Strange request

[CheeseSlice]

An agent put my CV forward for a contract and immediately phoned me after this to ask if he could record a video of myself answering some questions from the client. The video would then be shared with the client and if the liked it I would get an ‘interview’. Lucky me. The questions were about how to solve a complex problem directly related to the project. I declined..

This is a new one for me. Anybody else done this and did it go anywhere?

[eek]

An agent put my CV forward for a contract and immediately phoned me after this to ask if he could record a video of myself answering some questions from the client. The video would then be shared with the client and if the liked it I would get an ‘interview’. Lucky me. The questions were about how to solve a complex problem directly related to the project. I declined..

This is a new one for me. Anybody else done this and did it go anywhere?

Andy Hallett spent a couple of years helping some people develop a similar system. If you think about it, it may provide a better filter than a CV, here is someone talking about the issues you have rather than trying to deceive from a CV if this person can help you.

Yep it's strange (or rather, uncommon because it's new) but it probably saves the end client some time and allows them to create a short list of 3 rather than say 5.

[northernladuk]

Andy Hallett spent a couple of years helping some people develop a similar system. If you think about it, it may provide a better filter than a CV, here is someone talking about the issues you have rather than trying to deceive from a CV if this person can help you.

Yep it's strange (or rather, uncommon because it's new) but it probably saves the end client some time and allows them to create a short list of 3 rather than say 5.

This. Although I thought Andy's model was to produce a presentation about yourself that could be shared with the CV rather than tailored per client. I could be totally wrong there but either way, same kind of approach.

Out of interest. What did the agency say about the video once you'd had the interview. Do they keep it on record with your CV for use again or is it deleted once used?

[eek]

This. Although I thought Andy's model was to produce a presentation about yourself that could be shared with the CV rather than tailored per client. I could be totally wrong there but either way, same kind of approach.

Out of interest. What did the agency say about the video once you'd had the interview. Do they keep it on record with your CV for use again or is it deleted once used?

Client specific questions - used for that client
Generic agency questions - depends on the agency but I suspect they would want to use the video to find you work.

[virtualm]

An agent put my CV forward for a contract and immediately phoned me after this to ask if he could record a video of myself answering some questions from the client. The video would then be shared with the client and if the liked it I would get an ‘interview’. Lucky me. The questions were about how to solve a complex problem directly related to the project. I declined..

This is a new one for me. Anybody else done this and did it go anywhere?

f... that, that is classed as free consultancy. I've never been asked this, and I would decline it. I smell a rat straight off. Put that pimp on your warning list, or just ignore them.

If the client was legit then they would setup a call with you and ask you these questions in the interview (without it being recorded)....

[northernladuk]

f... that, that is classed as free consultancy. I've never been asked this, and I would decline it. I smell a rat straight off. Put that pimp on your warning list, or just ignore them.

If the client was legit then they would setup a call with you and ask you these questions in the interview (without it being recorded)....

A couple of scenario based questions? Is it balls. It's like anything in life nowadays, the onus is on you to do the work, like freeagent, online banking etc. Setting up a call requires clients time and planning. This way they can watch it when they feel like it. Quite an efficient idea but I don't like it because not everyone is comfortable behind a camera so adds blockers that have nothing to do with the role.

[ladymuck]

I'm not getting my nipple tassels out without payment up front

[NotAllThere]

I'm not getting my nipple tassels out without payment up front

Oh dear. I don't think you should have said that while NLUK is around. He'll probably bring out 50p at the next meet up.

[northernladuk]

Oh dear. I don't think you should have said that while NLUK is around. He'll probably bring out 50p at the next meet up.

Give me a sec. Just asking my accountant what constitutes business entertainment expenses.. Back shortly.

[Andy Hallett]

Video interviewing has worked and will grow to be the norm in certain sectors I believe. In blue-collar environments where there is little to differentiate people on in terms of hard skills, soft skills make a real difference. Also in high volume markets doing a video is a 'sign of commitment'

In the white collar world, sales roles and c-Suite profiles will naturally lend themselves to this approach.

From the sound of the OP, they are basically asking you to tell them how to do the project.