A video resume is brief video produce by a job applicant for employment and uploaded to the internet or emailed to a hiring manager for potential employers to review. In the video, the job applicant shares detailed information about their skills and experience.
Usually, this video is used to surcharge, not substitute, a paper resume. As with a print resume, it's possible for the video resume to be either general or targeted toward a specific position or company. It can either be created by a professional or you can build your own. Some job search and networking sites provide a means for users to include video resumes into their profiles.
How a Video Resume Can Help
Rely on your industry, a video resume could be a helpful add-on to your job application. It's crucial to bear in mind that a video resume isn't going to secure you a job. However, it can help you in promoting yourself to potential employers if it's done right.
Should You Create a Video Resume?
Producing a video resume is an elective task for job seekers. It's quite uncommon for companies to require or request a video resume from a job applicant. A Robert Half survey reports that most companies (78%) prefer traditional resumes, either a Word Document or PDF. Only 3% were interested in video resumes or infographics.
For some job seekers, especially ones in visual or creative fields, a video resume can highlight valuable skills. For example, a video resume is practical for illustrating any type of performance-based work, whether it involves acting on stage, teaching a class, or presenting quarterly numbers.
Also, a video resume can be a great way to show off your personality. A video resume may be favorable for people in client-facing roles, whose work involves charming prospective buyers.
However, if your role is not very visual, then a video resume might not help further your candidacy. You should also be aware that it's easy to miscalculate in a video resume that is, there's a high risk of the script, filming style, or location is unsuitable.
If you produce your video resume yourself and have little filming experience, your video might come across as unprofessional. Bear in mind that, as with anything on the internet, once your video file is out there, you cannot handle how it's shared.
An unprofessional or unsuitable video resume can obstruct your chances of getting an interview. A poorly conceived and executed video resume can knock you out of an argument and embarrass you in a worst-case situation.
Some hiring managers will not even view video resumes since they are afraid of claims of prejudice in the hiring process. So, while a video resume can be a great way to get noticed, consider your options carefully before getting started to ensure that a video resume is the right fit for you, and good use of your time.
Tips for Creating a Video Resume
If you're considering creating a video resume as part of your job search, keep these tips in mind:
Be professional: Dress as you would for an interview and maintain a professional manner. Keep away slang and, of course, cursing. Be careful when it comes to jokes. What's funny to you may not be funny to others.
Find a good background: Pay attention to the background of the video: make sure it looks neat and there are no background noises. Also, make sure the lighting is good. A shadow across half of your face can be disturbing.
Prepare a script: Don't improvise your video. You want to seem natural and off the cuff but should have a feeling of what you want to say and how you want to phrase it. Do not read straight from a script or from your resume, as that takes to an uninteresting video. Think of the video as a pitch for why a certain company should hire you. As such, your main objective should be to indicate what benefits you'll provide the company, as well as your goals, skills, and achievements.
Know your audience: As you plan your script and filming location, consider who will watch the video and calibrate accordingly. For example, a video prepared for a position at a bank might differ from a video produced for a start-up.
The show, don't tell: Use visuals to show what you're saying in the video script, ones that showcase your talents and skills. For example, if you're applying for a job where presentations are an important part of the role, you can film a B-roll of yourself assembling a PowerPoint. If any of your presentations were recorded, use that footage in your video resume.
Keep it short: The video duration should be between 30 and 90 seconds. Anything longer than that is unlikely to be watched.
Share with friends and family: Receiving feedback from others is a crucial step. Ask a few people to watch your video, and make edits and changes based on their comments.
Always bear in mind that once your video is on the internet, you no longer have access to who views it or how it's shared. Take response from friends and family seriously. If they think it's a fail, do not send the video to prospective employers.
Video Resume Don'ts
Don't put together your personal life with your professional one. If you have information on your Facebook or Twitter page that you'd prefer employers don't see, don't link your video resume to them.
Don't expect your video resume to replace your traditional resume. Not all employers are into a video resume, and others are worried about prejudice issues, such as hiring candidates because of how they look and sound rather than their qualifications. However, a well-done video can strengthen your candidacy for employment.
Although a video resume cannot help you to secure a job, it can be helpful in marketing yourself. While preparing your video resume (when you need one), check out the Recruit Hero job portal website. We're here to help you to highlight your soft skills and ours intelligent job matching enables everyone to land better jobs without having to waste time searching & applying for jobs. Come and sign up today 100% FREE of charge! Stay tuned and do follow our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube Channel for more.