Dear J.T. & Dale: As a job seeker, I’m noticing an alarming trend where companies are requesting that I record videos as part of my application process. It seems like they’re replacing the initial phone screen with these videos, which I must record and send them. Can I get around this? Is there anything I can do to still get a job interview without having to do these videos? — Drake
J.T.: Using video as a way to screen candidates is becoming more common. Recent studies show as many as 70% of companies plan to start using this in 2024 and beyond. Why is video becoming so popular? Honestly, it has a lot to do with artificial intelligence and ChatGPT. So many people are using these tools to create their resumes and LinkedIn profiles that recruiters and hiring managers can no longer tell who is real and who is not. Also, they tend to overstate, dare I say embellish, a person’s background, making it more difficult to tell who is telling the truth about their skill sets. Videos give them an opportunity to validate you as a professional. It also lets them get to know you beyond just your experience because it reveals things like your personality and approach to work.
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DALE: It’s clear why companies would like them, but you, as a job seeker, should, too. You’ve heard a million times about how important first impressions are, right? Well, here’s a chance to optimize those impressions. Go to YouTube and get some advice from people who love making videos. You’ll need to experiment with lighting and backgrounds, with your dress, eye contact, voice and lots of other variables that seem irrelevant to doing the job, but nevertheless are shooting off clues to hiring managers about what type of teammate you’ll be.
Dear J.T. & Dale: I live in a small town, and there are two utility companies. I worked for the first one for 10 years and had a great experience there. Eventually, they hired a really crazy manager, and she made my life so difficult that I ended up leaving and going to the competitor. I’ve been there five years, and it’s absolutely miserable. I truly miss my old company. I just found out that the crazy manager has left and that there might be a position available very similar to what I did before. How can I reach out to them and see if they would consider bringing me back? — Kaylene
DALE: Let’s start by backing up and recognizing this as a cautionary tale. This is why you never burn a bridge and why you always want to stay in touch with former coworkers.
J.T.: Exactly. And assuming you have communicated with a bunch of your former coworkers over the years, now is the time to reach out to them. Let them know how much you would love to return and seek their guidance on what they think it would take to be considered for the role. Now that the old manager is gone, you can tell them that you’ve learned some valuable skills at this other company and want to bring that knowledge back to them.
DALE: Once you get an interview, then it might get tricky: You’ll have to explain that you quit but you’re not a quitter and that you had a problem manager, but you won’t be a problem. Turn the conversation from the crazy manager to teamwork and how you thrive in an environment where people want the team to excel.
