How to get employees on camera for recruitment videos

Ask a colleague to appear in a recruitment video and the answer is often "I'd rather not". Not because they have nothing to say, but because they picture a film crew, lights and doing it three times over. The good news: most of the resistance comes from how you ask.

Why colleagues say no

• They don't know what to say.
• They're self-conscious about how they look or sound.
• It takes too much time.
• They don't know where the video will end up.
• Nobody else is doing it.

1. Ask one concrete question

"Tell us about your job" is too open. "Why did you stay?" or "What would you tell a new colleague on day one?" gives people something to hold on to. One question, one answer, done.

2. Show them how others did it

Nothing helps like an example. When someone sees a colleague say something honest from their own desk, they think: I can do that. So start with a short opening video of your own.

3. Keep it short

Thirty to ninety seconds. Short enough to do in one go, long enough to say something real. A short limit also stops people from writing a script.

4. Use the phone they already have

No app to install, no account, no appointment. They open a link and record whenever it suits them. They can start over as often as they like.

5. Be clear about what happens to the video

Tell them where the video will appear, that you'll review it first, and that they can withdraw consent at any time. That certainty makes a big difference.

6. No is an answer too

Make taking part genuinely voluntary. Anyone who says no gets no more reminders. Oddly enough, more people join when they know they don't have to.

7. Follow up without nagging

A friendly reminder after a few days helps. If someone stays quiet, let it go and ask the next person. That keeps things moving without anyone feeling rushed.

Tip: don't ask for "a video". Ask for "an answer to one question". It's the same thing, but it feels much smaller.