One of the best ways to nail the attention of your potential future employer is to send them a video resume. A video is an excellent addition to a conventional text CV and may help you shine among other candidates and eventually get your coveted job. In this blog post, you will find helpful tips and tricks on shooting a video resume that will help potential employers see your authentic awesome self.
What is a video resume, and who needs it?
A video resume is a short story about yourself shot using a camera. In the video, the candidate explains why an employer should hire them and what benefits they can bring to the company. Usually, video resumes are sent alongside a conventional text CV so candidates can stand out in the crowd and get invited for an interview.
In the past, video presentations were requested only for positions that were in the public eye – TV anchors, journalists, and managers. Employers would evaluate the public appearances and ability of candidates to hold the audience’s attention. Later on, soft skills went higher on the agenda of recruiters looking for candidates in other positions, too. Judging them based on a traditional text-based CV is not an easy task, while a video resume gives a perfect snapshot of a candidate’s “flexible” skills.
A video resume is also a more creative way to present your skills and experience. Just imagine: a poor HR constantly reviewing hundreds of CVs listing a candidate’s “experience”, “education”, “skills”, and so on. Their head is spinning. And then, suddenly, you come up with your video as a breath of fresh air in the dull routine. The recruiter will suddenly remember you and the fact that you have freshened up their day.
A good video resume can definitely increase your chances of landing a job and will certainly get you noticed. However, if you want to be successful, you should do your homework and prepare all those small details that make all the difference.
A good video resume
As simple as this format may seem, not everyone can make it right. There are several essential rules for producing a good video resume for any vacancy. We made a list of the best tips and tricks from bloggers, editors and recruiters on how to speak, what to wear, and how to behave on camera. Follow them, and success will be on your side!
Keep it short
Your video should be 1-2 minutes long at best, and by all means – no longer than five minutes. HRs are usually very busy and will hardly have a lot of time for you. Respect their time and your reputation – a minute or two is more than enough to express your main ideas without getting boring.
Make a script
Don’t improvise. The information you share in your video resume should be well thought-over and structured, so you should have the text written down in advance.
It is best to divide your presentation into three parts. Start with an introduction – who you are and what vacancy you are applying for. Then comes the middle part, where you should tell how you can benefit the company. In the end, thank your audience for the attention and leave your contacts.
Grab the attention and focus on what matters most
Act as a director and think about what would make your future employer notice and remember you in the first 30 minutes of watching your video resume. This does not mean that you can be dull and meaningless in the rest of the video.
Remember, a video resume is not a CV. You are looking to land a particular job, so try to keep it simple and focus only on what matters for this specific job.
When working on your script, think about the information that could make a particular recruiter pick you among hundreds of other candidates. It may be your achievements in your previous job – successful projects, specific skills, ambitions for future training and development. The critical thing here is, to be honest.
Choose the right outfit and interior
No T-shirt and distracting interior elements! Your looks should correspond to the company and positions you are applying for. Casual is a win-win option unless you are applying for a drummer in a rock band. By all means, make sure you feel comfortable in your outfit. And don’t forget – no glittery or transparent accessories – they look awful on camera!
The interior should be discreet and not distract the viewer from the most important thing – you and what you’re saying. It is best to use an office chair and a neutral-coloured wall.
Work on the technical details
Forget about shooting your video on an iPhone 5. The video quality should be at least 720p, and make sure the sound is crisp and clear. It would help if you tried to produce a video as professionally as possible. Light is essential – make sure it is good enough. Put your camera on a tripod, so the image doesn’t twitch. If you can’t handle the editing – ask an expert for help.
Instruction: how to make a video resume
So, now it’s time for the practical part.
1. Start working on the script – write your speech
There is no point in looking for the best camera and working on the rest of the technical details unless you have the content in place – that’s the whole point.
2. Get the equipment in place
When you’re done with your speech, you can bring out your camera and other stuff – if you don’t have all you need, ask your friends!
3. Pick the best place to make the footage
Make sure you have the right background and good light.
4. Work on your image – clothes, hairdo, makeup?
Learn your text by heart, get yourself all nicely dressed and ready, and do some tests to eliminate any possible issues: time, smooth text, a cat or a dog in the frame, etc. Rehearse until you get it all perfect.
And now you’re done. You are ready to send your video resume!
Bonus tip:
- Search the internet for videos uploaded by other candidates.
- See what you like in each video, but don’t just copy them.
- Be yourself – honesty and straightforwardness are always appreciated.
Conclusion
A video resume is a great additional tool to present your skills and experience when looking for a new job. Of course, it is not a 100% ticket to success. Still, a nice video will certainly help you stand out in the crowd and is an excellent addition to a standard CV. Text resumes help employers find out more about your professional experience. In contrast, video resumes reveal you as an individual and help recruiters get an actual idea of your communication skills and creativity.
