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- Stand out with a video resume! Your complete guide with examples
Stand out with a video resume! Your complete guide with examples
Artwork by: Atmografika
- What is a video resume?
- What are some reasons for using a video resume?
- Benefits of a video resume
- When do you use a video resume?
- Six steps to making a great video resume!
- Five examples of outstanding video resumes
- Key takeaways
Video resumes are gaining popularity. What does it take to make a great video resume? We’ll tell you about video resumes, show you how to make a video resume, and give you some video resume examples.
The job market has changed over the past few years. Everything is done online and just having a standard resume may not be enough anymore. You need something to make you stand out from other job seekers. Having a video resume can do this for you.
We’ll give you some answers to basic questions about video resumes, such as:
What is a video resume?
Why should you use one?
When should you use one?
How to create a standout video resume
Examples of 5 great video resumes
What is a video resume?
A video that talks about a person’s professional experience, skills, and qualifications is a video resume. They are often included in addition to a traditional written resume and cover letter. A video resume is used to complement the written documents and can better highlight a particular skill or experience to show how you are a perfect fit for the position.
Making a video resume also allows you to show your creativity and personality. You want your video resume to be very short. The best video resumes are between thirty seconds and two minutes long. The goal is to showcase your talents, emphasize your best abilities, and make a memorable impression on hiring managers.
Just like your written resume, your video resume content should cover the following:
Work experience
Skills
Achievements
Education
Keep this question in mind when you are creating your video: “Why should they hire you?”
What are some reasons for using a video resume?
A standard resume is necessary, and you definitely need to have a good one, but a video resume can do things that a written resume cannot. They directly engage the hiring manager.
They show your body language, expressions, and tone of voice. None of these things can be done on paper.
Benefits of a video resume
It’s memorable. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. So, this means a video resume is worth many times what you can get on your written resume.
It’s creative. There is no doubt that a well-done video resume can show off your ability to be creative and communicate well. Valuable skills for any field.
It allows you to demonstrate specific technical skills. Video production, for one. But you can also include demonstrations of other skills as part of the content.
Makes you unique and differentiates you from all other candidates. A resume of words is just a bunch of words. A video shows them you are an authentic person.
When do you use a video resume?
A video resume is a supplement to the traditional resume. But in what situations do you need a video resume?
It’s required. Some companies ask for video resumes.
You’re applying for a highly competitive role and need to stand out from the crowd.
The job is in an industry like advertising, design, film, fashion, etc.
You want to demonstrate your video-making skills.
Your resume is extensive. A video resume will allow you to cover or demonstrate something that you may not be able to on your written resume.
To add a personal touch. Not all companies require a video resume, but if they allow you to submit one, then it will make your application stand out.
How many employers look at video resumes?
Only 17 percent of recruiters watched video resumes, pre-pandemic (2020)
But, today (2022), approximately 89 percent of employers said they would watch and prefer candidates with video resumes over regular applications.
Six steps to making a great video resume!
Creating a video resume is very different from writing a resume or cover letter. You must write it as a monologue and take into account the other visual and audio elements.
1. Write a script and memorize it. Sit down and write the script for your video. Think about the additional elements you will use in your video, such as graphics, backgrounds, and action shots. Incorporate these things into your script (as notes or actions). Then practice it out loud, over and over, until you have it down.
Here’s an example of a video resume script:
Introduction and experience
“My name is Henry Osturk, and I am interested in a position as a CISO for a growing technology services company. I am a Certified Information Systems Security Professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in the technology industry.”
Your inspiration
“I love data analysis and creating secure processes leveraging cutting-edge technology to ensure the safe storage and access of company assets and data.”
Accomplishments
“I became the senior IT security manager for Best Tech, Inc. in 2015. Over my first two years, I re-engineered all of their data security processes and tools. Reducing their security vulnerabilities by 85%.“
Skills and abilities
“I am a dedicated, astute, and innovative team player with a track record of vision and success.”
End and call to action
“If you need a passionate and focused information security leader with a track record of success, please contact me as soon as possible.”
2. Prepare for recording. Create a space that is clear and in an area that will allow you to avoid background noise or interruptions. Have a neutral background and good lighting. You can add props if they fit the scene or enhance your content. Make sure that you have a device that will give you high-quality video and sound. Set it up on a stable platform like a tripod or table stand, and have it at the right distance to capture what you want them to see, but nothing else.
3. Record multiple takes. Follow your script. If it is hard to remember everything in one take, you can break it up and edit it together later. You don’t want to sound too rehearsed. Pay attention to your tone and expressions. You should appear comfortable, engaged, and professional throughout.
4. Gather visuals. Consider including things informational slides, infographics, photographs, or clippings. You can insert graphics for awards, achievements, certifications, education, or whatever will show how outstanding you are. Add elements to provide additional information in an interesting and creative way. But don’t get carried away. Too many things will make your video seem cheesy.
5. Edit your video. There are many free applications available and most computers, tablets, and smartphones come equipped with some video editing capabilities. Review the video and make sure that is clear, has good sound, and looks great. Use video editing software to add visuals and effects to make your video pop.
6. Get feedback and make changes. Have some objective people look at your video. Ask people like a friend, coworker, colleague, or mentor to review your video resume. Gather all their feedback, consider it, and make adjustments to your video accordingly.
- Have a script. You should have a well-written and rehearsed script before you make your video.
- Tell a story. Showcase something from your background to impress the viewer.
- End with a call to action. A sentence or two that spells out the next step and motivates viewers to take it. For example, visiting your LinkedIn profile.
- Customize your video for the position. This is always more effective than just having a generic pitch.
- Be concise. Your video should be about 2 minutes, tops.
- Be creative. Just reciting your resume is not going to cut it. Make it unique and interesting.
- Keep eye contact with the camera and establish a connection.
- Use too much jargon or slang. Keep it professional.
- Have music, noise, or anything else distracting in the background.
- Read a script. Memorize your script, but don’t just mechanically recite it.
- Cover too much. You’ve got to keep it short, so just focus on one or two key things.
- Talk too fast. This won’t help you squeeze more in. Enunciate and be easily understandable.
Five examples of outstanding video resumes
If you’re looking for some inspiration or ideas on what your video resume should look like, then give these five videos a view:
Saji Nair - This is a great example of a corporate communications resume. They do a good job of covering their skills, professional experience, and industries worked in. They also talk about working in different countries and knowing multiple languages. All good stuff.
Scherla Brazal - This candidate does a wonderful job of presenting for the camera. The video has nice text graphics included. Scherla does a solid job of presenting skills, is very animated, and shows a strong personality throughout.
Md. Mehedi Hasan - A good example of a video resume for someone in the technology field. It has excellent graphics and backgrounds. Skills are covered, but they also talk about their personal interests and volunteer work. Both can be beneficial to getting a job.
Melania Smyk - A video resume from a young professional and student. Melania talks about her personal background and international experience. It is all well presented in a concise video.
Laura Harris - A very well-done video that includes a lot of great graphics and examples of what her skills area. She does a wonderful job of speaking, the presentation is solid, and she keeps good eye contact with the camera.
When you are going for a new job, you need to pull out all the stops and go for it. Using a video resume can make a difference in getting you ahead of the competition. It gives you a way to make an immediate personal connection with hiring managers, and it’s a great way to get to the front of the line. Follow the above guidelines, and you’ll create a great video resume that will land you that next job you’ll love.
Key takeaways
A video resume can give you an advantage.
Be prepared. Don’t wing it.
Review, reshoot, and edit.
Get your video out there and land that great job.
