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The Ultimate Guide to

Bio Videos

Hiring the right person is critical—it enhances your company culture, creates new financial opportunities, and keeps your team aligned and moving toward shared goals. On the flip side, a bad hire can lead to frustration, miscommunication, and significant costs. In fact, the wrong hire can cost around $17,000.

One of the best ways to attract the right people is to show them what it looks like to be a part of your company. If an employee could “test drive” a role at your business both parties could determine whether the job and the candidate are the right fit. 

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Unfortunately, that’s not practical for most businesses, and employers and candidates are left to do research, read reviews, talk to references, conduct assessments, and spend hours in interviews. In this age of instantly accessible information, we have the ability to learn more about people and businesses than ever before. Still, there is more that businesses can do to help candidates gain insight into your organization that will help attract the right candidate and turn away those who are not. 

Video is a tool that is readily available through sources like YouTube, but underutilized when it comes to the recruiting process for many organizations. On one hand, the pandemic forced many businesses to move meetings and interviews to online video, but the lack of informational videos available for job candidates is stunning. From corporate overview videos to individual “bio videos,” candidates can get a clearer picture of your organization before applying for a position. While corporate overview videos are straightforward, bio videos require a more nuanced understanding how these video assets can make a difference. What makes an effective bio video? And, how can you ensure the time and resources you invest actually deliver results?

From understanding the different styles of bio videos to practical tips on planning, production, and repurposing content across platforms, this resource will equip you with the knowledge you need to tell your team’s stories with authenticity and purpose. 

What are Bio Videos? 

Bio videos are short, engaging pieces of content that introduce the people behind your organization—your leaders, employees, and teams. They’re designed to tell authentic stories, highlight unique personalities, and create meaningful connections with your audience, whether that’s prospective clients, potential hires, or existing team members. Bio videos are especially helpful for those people who are seriously considering a position at your organization. When produced correctly, these videos can further attract the right candidate and turn away those who are not the right fit.

Unlike broader “About Us” or company culture videos, bio videos zero in on individuals or smaller groups, offering a personal lens into your organization. They can provide a “behind-the-scenes” glimpse into a day in the life of a team member and share insight that can not be found in a job description. These short stories can be revealing, candid, and persuasive if approached with authenticity and transparency.

But bio videos aren’t just about visibility—they’re about building trust. People are naturally drawn to faces, voices, and stories. A well-crafted bio video brings out nonverbal communication and voice inflection that doesn’t just inform—it resonates. It turns names and titles into relatable humans and transforms your organization from a faceless entity into a team people want to work with and support.

Why Bio Videos Matter

Research consistently shows the power of putting faces to your brand. CareerBuilder found that job postings with video content receive 12% more engagement and 34% higher application rates. This highlights how visual storytelling through bio videos not only captures attention but also builds emotional connections that drive action. When prospective employees or clients can see the people behind your organization, they’re more likely to trust your brand, engage with your content, and ultimately take the next step—whether that’s applying for a position, reaching out for more information, or becoming a loyal customer.

Internally, bio videos can foster stronger team connections, simplify onboarding, and provide clarity on roles and responsibilities within your organization. New hires can quickly understand team dynamics, and existing employees can feel a stronger sense of connection to their colleagues.

Externally, bio videos offer a level of authenticity that static text or images simply cannot achieve. They give prospective clients and job candidates a chance to “meet” your team before ever stepping into your office. This personal connection builds trust, enhances credibility, and sets your organization apart in a crowded marketplace.

Much like optimizing a website for search engines, optimizing your bio videos for visibility and engagement is essential. Sharing them across key platforms—such as your website, social media channels, and email campaigns—ensures they reach the right audience and make a lasting impact.

In short, bio videos are more than just a nice-to-have addition to your marketing strategy. They are a foundational tool for storytelling, relationship-building, and long-term success.

Types of Bio Videos

Leadership Bios

Leadership bio videos focus on introducing key figures in your organization, such as executives, directors, or team leads. These videos highlight not only professional achievements but also personal values and leadership styles. When potential clients or employees see approachable and transparent leaders, it builds credibility and trust. These videos are especially impactful for showcasing the human side of leadership, going beyond resumes and titles to reveal vision and passion. They are also helpful when adding members to a leadership team as the candidate has the opportunity to develop an understanding of the make-up of the team. Having knowledge of those you’ll be partnering with in developing strategy and vision is extremely important when attracting the right executives.

