do not use a video resume

do not use a video resume do not use a video resume A reader forwarded me this email  from a job applicant, which she notes was sent after we posted a job listing with the explicit instructions to follow a link and apply through our online form: Heres my video resume it highlights my experience, qualifications, etc.: (LINK REDACTED) Its about 2 minutes, then it downloads my paper resume, references, etc. I have a lot of experience in this area. After reviewing my resume I think youll agree Im the person for the job. The readers comment: A video? Really? And I have to sit through it to get to your paper resume? Is this becoming popular for real, or is it just another gimmick that people are trying? Yeah, its yet another bad idea being sold to job-seekers by people who dont hire and thus have no real idea whats effective with employers and what isnt. Add it to the growing list, along with creative resume designs, QR codes, and other gimmicks that no one who actually hires people for a living recommends. If you take a look at the people pushing video resumes, theyre all either (a) making money in some way off of it or (b) self-appointed career experts with no significant experience managing and hiring (which should deny them that right to advise on any of these topics, but thats another post). If you feel like doing this guy a favor and simultaneously giving the bad-career-advice industry the slap-back that they deserve, Id send him a quick note back and say, Like most employers, we dont accept video resumes. Please follow our application instructions if youd like to be considered.