Comment by Martin Ellis on March 13, 2013 at 1:39pm

Why, when getting a job has never been more challenging, don't more people try harder like this candidate?

Comment by pam claughton on March 13, 2013 at 3:12pm

It's creative, but it's too long and rambling, and what could rule her out immediately is a major typo on her second slide....that doesn't make a great first impression. It shows a lack of attention to detail.

Comment by Martin Ellis on March 14, 2013 at 5:48am

Sorry Pam. Are we watching the same video? And hard as I look I can't find a typo on the second slide. Is it a US English vs a UK English difference? And Rambling? Never. 3 minutes to get a strong sense of a person is not 'long' - especially in comparison to some of the CV's/resumes that come my way.

Perhaps it's just a good job we're all a bit different...

Comment by Amy Ala Miller on March 14, 2013 at 11:08am

Creative, yes. It was a bit long (can you imagine if even only 10% of applicants did this? Do you know HOW MANY VIDEOS I'd have to watch?) and unfortunately all I saw was what SHE wants, nothing about what my company wants/needs. I saw a couple of typos (Lets should have been Let's) but really my bigger issue was this doesn't address the company needs - just hers.

Might be interesting enough to get her an informational meeting with a recruiter or hiring manager, but doesn't replace a targeted resume/cover letter IMO.

Comment by Martin Ellis on March 14, 2013 at 11:58am

Amy. I'd absolutely agree if 10% bothered, but 10% don't. 1% don't. And when they do, the best candidates will find a better way. In seven years as a headhunter, this is a first for me.

And I'm sorry, I don't agree there's nothing for the client. I've run some reasonably sized service companies, I would walk over hot coals for somebody who could communicate with my customers with warmth and a smile. Sadly most corporate communication is soulless pap.

Do you come across this style of thing in the US? Alas, most candidates here (UK) simply tread a safe path that dismisses them to the 'maybe' pile.

As a final aside, this candidate got two interview invites this morning. The first for a while.

Comment by Ryan Leary on March 14, 2013 at 12:10pm

The idea is good but way to long. The average you tube view is less than 90 seconds. This can be done in less than 90 seconds easy. The idea is good though. Thanks for the share.

Comment by Amy Ala Miller on March 14, 2013 at 10:42pm

Martin I totally agree that the candidate came across as a very warm and friendly person. I'm sure she's going to make whoever hires her very happy. That said - looking at this video alone, I didn't see anything that got me all that excited. SHE'S looking for a great job, SHE wants to love what she does, SHE SHE SHE. Which is fine... good for her for being so sure of herself, but I couldn't help but wonder (in a devil's advocate sort of way) that if the job I hired her for was ever not fun or interesting is she going to bail?

At the end of the day it's creative, cute, and I wouldn't rule her out because of it. I wouldn't rule her in because of it either though. And I agree with Ryan, it could have been shorter.

Comment by Darren Scotland on March 27, 2013 at 4:59am

As a recruiter that works in the creative sector I see a few of these sorts of things and whilst I'm sure it's different, new and exciting in some sectors, it just feels a bit gimmicky to me.

If she were a designer, I'd dismiss her immediately because of the weak execution (typos, widows and orphans, irritating music) but she isn't so I'll cut here some slack and agree with previous posters that say it should be shorter.

I tell my candidates that applying for a role is a sort of carrot dangling exercise - give them enough to peak their interest but leave them wanting more. In her case, this is likely to be the first thing hirers see so I want headline statements to ignite my interest and leave me wanting to find her CV.

Comment by Martin Ellis on March 27, 2013 at 6:24am

Darren, Your points are well made, but this video is a rare approach from a candidate in my experience. It's reignited her enthusiasm, and also attracted some interviews.

Comment by ABC on March 27, 2013 at 9:37pm

My thought is that companies say they want promote 'personal branding'.  This is hard enough in and of itself....essentially we are all just people who want to support ourselves and our families, and hopefully enjoy ourselves in the process.  So which is it?  We give a company what they profess they want...an individual who thinks for him/herself, inspiring diverse ideas and passion to be innovative?.....or one who acquiesce's to the hiring company, who says they want innovative but in fact want submissive?  Companies must be accountable, recruiters have the ability to hold them accountable.  What I'm hearing in the responses here, it that each person wants to play 'safe' and ensure their own sustained employment, and as such are not willing to take the risks for the right reasons.  Sure, companies pay our salaries.  So we let them waffle over their nonsense demands instead of helping our applicants who deserve not to be spun in corporate webs.  We are guilty of just wanting to collect our salaries, but judge the applicants who just want the same thing.

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