Do Schools Still Care About Intro Videos?

If you’ve gone through the application process for international teaching jobs, you’ve no doubt come across a request for an ‘introduction video’. As the name suggests, it’s a short video of you introducing yourself as a teacher / available candidate. 

Introduction videos aren’t a new phenomenon, and are typically included as a staple part of a teacher’s application profile. But, is it something that schools still care about - or is it just another hoop to jump through?

The Short Answer is: Yes, Schools DO Still Care

Schools are still asking for intro videos, and it’s for the same reason they always have: they give a first impression of a teaching candidate, and that additional information that can’t always be gleaned from a CV.

From a short clip, they can get a sense of a potential teacher’s communication style, energy, and how they might connect with students. 

With potentially hundreds of applications, a video can quickly help to narrow down if you’re a potential good fit and be offered an invite to proceed to the next stage of the hiring process.

Presentation matters here, so although your intro video doesn’t need to be a cinematic production, making sure it’s good quality is essential! Smart attire, clear audio and lighting, speaking confidently to the camera - don’t forget to smile! - are all things you should check off when preparing your video. 

Need help with your intro video? Check out our guide HERE!

The Debate On Intro Videos

Many international teachers understand that the intro video is just a part of the application process. It’s there to put a face to the CV, and demonstrate the skills that can’t necessarily be communicated in writing. However, some feel strongly that intro videos are doing what should be done in the actual interview.

In a time of an increasingly competitive recruitment market, we would always recommend including an intro video as part of your job application. It’s what most schools will expect, and when the majority of candidates have one, you risk having your application becoming overlooked if you don’t!

In an ever evolving market, coupled with technological advances, there may be a time when intro videos become a thing of the past. But for now, they’re still a standard part of the hiring process.

So yes, schools do still care about intro videos. They won’t replace your CV or interview, but they can be a big factor in whether you even get that interview in the first place. Think of it as your 90-second elevator pitch, and make it count.