5 Skill Video Examples That Got Candidates Hired in 48 Hours

Real examples of skill videos across different roles — and what made them work.

By Chris Fairley, Founder & CEO • • 6 min read

What Makes a Skill Video Work?

A great skill video isn't about production quality. It's about proof.

In 30-60 seconds, candidates can demonstrate:

Here are 5 examples of skill videos that led to hires within 48 hours — and what made them effective.

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Example 1: Line Cook — Knife Skills Demo

The Prompt: "Show your knife skills. Dice an onion and explain your technique."

What Worked:

Why It Led to a Hire: The hiring manager could see in seconds that this candidate had real kitchen experience. No résumé could prove what 45 seconds of video showed.

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Example 2: Barber — Fade Demonstration

The Prompt: "Record yourself performing a mid fade. Show your blending technique."

What Worked:

Why It Led to a Hire: The shop owner saw the candidate's style matched their aesthetic. The explanation showed the barber understood why techniques work, not just how.

> More on barber hiring: [How to Hire a Barber: The Skills-Based Approach](/blog/how-to-hire-a-barber)

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Example 3: Server — Handling a Complaint

The Prompt: "A guest says their steak is overcooked. How do you handle it?"

What Worked:

Why It Led to a Hire: The restaurant manager saw someone who could stay calm under pressure and turn a negative into a positive. That's impossible to assess from a résumé.

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Example 4: Automotive Technician — Diagnostic Walkthrough

The Prompt: "Walk through how you'd diagnose a check engine light."

What Worked:

Why It Led to a Hire: The shop saw someone who thinks systematically, communicates clearly, and prioritizes safety. These are hard to assess in interviews but obvious in a video.

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Example 5: Retail Associate — Product Recommendation

The Prompt: "A customer asks for help choosing running shoes. Record your approach."

What Worked:

Why It Led to a Hire: The store manager saw natural sales ability and genuine enthusiasm. The candidate didn't just describe products — they sold them.

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Common Patterns in Successful Skill Videos

| Element | Why It Matters | |---------|----------------| | No long intros | Get to the skill immediately | | Clear audio | Explanation matters as much as visuals | | Steady camera | Professionalism counts | | Explain the "why" | Shows depth of understanding | | Keep it short | 30-90 seconds is ideal |

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Tips for Candidates Recording Skill Videos

  • Practice once, then record — Don't over-rehearse
  • Natural lighting works fine — No studio needed
  • Prop your phone steady — Use a tripod or lean it against something
  • Speak clearly — Your explanation matters
  • Be yourself — Authenticity beats polish

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    Tips for Employers Requesting Skill Videos

  • Be specific — "Show knife skills" is better than "show cooking skills"
  • Keep prompts simple — One task per video
  • Suggest length — "30-60 seconds" sets expectations
  • Watch before calling — Use videos to filter, then interview

    • > Framework: [Skills-Based Hiring: The Complete Guide](/blog/skills-based-hiring)

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    FAQ: Skill Videos

    What if a candidate has no experience?

    Entry-level candidates can still demonstrate attitude, coachability, and basic competence. The video shows how they approach learning.

    Should I accept TikTok-style edits?

    Content matters more than style. If the skill is visible, the editing doesn't matter.

    How do I store and organize videos?

    Platforms like [Vetano](/) organize candidate profiles with videos, verification, and contact info in one place.

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    Getting Started

    Skill videos aren't complicated. A smartphone, a simple prompt, and 60 seconds can tell you more than a stack of résumés.

    Ready to see candidates before you call them? [See how Vetano works →](/#how-it-works)