Video Resumes to Wreak Havoc at CareerBuilder

OK, maybe not havoc. But CareerBuilder’s news that it will let job seekers add video highlights to their resumes should prove to be painful and entertaining.

Web 2.0 video has bloomed thanks to computer technology’s increasing capabilities and decreasing costs.

Today’s home computer comes with enough software to turn Aunt Fannie’s “vacation slide show of death” into a bearable music video. Cell phones and digital cameras have joined hands with the Internet to become the ultimate video collection and distribution network.

But the other reason it‘s taken off is that expectations around production value have flown out the window.

In fact, the shaky amateur video seen on shows like America’s Funniest Home Video are now being copied by marketers trying to replicate their imperfect edginess and authenticity. Ironic, huh?

So if you’re one of the more than 4,100 folks already posting a video resume on YouTube, think twice before you post your video to CareerBuilder. The decision is fraught with peril. OK, maybe not peril.

Aleksey Vayner spoiled it for everyone when he created his video ”Impossible is Nothing.” You must keep your audience in mind when producing a video resume. Tell a story, be yourself and take advantage of the low cost of entry and the raft of tools available. But aim for a polished finished product just as you would with your print or electronic resume.

The use of imagery as a communication tool is powerful and proven. Just make sure you stand out for all the right reasons. Holding your cell phone at arms length and rambling on about how you want a career and not a job will only work against you.

Oh, and a comb and a shave wouldn't hurt either.

eriK uploaded by Orrin

tags | CareerBuilder | YouTube | resume | video

Comments

[Ike]

I'm not sure Careerbuilder is ready for this, on two fronts:

1) Is there anyone there screening the videos, and approving them? The last thing the company needs is people linking to crappy vid-resumes as jokes.

2) Server bandwidth. Careerbuilder scaled up about four or five years ago to take on Monster.com, and had a great IT and database group. Many of those DB gurus were passively pushed aside to cut costs, and replaced with lesser techs who could maintain, but weren't architecture savvy. I don't know they've gotten smart about the load these videos will create on their systems.

[Matt McNair]

In response to the comment above.

1. We will allow Job Poster's to flag videos as inappropriate. This is more of a reactive approach as opposed to a proactive approach. If it becomes an issue, then we will up our screening of videos.

2. I'd rather not reveal the inner workings of our company, but the load will be handled just fine.