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Video CVs 'could discriminate'

Nov 07 2008

A rising use of online video CVs to apply for jobs could leave candidates open to a new form of discrimination, an industry body has warned.

The Recruitment Society says the recent introduction of video CVs from job site MultilingualVacancies.com could lead to them being commonly used.

Steve Huxham, chairman of the organisation, states if it became the standard way to apply it could be 'highly unfair on people' as some may not be naturally gifted in front of the camera.

People who are not photogenic or are not very outgoing presenters may be discriminated against, even if their job does not relate to communication, he says.

Huxham comments there is also the possibility of prejudice occurring against the race, age or gender of applicants, which could not occur with a paper CV.

In addition, to create the video CVs applicants would need a webcam and microphone, which many may not already own.

MultilingualVacancies.com says it is using the tool so applicants can display their language skills to potential employers.

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