Video CV vs Traditional CV

Did you ever anticipate the rise of video CVs? Video CVs are actually a trend thanks to social media platforms like Tik Tok and You Tube, and they are helping applicants get jobs. We cannot predict which type of CV will likely dominate recruitment in the future, but we will discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each and show you how you can present the best version of yourself – whichever method you choose.

What is a video CV?

You’re the star of a video CV! In this brief video, candidates justify reasons why a company should recruit them.

What is a Traditional CV?

A traditional CV on the other hand details your skills, experience and qualification in a written format. Traditional CVs is usually more detailed than a Video CV and is generally what most recruiters would expect to receive.

Video CVs gaining popularity

It seems that young people nowadays prefer to consume and create video content. Users of Tik Tok are predicted to rise to an incredible 9,067,296,000 by 2050, and there are now at least 2.476 billion you tube users world wide.  Such websites open the door for Video CVs – which can be created by anyone and shared by anyone. The new generation of job seekers uses video CV as its go-to-choice when applying for jobs, and many candidates have spent most of their lifetime making video of their own – so it is only expected that this trend will take over the workplace in a few years time. Video is where most people feel comfortable.

But are Video CV’s better than traditional CV’s? Well, that depends alot on your personality and the expectations of the recruiters or hiring manager, but there are some pros and cons to bear in mind:

Pros of a video CV

• They can show off your personality: You can let your personality really shine through in a video CV. If you are naturally enthusiastic, bubbly and outgoing, a video CV is a perfect way to show these qualities to a recruiter.
• They’re authentic: The recruiters will be able to see your authentic self, rather than the super-polished version that a CV or application form can present.
• They’re modern: For those that are looking to work in fields that deal with technology and digital marketing, using a video CV can show off your technical skills and your willingness to embrace new concepts and trends.
• They can prove additional skills: It’s much easier to convey certain skills in a video CV – such as verbal communication, creativity, confidence, originality and more.
• They stand out: In a world where traditional CVs is the normal way of applying for jobs, you will certainly be noticed and remembered for your video CV.

Cons of a Video CV

• They can be discriminatory: Potentially discriminating information, that would never be included on a traditional CV, is placed front and centre of a video CV. If a hiring manager has biases, they could be making judgements about your gender, race, disability, religion and even your haircut before you’ve opened your mouth. As well as opening candidates up to discrimination, companies accepting video CVs are also risking claims of discrimination from rejected candidates.
• They are not inclusive: A traditional CV does not give rise to bias as it presents a standard format for key information regardless of a candidates personality type. Extroverts may be favored by recruiters through their video CV, but if you are shy, introverted and just communicate better in writing, you are starting off on the wrong foot with a video CV.
• They are not widely accepted: Despite becoming more popular, majority of jobs still require a traditional CV or application letter.
• They are informal: If you are applying for a very traditional role or in a very traditional industry, the video CV may come off as rather too informal.
• They can be inconvenient: From the perspective of an interviewer, it is much easier to grab a traditional CV to discuss in the interview than it is to take a video in with them. They’re also more time-consuming to review – the initial scan of a traditional CV is usually under 10 seconds; it’s much harder to skim through a video.

Pros of a Traditional CV

• They are keyword friendly: A traditional CV can be easily skim-read by a recruiter and can also be easily searched by Application Tracking System
• They are expected: Most businesses are familiar with, and are able to receive, store and sort traditional CVs. In fact traditional CVs are a universally accepted recruitment and job-search tool. That is not the case with Video CVs
• They give you  confidence: A well-written CV that clearly shows your successes and achievements should make you feel good about yourself and confident enough to walk into an interview knowing that you are well equipped to do the job.

Cons of a Traditional CV

• They favor writing skills:  If you are more of a speaker than a writer, you may find it challenging to create a strong traditional CV.
• They can’t gauge culture fit: A traditional CV can be quite dry – and while that’s great for reducing bias, it does not give the recruiter any way to assess how a candidate might fit into the work environment or company culture.

The Future of CV

While a video CV has its advantages, especially for those creative or outgoing types – the traditional CV will be here to stay for some time. That’s not to say there is no future for a video CV though, it cannot replace traditional CV, but you can think of it as an additional  weapon for your job search process. If you feel confident on videos – go for it.