Introduction to Creating a Video Resume

June 28, 2007 on 3:56 pm | In Resume |

With the onset of high-speed broadband Internet usage, higher-quality video technology, and the increased enthusiasm for online video sharing, some job seekers took a different route and marketed themselves to potential employers through video resumes.

A video resume is a short video created by a candidate for employment that describes the individual’s skills and qualifications. It is typically used to supplement a traditional resume.

Creating a video resume has in a way put some job candidates ahead of the competition. However, do note that a video resume is not the only way of getting a job but it may assist you in marketing yourself to prospective employers as long as your video is done right. If your video resume is made poorly, not only it would hinder your chances of getting an interview but it would may also be passed around as a bad running joke (and you’d be scarred for life).

So what are the basic tips in creating a well-presented video resume?

Be professional – Dress professionally in a business attire, just like in any in-person interview. You can either sit or stand behind a neutral background so potential employers would not be distracted looking at the pictures of relatives behind you. Make sure that the shooting location is devoid of any background noise (television turned on, passing cars, crying children, etc). Make use of ample lighting so that the viewer could see your face clearly. Look straight into the camera, just like you would when facing the interviewer.

Keep your video resume short – A video resume between one to three minutes is enough. Anything longer than that would take away precious time from the employer.

Speak clearly – Just like in any job interview, speak in an audible voice. Avoid speaking too fast and too gentle, as you do not want employers to keep on reseting the video when they can’t hear any.

Practice – You have the luxury of time of rehearsing what you are about to say. Practice how you are going to say it (even referring to your script). After the shoot and you feel that you did not do your best, then practice again before reshooting. You need to make your video resume as close to perfect.

What to say – You can begin your video resume by mentioning your full name, where you graduated, and what industry you intend to apply. Then, create a speech as if you are answering several job interview questions that you think is vital in your intended industry. Discuss in the video why you would be a good employee and what you can do for the company that hires you. Please do note to avoid reading your answers from a script, as you need to make your speech delivered in a conversational tone.

Avoid getting too stiff – A video resume is not a type of screen test where you audition as an actor. Keep yourself reasonably relaxed during the shoot and let your real positive personality shine through.

Avoid getting personal – If you know how to play the piano, don’t do it in the video resume unless you are applying for a hotel lobby pianist. Even though a video resume is a creative way to present yourself to the job market, that does not mean you need to make your video “overly creative” by showing off your pets, lifting weights, and or having yourself jump from a bridge.

Wrap it up – Before ending the video resume, thank the viewer for considering you for employment. Mention how you would be contacted, either saying that it is attached on your word resume or through other online means. You can also include your contact information on the video itself.

Upload it – After you have shot and edited your video resume, upload it in some career networking sites like Jobster and MyWorkster. Do not forget to attach your word resume as well in the site. You can also upload your video to your own web site and link to it from there. With the popularity of YouTube, several video resumes are also uploaded but it is strongly recommended to disable comments and ratings in your video resume.