n I was quite interested to read your recent article on video resumes (“Video resumes may give grads the edge they need to get a job,” Nov. 1, p. 3), as this is a topic that has been popping up from time to time in career services offices over the past few years.
Our office has, in fact, been approached by vendors wanting to sell us programs that will enable students to create these video resumes. We have always declined, and I’d like to share our reasons with you.
Years ago – up until the 1960’s – employers routinely required that photos be submitted with any resume or job application. The obvious question was, “why?”
Some of the answers were obvious also: Employers were screening applicants for characteristics other than their qualifications. Many court battles were fought to end discrimination based on race, ethnicity, sex and age among other things. One very clear change was that employers were eventually prohibited by law from asking an applicant for his or her photo during the application and interview process – obviously there were some exceptions, as in the case of actors or models.
We feel strongly that all candidates should be evaluated initially based solely on their qualifications as evidenced by a resume, cover letter, academic transcript and work samples, if requested.
Obviously during the interview stage personal presentation will be a strong screening consideration, and legitimately so; our office helps to prepare students for face-to-face interviews in order that they may make the strongest impression possible.
I believe it would be a real step backward if candidates, especially those just starting out in their careers, were selected based on criteria other than their qualifications. Technology can be great, but that doesn’t mean using it always represents progress.
It might not be possible to stem the tide of this new trend, as some employers will be only too happy to use these tools as one more way to screen people out of the candidate pool; but I’d like to toss in my note of caution, and ask you to really think about how you’d like to see the world of employment operate when it comes to hiring the best and most qualified.
Deborah Halliday
Office of Career Services
Assistant Director