video-resume

What is a Video Resume and How to Make a Great One?

Definition: A short video created by a candidate, highlighting his or her attributes, skills and qualifications, to be presented to a potential employer or a job prospect.

Video resumes are used to add appeal to a resume or application. Promotional in nature, video resumes allow the employers to understand the candidates better, and see if they are the right fit for their organisation. While traditional resumes and skills assessment tests highlight your experience and abilities, video resumes highlight your personality. Video resumes also provide you with a measure of control. It’s like giving an interview without the mistakes, the failed jokes, and the nervousness.

On an average, video resumes are clicked 7.6 times more than a traditional CV. This is mainly because video resumes are still a new phenomenon, and are highly communicative. They allow employers to gauge creativity and body language.

Here are some tips you can use to make sure your video resume leaves a mark:

Plan it out:

Plan out your video. Do you want to record it on your smartphone or your desktop? Do you want a friend to take a video? Do you want to give a presentation with a voiceover? Video resumes provide you with a lot of freedom, so you can be as creative as you want.

Follow the script:

Have a script in place, but don’t read from it. Have an idea of what you want to say and how to say it best. Jotting down your ideas will give you clarity and ensure that there are no run-on sentences or awkward pauses.

Speak, don’t recite:

While filming a video resume, the best route you can take is to act like you are in an interview. Speak to the camera, not at the camera. Maintain eye contact and be personable. Like in an interview, it’s best to avoid words like ‘um’, ‘so’, and ‘yeah’. You can also shine light on a particular accomplishment or experience that you feel adds relevance and showcases your abilities.

Short and sweet:

Successful video resumes are usually short and to the point. It is best to keep the video resume between 60 to 120 seconds. There’s a lot you can say in two minutes. Introduce yourself clearly, and end the video by thanking them for taking the time to view your resume.

Shoot several takes, if needed:

Don’t settle for a bad video resume. The beauty of a video resume is that you don’t have to submit a video you are not completely satisfied with. Shoot several takes and choose one which encapsulates your personality completely.

Watch your own video:

What matters most is how you see yourself. If you appear confident, have listed all the needed attributes and conveyed what you needed to say, then you have your video resume. Other points you want to take notice of are the background noise, the angle of the camera and the lighting source.

The number of video resumes has increased dramatically over the last few years. Your video resume should show your individuality and creativity. In this increasingly competitive job market, video resumes are a great way to stand out and get noticed. So, get your equipment and scripts ready!