Candidates are not looking for a slogan: they want to know who they will work with and what daily life will be like. Employee portraits, in photo and video, answer that question better than any sentence. Here is how to make them work to grow your employer brand.
Why portraits work
A face, a job, a few sincere words: we identify more easily with a person than with an organisation. Portraits show the variety of jobs, reassure about the atmosphere and make people want to join a team. They also serve internally, where those filmed are often proud to be showcased.
What a good set of portraits contains
- A portrait photo in context. The person at their workstation, in the middle of their activity, rather than in front of a neutral wall.
- A short video interview. A few simple questions: what I do, what I like, what I would advise someone joining us.
- The gestures of the job. Hands, tools, screens, sites: what makes the role concrete.
- Places and teams. Offices, workshops, break areas: the real atmosphere.
- A glimpse of the culture. Group moments, rituals, shared successes.
Our article on recruitment video details how to link this content with your job offers.
How to choose the people
- Choose varied profiles: jobs, seniority, ages, sites.
- Favour volunteers: a forced portrait shows on screen.
- Do not limit yourself to HR and managers: field staff are often the most credible.
- Plan a few extra people to cover last-minute surprises.
Preparing people before the shoot
Most people do not like being filmed; preparation changes everything. Send the questions in advance, but without written answers: we are after spontaneity, not recitation. Say how long it will take, where, and what to wear. On site, let the person settle in, reassure them and give the first takes time to relax. For light and framing, see how to light a portrait or an interview.
Where to use these images
- The careers page and job ads.
- Social media, especially professional networks.
- Recruitment forums and fairs, schools.
- The welcome pack and onboarding, see our advice on internal videos.
- Leadership communications, with a leader as the face of the brand.
Keep a consistent style from one person to the next: a consistent visual identity avoids the patchwork effect.
Image rights: plan the duration and withdrawal
Each person filmed or photographed must give written consent for the planned use. Specify the duration of use, the media concerned and what happens if the person leaves the company. This avoids urgent removals and protects everyone. The precise rules depend on your situation: have the consent template checked by your legal team.
Common mistakes
- Having employees speak while reading a text.
- Showing only “perfect” people, when credibility comes from the real.
- Forgetting to film the less visible jobs, which are often the hardest to recruit for.
- Not updating the portraits as teams change.
Frequently asked questions
- How many portraits do we need? It depends on the size of the company and the jobs to promote. We define it with you at the briefing.
- Can it all be done in one day? Often, yes: with a tight schedule, several portraits can be made in the same production day.
- Can we also film the place and atmosphere? Yes, it is even recommended to give the portraits a setting.
Key takeaway. Sincere, prepared and consistent portraits beat a speech: they show who you really are. See our portfolio for portraits and company films.
Portraits to make?
Introduce us to your teams and jobs: we will prepare with you a set of portraits that makes people want to join you.