In 2021 video is set to take the world by storm. Whether it’s an interview or explainer video, this engaging content packs a punch and creates a lasting impression. In 2020, we saw video take over the world of marketing, and in 2021 you can expect to see it in every sector, from sales to – yes, you guessed it – recruitment. But why exactly should your firm look to use video in your recruitment process? Well, we’ve got five reasons to start you off.
The more, the merrier
What if I were to tell you that adding a video to your job listing will increase applications by 34%? Of course, you’d say: “It’s a no-brainer, fetch the camera and start recording!”. And why wouldn’t you? After all, the more applications you receive, the more chances you have of finding that perfect candidate. But it doesn’t end there: while an increase in quantity is great, an improvement in quality is even better: and guess what? Video does both! With a massive 78% of recruiters agreeing that video has helped to improve the quality of their applicants, it’s time to dust off your director’s chair and start filming.
The inside scoop
Employees: the backbone of your business, the very heart and soul of your brand. Where would you be without them? For many companies, the answer would be nowhere. Your employees are the very core of your business and dedicate a lot of time and energy to making your vision a reality, which is why committing to a new position in a new company can be a daunting process. At the end of the day, if you are going to be spending the majority of your time somewhere, you want to ensure you have the full picture before joining – it really is a life-changing decision. And who better to tell your story than those who live it every day? Your employees know the ins and outs of your business and can offer insight into what it’s like to work for you, and most importantly, they are relatable.
Candidates want to hear from people who have relevance to the role they are applying for. They want insight into the world they will be entering, a glimpse into their day-to-day lives, the company culture and who they will be working with. They don’t want a sales pitch from the head of the business. They want authentic content from real people. And the numbers don’t lie: with a recent survey from LinkedIn finding candidates trust the views of employees three times more than the company themselves, it’s time to give your staff the voice they deserve.
Find your perfect match
Linking to the above, by showing candidates exactly what it’s like to work for your company, you will be helping to ensure a better cultural fit. Videos such as ‘day in the lives’ allow applicants to gain an insight into the world they will be working in and make an informed decision about whether or not it’s what they are looking for. This means if they feel they are not a good fit for your role, they can withdraw their application and focus their efforts elsewhere. Without video, candidates often aren’t able to make this sort of judgement until much later in the hiring process – which can be costly for both parties involved.
And of course, the more a candidate knows about your business, the better judgement they can make and the more likely they are to be happy within their new role. This is great news for your firm as it means improved retention rates and reduced recruitment costs in the long run. Win, win!
Give the people what they want
More than 82% of candidates now search and apply for jobs using mobile devices – and who can blame them? It’s quick, easy and convenient – just like video. And the two go hand-in-hand. Being blessed with search engines and smart devices certainly has its perks, but as with everything, there are drawbacks, too. As humans, we are now so used to receiving everything on-demand that even simple tasks (like reading a few paragraphs) can seem like an impossible chore – especially when using a mobile device.
This explains why millennials are four times more likely to watch a video than to read a related article. Engaging, memorable and easy to digest, videos are a great way to get your message seen and heard.
Cut costs & save time
When the term ‘video marketing’ is mentioned, many shy away in fear it will cost an arm and a leg, but the good news is: it doesn’t! We’re not in Hollywood. Candidates aren’t expecting to see a video loaded with special effects and fancy transitions: it’s the content itself they care about.
Remember: people are watching your video to decide whether to apply to your role, so make sure you nail the recruitment aspect and worry about the rest later. This means you don’t need to invest thousands in securing the latest camera or editing software; as long as you present a professional and well-polished video with great content, you are likely to see success.
Oh, and once you’ve produced the video, you can use it again and again. Whether it’s repurposing it for use on social channels or using across a range of relevant job listings, you can expect to get a lot of use out of each video, saving you time and money in the long run. But wait, there’s more! Videos are also great for SEO: so great that pages containing it are 53x more likely to rank on the first page of the search engine results pages. They also encourage social sharing, meaning you are more likely to attract the traffic you need organically, thus reducing the need for paid advertising.
While a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million. So, whether it’s employee testimonials, day in the life clips or even turning the job listing itself into a video, don’t risk holding your firm back by not embracing video.
