How Can a Video Resume Help?
A video resume is a short video created by a job candidate and uploaded online (or sent via email to a hiring manager) for review by potential employers. In the video, the candidate shares detailed information about their skills and experiences.
This video is typically used to complement, not replace, the traditional paper resume. Like printed resumes, video resumes can be general or targeted towards a specific job or company. They can be created by a professional for you, or you can create your own. Some job search and social networking sites provide users with a way to incorporate video resumes into their profiles.
Should You Create a Video Resume?
Creating a video resume is an optional task for job seekers. It’s very rare for companies to request a video resume from candidates. A study conducted by Robert Half indicates that most companies (78%) prefer traditional resumes, whether they are in Word or PDF format. Only 3% were interested in video resumes or infographics.
For some job seekers, especially those working in visual or creative fields, it can highlight valuable skills. For example, a video resume can be useful for showcasing any type of performance-based work, whether it involves acting on stage, teaching a class, or presenting quarterly figures.
Furthermore, a video resume can be an excellent way to showcase your personality; for people in roles that require customer interaction, which depend on attracting potential buyers, a video resume may be beneficial.
However, if your role is not very visual, a video resume may not help enhance your chances. You should also be cautious as it’s easy to make miscalculations in a video resume, meaning there’s a high risk that the script, filming style, or location could be inappropriate.
Note: If you create a video resume on your own and have little experience in filming, your video may appear unprofessional.
Remember that, like anything online, once your video file is out there, you won’t have control over how it’s shared. An unprofessional or inappropriate video resume can hinder your chances of getting an interview. In worst cases, a poorly conceived and executed video resume can lead to exclusion and embarrassment.
Some hiring managers might not even watch video resumes because they fear discrimination claims in the hiring process. So, while a video resume can be a great way to attract attention, you should carefully consider your options before starting to ensure that a video resume is the right choice for you, and a 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:
1. Be Professional: Dress as you would for a job interview and maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid using slang and certainly profanity. Be cautious when it comes to jokes. What’s funny to you may not be funny to others.
2. Find a Good Background: Pay attention to the background of your shots: make sure it looks tidy and that there is no noise in the background. You will also want to ensure good lighting quality. Shadows on half your face can be distracting.
3.
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Prepare a scenario: Do not speak without preparation in the video. You want to appear natural and not artificial, but you should have an idea of what you want to say and how to phrase it. Do not read directly from a script or your resume, as this leads to a boring video. Consider the video as a pitch on why a particular company should hire you. Your main objective should be to express the benefits you will bring to the company, along with your goals, skills, and achievements.
4. Know your audience: While planning your scenario and shooting location, consider who will be watching the video and adjust accordingly. For instance, a video prepared for a bank job may differ from one created for a startup.
5. Show, don’t tell: Use visuals to illustrate what you are saying in your video scenario, and include images that showcase your talents and skills. For example, if you are applying for a job that involves presentations as a large part of the role, you could film clips of yourself putting together a presentation. If any of your presentations have been recorded, use that footage in your video resume.
6. Keep it brief: The video should last between 30 and 90 seconds. Anything longer is unlikely to be watched.
7. Share it with friends and family: Getting feedback from others is an important step. Ask a few people to watch your video and make adjustments based on their comments.
Always remember that once your video is online, you will have no control over who sees it or how it gets shared. Take friends’ and family’s feedback seriously. If they consider it a failure, do not send the video to potential employers.
What Not to Do in a Video Resume
1. Don’t mix your personal life with your professional life. If you have information on your Facebook or Twitter page that you prefer employers not to see, do not link your video resume to those pages.
2. Don’t expect your video resume to replace your traditional resume. Not all employers are interested in video resumes, and they may be concerned about discrimination issues, such as hiring candidates based on their appearance and voice rather than their qualifications. However, a well-made video can enhance your chances of getting a job.
Key Takeaways
A video resume may not be necessary: Assess your industry, targeted role, and the companies you are applying to before creating a video resume.
Be professional: If you create a video resume, ensure it is professional, from your clothing to production quality. Make sure it is short and will benefit your job application rather than harm it.
Get feedback: Share the video with your mentors, trusted colleagues, friends, and family. Ask for their opinions and adjust the video according to their feedback.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/tips-for-creating-a-video-resume-2064219
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