Let’s be real: writing a job post isn’t enough anymore.
If you want to attract qualified candidates, you need to do more than just list job duties and throw in some buzzwords. Job seekers today want to get a feel for your company culture before considering applying. And one of the best ways to show who you really are?
You guessed it, a recruitment video.
Video content is engaging, personal, and super effective. A short recruitment video can capture what dozens of paragraphs on a careers page can’t. It gives potential candidates a real sense of your vibe, your values, and your team. Whether you’re building a global brand or growing a local business, learning how to make a recruitment video that works is a huge step in elevating your hiring process.
Table of Contents
Tips to Create Engaging Recruitment Videos
1. Start With the “Why”
Before grabbing a camera, ask: Why do you want to make a recruitment video?
Is it to fill a specific role, showcase your team, or build long-term brand awareness for future hires? Knowing your goal helps shape the message.
Also, define who you’re talking to:
- Are you hiring engineers?
- Retail staff?
- Creative professionals?
Understanding your audience ensures your recruiting video speaks directly to what they care about.
2. Keep It Real
What is the biggest mistake in many generic recruitment videos? They try too hard.
You don’t need over-polished scripts or stock footage. In fact, a more honest, real approach usually wins. That’s why employee testimonials work so well—they show authentic stories, told by the people living your company culture every day.
And don’t be afraid to add personality. If your team loves to laugh, a funny recruitment video might work better than a buttoned-up corporate clip. The goal is to make your viewers think, “I could see myself working here.”
3. Location Matters
Your visuals and tone should match the local scene if you’re trying to attract candidates in a specific area.
For example, a well-produced recruitment video Melbourne companies can create often reflects the city’s creative energy and professional diversity. This helps companies attract talent that aligns with Melbourne’s unique work culture and lifestyle.
The visuals, background music, and even the featured team members can reflect the local vibe while still keeping it aligned with your brand. This makes a stronger connection with the kind of talent that fits your team and environment.
4. Focus on the Recruitment Journey
Your video should clearly examine your recruitment process, not just the work itself.
Show what applying looks like, give tips on what to expect in interviews, and let candidates know how they’ll be supported. This helps reduce the “black hole” feeling many applicants experience.
Here are a few things to highlight in your professional recruitment video:
- Day-in-the-life clips of team members
- Insights into training or onboarding
- Collaboration and team dynamics
- Career growth stories
- Real workplace interactions
And if you use embedded videos in job listings or email follow-ups, that would be even better. That puts your story right where applicants need it.
5. Short and Sweet Wins
You don’t need a five-minute mini-documentary. A short recruitment video, anywhere from 60 to 180 seconds, is usually enough.
Start strong. Hook them in the first 10 seconds. Include visuals of your team, workspace, and daily operations. Add in a few employee testimonials or short interviews. And close with a strong call to action, visit the careers page, apply now, or reach out to a recruiter.
Want to make the process easier? Plenty of video templates exist for recruitment, especially for platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Shorts.
6. Write the Right Script (Or Don’t)
If you’re scripting, keep it natural. Don’t load it with jargon. Be conversational. Imagine you’re talking to your audience, because you are.
That said, you don’t have to use your script. Some of the best recruiting videos are simply interviews and candid footage edited together with a clear narrative. The key is knowing your brand before you press record.
7. Highlight What Sets You Apart
Don’t just say “we’re hiring.” Say why someone should join your team.
Talk about your values, projects you’re proud of, work-life balance, or remote policies. Show how your team communicates and collaborates. These details help you stand out.
Remember, job seekers aren’t just looking for money. They’re looking for meaning, growth, and alignment with their own goals. If your video content touches on those things, you’re way ahead of the competition.
8. Promote It in the Right Places
After you create your great recruitment video, don’t just stick it on YouTube and call it a day.
Embed it in job listings. Post clips to LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. Share it in onboarding emails and even on your homepage. You can also feature it in recruitment ads or employer brand campaigns.
And if you’ve created variations, like one full video and several bite-sized clips, you’ll have content ready to go across every platform.
Final Words
Learning how to make your next recruitment video isn’t just a “nice to have” anymore; it’s a strategic advantage. In a recruitment field full of noise, attention spans, and remote work, video gives your brand a powerful way to connect.
Done right, a single recruiting video can build trust, show off your vibe, and turn curious candidates into excited applicants. Your next top hire could be one play button away.
