Are Video Resumes the Up and Coming Alternative for Self- Marketing?

Jobseekers are perpetually looking for alternative ways to differentiate themselves from the competition. One alternative avenue that is beginning to catch the eye of many eager jobseekers is self-marketing via video resumes. The push to use video footage as another means of promotion has grown due to the increasing availability of media sources online.

Google has been one of the most prominent companies to lead the trend in sharing personal videos on the web. In November 2006, Google acquired YouTube, which is a free of charge, video sharing forum which allows people to view and post personal videos. Currently, YouTube is being used mostly by entertainers and artists who use the free publicity to post clips that bring their artist flair to life. However, the buzz around this new video idea is rapidly growing and reaching out to all types of jobseekers who have started to include video postings with their resume or portfolio.

The concept of using video postings is not only being used by jobseekers, some employers have even begun to use this method to promote their work environments in order to recruit more applicants. Thanks to employment sites such as Monster.com, companies can now advertise their work environment with video postings.

While many jobseekers and employers have begun to embrace the idea of self-marketing through video postings, the idea of using video supplements is causing a lively debate regarding its usage.

A positive element that many claim to like about video postings is that by adding the supplemental media source, the jobseeker, shows a willingness to go the extra mile to close the deal by exhibiting personality and confidence via video. While on the flip side, some employers and recruiting firms have voiced concern over the possibility of receiving a discriminatory law suit due to the chance that a jobseeker would be denied an interview based on physical appearance or cultural affiliation.

Yes, there are both sides of this debate to consider, yet the idea of offering another possibility for self-marketing is attracting both jobseekers and employers to venture out of the traditional path and to dabble with the idea of video postings. Although the idea is still in its infancy, the modern age and ever changing technology, is bound to push the idea even further in the years to come. Therefore, all you jobseekers should check out what all the fuss is about and determine if this new avenue may suit your needs.

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