Research in Australia suggests it will become increasingly more difficult to find quality staff in 2025.
Making matters worse is the fact that there are so many businesses out there looking for good people.
So how do you stand out from the pack and get found by good candidates?
Creating a short video where you outline the uniqueness of your Business, will get candidates’ attention and separate you from the pack. Not only can it result in more high-quality applicants, but also applicants who connect with you and your message.
The first thing you need to do is identify the unique elements of your Business. Every business is different, and every business will appeal to certain candidates over another. Some elements to consider might be:
Are you located in a particularly desirable location?
Do you specialise in certain types of customers?
Are your employment conditions more family-friendly or flexible?
Do you offer extra leave or support further education more than the average?
There are dozens of possibilities in reality! Once you identify your business's unique characteristics, you should include these in your video.
Here are my top four tips on creating an amazing recruitment video:
1. Ensure that the video is carefully scripted
You need to write, and re-write what you’re going to say, and let someone whom you trust critique it. You need to not only get the right language that speaks to the types of candidates you’re seeking, but also includes all the necessary information, such as:
The types of roles available
Location
Main activities/tasks involved in the role
What’s different about your Business, including facilities
Appealing aspects of the job, and the business that might excite them
Culture
The recruitment process
2. Choose a style that you are comfortable with
Traditionally there are two types of recruitment videos
A Live video where you (the owner) or your key Staff, talk about the unique aspects of the Business, and why a candidate may want to work there
An Animated video which cleverly outlines all the aspects of your business, that may appeal to candidates
When choosing what is best for you it is important to consider the audience, context, purpose and whether you want to be in the video. Pros and Cons:
Live Video
The Business owner speaking directly to the camera creates a human connection and warmth to the message
There is the opportunity to showcase people in your organisation, and why they enjoy working there.
The video can help candidates feel aligned to your culture and branding
Animation
No need to rely on human talent – particularly if you personally don’t feel comfortable being on camera
Animation packs in a lot of information into a short package
Very effective at making complex information sound simple
Not reliant on real life conditions such as availability of particular people and places
3. Keep it brief – you don’t have to tell them EVERYTHING!
Aim for your video to be 2 – 3 minutes long. This is why it’s important to carefully prepare a ‘tight’ script. Include only the necessary bits of information - nothing superfluous. And make sure you repeat the most important 2-3 points in your message. Start with a hook, then move into the main information, then a call-to-action.
4. Use a professional video production company
Doing it yourself on an iPhone doesn’t work nearly as well. Using a professional videographer clearly costs more, but when you see the end result, you will be glad you did. The video you produce will be effective for several years and will likely make your business a lot more money by attracting good people, than you ever paid for it.
Creating a short Recruitment video will separate your Business from the pack. Not only will you get more high-quality applicants, but also the right type of people who connect with you, and your message.
Once you have your video, it needs to go on your website. Also, LinkedIn – where you should re-post every 2-3 weeks, so the message stays near the top of people’s feeds. You can also post on Facebook and other social media pages. Believe it or not, the best candidates are rarely looking on SEEK!
Recruitment can be a real grind for Business owners; but only if you make it that way. By always having your line in the water, with a great recruitment video which is regularly seen by many, you should receive a constant supply of good applicants, whilst your competitors are screaming out for people.
