Tell Your Story: Upgrading Cover Letters to Video Profiles
Everyone and anyone has had to deal with either applying for jobs or scanning through hundreds of job applications, whether they are a job seeker or an employer. Being the number one New Zealand-owned job site, JobSpace researched how they can help job hunters and employers reduce time on job applications. On the 16th of October 2023, JobSpace is the pioneer in introducing video profiles in New Zealand's job site market which will essentially replace cover letters on JobSpace's website.
Showcasing your Talent
Firstly, as a job seeker, you'll need to register on the JobSpace website using your email and a chosen password. Once registered, the site will prompt you to input your resume and provide other necessary information crucial for job applications. Following this, the next step involves creating your 60-second video profile. This video serves as a platform for you to articulate your skills, experiences, and why you're an ideal candidate for a job. Consider it similar to your personalised cover letter in video format.
You then have the opportunity to preview or re-record their video until they are satisfied with the final result. Once completed, the video will be uploaded onto your JobSpace profile for prospective employers to view. It's important to note that your video profile will be visible to all employers for the positions you've applied to. Your video can be tailored specifically to one industry, such as retail or hospitality, or you can tailor it to all industries. Another feature is that you can modify or re-record the video profile at your convenience.
Currently, job hunters can only have one video uploaded at a time, and it will remain on their profile for 90 days. However, there's the flexibility for job hunters to either remove or recreate the video according to their preferences and needs.
An Employers Tool
As an employer, utilising video profiles can significantly streamline your hiring process, especially for small to medium-sized businesses. Instead of sifting through numerous cover letters, opting for video profiles enables a quicker review of
applications. Often, when advertising a new position, the influx of applications can overwhelm a small team. Going through stacks of cover letters can be time-consuming, especially with other pressing commitments. In contrast, video profiles offer a more efficient way to gauge candidates' suitability. By allowing job hunters to present themselves via video, they can articulate all necessary information, potentially saving considerable time for you as an employer. Picture having 30 applications and being able to assess them all within an hour, instead of three. Moreover, video profiles offer more than just a showcase of skills and experience—they also provide insight into an applicant's personality. This understanding of the candidate can be invaluable, especially during the interview phase. Making use of video profiles can greatly speed up the hiring process and grant a deeper understanding of applicants, going beyond what a typical cover letter can reveal.
The introduction of JobSpace's video profile marks a significant shift in the job application process. As JobSpace received positive feedback from all employers who are posting job advertisements on JobSpace's website, it is clear that video profiles offer a more efficient and effective way for applicants to present themselves while streamlining the hiring process for employers.