A strong leadership bio video might include insights into what motivates your leaders, their vision for the company, and even personal anecdotes that help create a sense of connection. These videos often set the tone for company culture and provide reassurance to external audiences that they are engaging with a strong, reliable team.

Employee Spotlight Videos

Employee spotlight videos shine a light on individual team members, celebrating their contributions, stories, and unique roles within the company. These videos are excellent tools for showcasing the diverse talent that drives your organization forward.

Whether highlighting an employee’s career journey, sharing a day in their role, or focusing on their personal passions, these videos provide relatable and inspiring content. They also serve as powerful tools for recruitment by giving prospective hires a glimpse into the kind of people they might be working alongside.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Spotlight videos build pride and morale among your existing team. Everyone appreciates being recognized for their hard work and dedication, and that kind of acknowledgment has a ripple effect—boosting engagement, fostering loyalty, and creating a workplace culture where people feel valued. For prospective employees, these videos send a clear message: your company cares about its people. No one wants to feel like a cog in the machine, and employee spotlight videos show that your team members are seen, appreciated, and celebrated for who they are and what they bring to the table.

Day-in-the-Life

Day-in-the-life videos offer viewers an immersive experience of the daily routines and responsibilities of your team members. These videos go beyond surface-level introductions to provide a narrative-driven look at what it’s like to work within your organization.

From morning routines to project milestones and team interactions, these videos build transparency and set realistic expectations for both prospective hires and clients. They are an engaging way to demystify roles, highlight workplace culture, and showcase the value of the work your team does every day.

Each type of bio video serves a unique purpose, but all share a common goal: to build trust, humanize your brand, and create meaningful connections.

 

How to Create an Impactful Bio Video

Creating a compelling bio video is more than just turning on a camera and pressing record—it’s about crafting a thoughtful, intentional story that resonates with your audience. Whether you're showcasing your team’s personalities, highlighting your company culture, or attracting new talent, a well-executed bio video can leave a lasting impression.

From planning and scripting to selecting the right people and repurposing content, these tips will help you produce a video that connects with viewers and achieves your goals.

1. Scriptwriting: Producing an impactful bio video begins with thoughtful planning, and a script that feels authentic can be a challenge. Focus on identifying, and then showcasing your team’s unique personalities and letting their voices shine through. A good rule of thumb: if it feels forced or awkward, it probably is. Keep it natural and true to your brand.

2. Select the Right People: Not everyone is comfortable on camera, and that’s okay. If someone expresses hesitation, trust their instincts. For a bio video to resonate, it’s essential to choose individuals who are not only willing but also able to bring energy and authenticity to the screen. The right spokespeople can make all the difference in delivering a memorable and impactful message.

3. Choose the Right Tone and Style: Align your video's tone with your brand and target audience. Whether polished and professional or casual and candid, consistency is key. Don’t get caught up trying to appease a “higher up”, focus on the person who you hope will watch this video. This ensures the video feels authentic and relatable while staying true to your company’s image.

4. Invest in Quality Production: While authenticity matters, video quality cannot be overlooked. Poor audio, lighting, or editing can distract from your message. Investing in professional equipment or partnering with a video production team ensures a polished final product. Again, remember the target audience and scale your production around their expectations and how you’d like to position your career opportunity.

5. Strategize the Distribution: Get the most out of your bio videos by using them across different platforms. Post engaging clips on social media, feature the full video on your website or include highlights in email campaigns. You can even use them internally to boost team morale. Repurposing helps your videos connect with a wider audience while reinforcing your message in meaningful ways.

Getting the Largest ROI From Your Bio Videos

Maximizing the return on your investment in bio videos begins with strategic repurposing. A single video can serve multiple purposes when shared across your website, social media channels, email campaigns, and internal communications. Clips can be repackaged for different audiences, ensuring your content stays fresh and relevant.

Effective distribution is equally important. Platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and your company website are powerful tools for sharing these videos. Job posting pages and email campaigns also offer valuable opportunities to engage your audience.

Measuring success goes beyond view counts. Metrics such as engagement rates, website analytics, and recruitment outcomes offer valuable insights into performance. Regularly reviewing these indicators allows you to refine your approach and ensure ongoing impact.

Finally, avoid common pitfalls like failing to repurpose content, setting unclear objectives, or ignoring performance data. When executed thoughtfully, bio videos become a powerful tool for both internal communication and external marketing.

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Grab a time on my calendar to discuss
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Kathy Heil, Partner

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