Written by Connie Gentry, Consulting Associate
In a world where video, media, and interactive technology have become the norm, job seekers have come to expect more from companies when investigating potential employers. Some of the pros of utilizing these mediums to attract candidates is that candidates can watch videos to get a realistic job preview (RJP) of the company as well as the position for which they are applying.
Incorporating realistic job previews into your candidate screening process can help organizations minimize turnover by giving potential hires a clear, honest look at what the job is really like before they’re hired. This way, people know exactly what they’re signing up for and are more likely to stick around if they feel it’s a good match. In this blog, we’ll explore five different ways you can improve realistic job previews to help reduce turnover within your organization.
What is a realistic job preview?
A realistic job preview is like getting a sneak peek into a job before you actually dive in. It’s meant to give potential candidates an inside look at what the role really entails so that they’re able to make an educated decision if it’s a good fit for them.
The number of individuals who utilize social media in their daily lives, either personally or professionally, indicate that using this type of platform to house a realistic job preview video is an easy way to get candidates familiar with the nuances of the job – both the positive and the not so positive.
For example, let’s say you run a busy call center. Candidates applying for a position might not fully understand all that is involved by just reading the job description. To combat this, watching a job preview video showing a current employee answering calls and using a software program can help the candidate understand what to expect day-to-day in the job. This realistic job preview also gives employers the opportunity to show the work environment itself and even introduce candidates to potential coworkers who can provide job insights in a relatable, non-technical format.
5 tips to optimize realistic job preview videos and decrease turnover
Once you’ve decided to integrate realistic job preview videos into your hiring process, the next question centers around where to start. Here are five tips for creating more effective RJP videos to help inform potential candidates and lower employee turnover within your organization:
1. Identify internal resources to utilize
When creating job preview videos, it’s important that you take measures to ensure that the end product is a professional, high-quality video that streams well and is easy and engaging to watch. You’ll want to consider contracting a professional videographer to film and edit the video. You’ll also want to select a number of incumbent employees to showcase and ideal locations to capture footage. Preparation is key to ensuring you get the best possible final product that effectively promotes your job opportunities and organization as a whole.
2. Include pertinent company information
Your organization’s mission and core values may really resonate with some candidates and also be a draw for your applicant pool. For example, if recycling and environmental protection is a core component of your company’s values, make sure to include it. Also, promoting your core values helps show that your company is built on specific beliefs and values – something that is important to many job seekers.
3. Showcase the benefits and perks of the position
This is where a well-executed realistic job preview really shines. Make sure to spotlight the positive aspects of the job and its work environment in your video, whatever those may be. By selecting a top performer or enthusiastic incumbent to star in your video, their appreciation and satisfaction for the company and the job will set an inviting tone for potential hires watching.
4. Do not try to hide any potential negative aspects of the position
Perhaps equally as important as showcasing the positives, it is best practice not to gloss over or try to hide things about the job that could be viewed as potential downsides when creating a realistic job preview. For example, if the job requires that someone be at their desk for 90% of their time with structured bathroom and lunch breaks, then include it in the job preview. If it involves undesirable work shifts or hours, include it. If there are limited promotional opportunities, include it.
Remember, a good realistic job preview is designed to help your company as well as help candidates. As an employer, you would not want to hire someone who isn’t going to be happy with the job. Candidates do not want to waste time going through a hiring process if, in the end, the job is not what they think it is and feel they may have been misled.
There are, however, ways in which the potentially negative aspects can be positioned in a way that does not make them the ‘star of the show’ in your video. Some creative thought and help from your marketing team – or even drawing upon feedback from the employees themselves – can help you identify a new way to frame these challenges.
5. Feature job previews across multiple social media outlets
Once you have your realistic job preview video finalized, post it to any social media or online outlets that your organization utilizes, your company’s website, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok. More eyes on your video means more exposure for your company in a transparent manner and hopefully, more applications from qualified candidates who will be a good fit.
Transform your job previews to keep employees longer
In the end, a realistic job preview can be many things. It can be a sales pitch to your applicants or an insider’s view into the pros and cons of the job. Perhaps the most important value of creating an effective realistic job preview is that it can be used as a screening tool within your selection system to help reduce potential turnover in your organization.
By focusing on these five tips, you’ll create realistic job preview videos that truly resonate with potential hires. An engaging and honest job preview not only helps set the right expectations but also builds trust from the get-go. When candidates know exactly what to expect, they’re more likely to stay motivated and committed in the long run. So, take the time to refine your videos — your future employees (and your turnover rates) will thank you.
