personality and your main character traits.

3. Who is your video for? Adapt your message, content and form to your recipient.

4. A video CV requires preparation, a framework. Plan your text in advance, show that you are sociable and dynamic rather than reciting it!

5. The non-verbal, the attitudes, the dress code and the setting must be in line with the content of the video and the position for which you are applying. Respect the codes of a type of function, a more traditional company or a job as a creative or IT developer!

 

6. In terms of time, aim for about one minute to generate interest and make you want to meet face to face while remaining dynamic.

7. Send a link that anyone can open without having to create an account or crash your recipient’s computer system with a file that is too large!

8. Promote MP4 as the standard format for your video file.

9. If you are introverted and the camera paralyses you, forget this idea which would be more counterproductive than anything else and could work against you.

10. Profiles that are comfortable with new media and have good communication or interpersonal skills have nothing to lose in my opinion by innovating in their application process and thus differentiate themselves.

To conclude, I do indeed think that the video CV can become the new 3.0 cover letter, but it still has a long way to go before it becomes a standard. Belgium is often a somewhat reticent country when it comes to social networks and innovations.

The video CV makes it possible to use new media while at the same time putting the human being back at the centre of the recruitment process! An interesting paradox for a candidate looking to stand out in a market that is often saturated.

For any questions concerning the future of recruitment and its various forms, please do not hesitate to contact Betuned at the following e-mail address: amelie@betuned.be.

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