Recruiters have warned against a new trend that sees companies requiring jobseekers to post public videos to social media as part of the hiring process, labelling it “humiliating”.

A number of companies, particularly those operating in the digital marketing space, have started asking those applying for jobs to post a video submission onto their public social media for anyone – including the applicant’s current employer – to see.

The success of these videos and likelihood the poster will be offered a job is often dependent on the post going viral.

Brisbane-based digital marketing strategist Jessica Tathem told Yahoo Finance that she had seen dozens of brands in the last year requiring this of applicants.

“When I started seeing that it’s your only option [to apply]...like, the callout is to post yourself online and tag them. That was wild to me,” Tathem said.

‘Very awkward’

Volen Vulkov, the co-founder of online resume platform Enhancv, said he has seen this trend emerging.

“We’re definitely seeing this trend appear, especially in marketing and content-driven roles, where employers want to gauge how candidates show up online,” Vulkov told Information Age.

“There can be benefits – a public application or social post can act as a real-world work sample, and it gives employers insight into a candidate’s creativity, communication style and ability to engage an audience.”

This trend can often take the form of job hopefuls posting a video promoting themselves for a specific job on their personal Instagram, Facebook or TikTok account.

But Vulkov said it can put jobseekers in uncomfortable positions and unfairly favours more outgoing individuals.

“People can find themselves in some very awkward situations when they submit public applications, especially if they are currently employed somewhere and their current employer sees that,” he said.

“Many people also just don’t feel comfortable sharing their job hunt with the world.

“Also, it creates a bias that’s in favour of applicants who are social media savvy or naturally extroverted.”

Unwanted scrutiny

According to Australian recruiters, this trend is still highly uncommon and should not become standard practice.

Robert Half director Nicole Gorton said that the “risks outweigh the benefits” when it comes to this tactic.

“It can expose jobseekers to unwanted scrutiny, create inequalities for those uncomfortable on camera, and blur the line between personal and professional boundaries,” Gorton told Information Age.

“Effective hiring should remove barriers, not add new ones, and there are far more inclusive and effective ways for employers to assess a candidate’s strengths.”



Recruiters say there are risks with the public video application trend. Photo: Shutterstock

According to Hays regional director, technology Peter Marinis, providing a video as part of the application process can help jobseekers stand out from the pack.

“The hiring landscape is evolving rapidly, and a new trend is emerging companies asking job seekers to post public videos about their job hunt,” Marinis told Information Age.

“While it may feel unconventional, there are compelling reasons why this approach could gain traction.

“Virtual interactions are now more of the norm and authenticity a key differentiator.

“A short video allows candidates to showcase personality, communication skills and creativity – qualities that a CV often fails to capture.”

But making these videos can be “demanding or even humiliating”, he said, and videos should never be required or be the only option.

“Public exposure during a job search can feel intimidating, and if not handled carefully, it risks introducing bias based on appearance or environment,” Marinis said.

“To avoid these pitfalls, it is important for companies to offer video submissions as optional, provide alternative application methods and focus on the substance of the message rather than production quality.

“Reinforcing core values like diversity, inclusion and equity is essential to ensure the process remains fair and empathetic.

“When implemented thoughtfully, this trend can be engaging and innovative without compromising candidate dignity.”

Job applications and interviews have taken new forms in recent years, thanks to the advent of emerging technologies.

A study last year found that Australians are using generative AI to cheat in job interviews far more than their global peers.

The report found that nearly three-quarters of Australians are using AI tools in their current job search, compared to a global average of 58 per cent.