This is a guest blog post by Alex Wolff. Alex is the Social Media Ambassador of Spark Hire, a video powered hiring network that connects job seekers and employers through video resumes and online interviews. Connect with him and Spark Hire on Facebook and Twitter.



So you finally started your job search and decided what industry you want to be in, but now you realize you have one small problem: YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHERE YOU WANT TO LIVE! Naturally, you start to list off the most awesome cities that you can think of, before realizing that you don’t have the time or financial resources to interview for a position elsewhere. The thought of remaining where you are seems boring and unfathomable, but you have no other choice, right?

Not exactly, and I am here to tell you that there is indeed an option. It’s video interviewing. Video interviewing may seem like a foreign concept, but it’s actually not. In fact, 60 percent of companies today are using it, and the benefits for HR professionals and their companies are obvious. It’s more convenient, removes the need for travel costs, and saves time. In addition, it gives companies insight they cannot get on a phone interview or paper resume, such as personality, charisma, and body language. However, I am not here to talk about the obvious. No, what I want to talk about it is three ways that video interviewing is beneficial to and beloved by YOU, the job seeker!

#3 Passive Candidates Can Join the Party Too
Passive candidates, or candidates who are not actively looking for a job, but would be open to taking one if the opportunity arose, love video interviewing. Why? Well, it allows them to interview for a new position without stepping on the toes of their old one. For passive candidates, job searching and interviewing can be very difficult because they already have prior job responsibilities, and while they may be open to considering a move, they can’t exactly afford to lose their current job and still pay their bills. However, with video interviewing passive candidates can interview at their convenience. As a result, they avoid the stress of missing time at their current job and can be more relaxed during their interview.

#2 Today’s Job Seekers are Comfortable with New Technology
Plain and simple, today’s job seekers are tech savvy and open to using new interview methods with new technology. Job seekers today love video interviewing because it gives them an innovative way to stand out, and they are comfortable with video technology. Many candidates own laptops and are used to talking to friends and family on video chat applications. This comfort level calms nerves, and allows them to better represent themselves.

#1 It Helps Them Stand Out
Most importantly, video interviewing helps candidates to stand out. Standing out is paramount in the job search, especially early on. Often times this can be difficult, as it is hard to stand out when you are just a piece of paper. However, with video interviewing, candidates are able to be seen early on, and they can convey their communication skills. Both are key factors in separating two candidates who look similar on paper, and candidates love being able to give employers this insight in addition to their qualifications.

So let’s recap: not only is video interviewing growing in popularity and a fantastic hiring solution for companies of all sizes, but it is also a slam dunk for job seekers. Video interviewing allows for passive job seekers to make career moves without stress, the technology is comfortable to use, and it helps candidates stand out early in the process. What isn’t to love?