would you prefer referral letters or a video??
when you hire people - do you require references/do you read them? is any of the information that people write valuable as you consider hiring this particular person? is it also bothersome for you to write one for a person when requested or do you just use a template.
my friend and I started brainstorming how to improve reference/recommendation letters since we see them all the time in our full time gigs. we're asking around companies, higher ed institutions, and teachers specifically about whether or not customized/personalized videos in place of these references could be more insightful/valuable to the receiver, while also more time saving for the recommender/referrer.
Any thoughts would be appreciated!
I don't require videos and honestly when I used to job search I would stay away from any company that asks me to send a video of myself saying or doing anything. Because I don't see the point. I would rather just have a phone or video call where I am able to assess the ability of the candidate to express themselves in real time. Written referrals or recommendation letters are important when the candidate has them as they could provide further insight into the hiring decision or the interview process.
I prefer letters based solely on a concern that using videos (even for references) too early in the hiring process could open up a business to false discrimination accusations.
good catch - what about videos from teachers to the direct source (admissions officer), so they aren't videos exactly of the candidate, but of the references?