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How to Create a Video Resume: Tips & Examples
The employment industry is constantly changing and getting tougher. Also, technology has revolutionized almost all industries, not to mention recruitment firms.
Written CV may not be the sole way to get hired now. A video resume has become quite a trend these days. It talks directly to the potential employer and allows the candidate to show what makes them unique for the role. A video resume can be a powerful addition to your job application as it helps you better distinguish yourself among hundreds of other applicants.
If you wish to make a video resume and stand out in the competition, then you’ve landed at the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to make a video resume, along with tips and examples of some of the best resumes.
What is a video resume?
A video resume is nothing but a video version of a resume. A video recording mentioning the educational and professional qualifications of an applicant.
However, it’s a lot more than just converting your paper resume into a video. It gives an applicant a chance to showcase their personality, creates a first impression while emphasizing on your skillset, talent and strength.
Video resume is similar to a paper resume. It covers:
- Educational background
- Professional experience
- Interests & Hobbies
Most importantly, you must answer the question: Why should an employer hire you?
If you are camera shy, nothing to worry about! You can create other types of video resumes, where you aren’t talking to a camera directly.
- You can create an animated resume video
- Craft a whiteboard animation software video to demonstrate your skills and talent
- A stop-motion video would also work well
Choose the style that works best for you!
Why Pick a Video Resume?
As mentioned earlier, a video resume helps a candidate talk directly to the employer. It lets them explain better how they are qualified for the role offered to them.
A well-crafted video resume allows an applicant to present themselves creatively while letting the hiring manager assess their personality.
A video resume is presented in addition to the paper CV. On average, a video resume is around 2 minutes long.
The average attention span of a human has shrinked to mere 8 seconds. This translates to the fact that there is a dire need for video content that can effectively convey a message in a short period of time.
As per studies, a human mind processes images 60,000 times faster than text. Therefore, a video is more effective in getting your message across while piquing the interest of the employer who has already seen numerous paper resumes.
People remember and grasp 80% of the content they watch. Therefore, by watching a video resume instead of reading it on paper, employers will more likely remember the candidate.
Moreover, if you’re a video editor or motion graphics artist, it’ll be better if you make a creative video resume. As it provides an example of your work to your hiring manager while increasing your chances of getting hired.
How To Create a Video Resume: Top Tips
The following tips will help you in creating an impressive video resume. If you’re doing it for the first time, it may seem a bit intimidating. So, these tips will guide you through:
1. Write a Script
The foremost thing to do is to write an engaging video resume sample script. After writing the first draft, try to record it in a video before writing the final script. A script ensures your video has covered every single detail it needs to. It also allows you to phrase everything perfectly.
If you’re recording on camera, it’s favourable to memorize the script. You shouldn’t be reading your script while shooting as it may come across as unprofessional and may not give an idea of how you’re as a person to your potential recruiter.
2. Make Sure It’s Relevant
Your video resume should be relevant to the position you’re applying for. A generic video may fail to impress the recruiters, but being specific will let them know the importance of the role for you.
3. Be Creative
There are many people creating video resumes these days. Therefore, you need to create one that stands out! It must be worth a watch!
So, it’s imperative that you think out-of-the-box and get as creative as possible.
4. Keep It Short & Crisp
Your video resume must be short and crisp enough to interest the viewers. Employers are busy people. So, if you send a 30-minute long video to them, it’s unlikely they will watch it till the end as they have countless other resumes to go through.
The ideal length of a video is between 1-2 minutes. The first 90 seconds are the most important.
5. Try To Be Professional
The video you create must be of professional quality. You can film using your smartphone but ensure the lighting and editing is good enough to make it look professional. Besides, your voice must be clear enough for the audience to understand properly.
Record it several times so that you appear polished and comfortable in the final video.
6. Get Feedback
Review your final video a few times before sending it to the recruiter. Ask your friends or colleagues to review and provide constructive feedback. They might spot mistakes which you didn’t notice or suggest a great idea which never occurred to you.
Three Examples of Video Resumes
Take a look at these following three examples of video resumes and get inspired to create your own video.
1. Maria Rodriguez
<iframe title="vimeo-player" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/139507944?h=6b8f9afa1c" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
This video is bright & colourful, and it covers main topics in a subtle manner. The applicant talks about her educational background, experience, skills along with few of her personal interests.
The script is quite engaging. Therefore, one must pay attention to the script while watching the video.
2. Denny Kremblas
A resume created by a filmmaker. So, you’ll naturally expect it to be creative and professional. Besides, it gives an inside look into the applicant’s past while letting the recruiters know about his life journey.
In the end, the candidate provides his contact information along with links of his other videos so that potential recruiters can have a look at his other work before contacting him.
Other Important Tips To Follow While Creating a Video Resume
- Focus on a particular skill or experience As video resumes are short, it’s better to talk about a single talent or skill. You can also talk about a project you worked on.
- If you left any element in your cover letter or CV, you can demonstrate that in your video resume. You can discuss any hobby or interest but make sure it’s related to the job role you’re applying for
- Dress in formal attire Dress as if you’re going for an interview. Wear neat business casuals. It’s better to wear clothing you would wear at work. It's better to wear colours that complement the setting where you’re shooting your video, while focusing on the speech.
Wrapping Up
Since video is the best and the most effective way to convey your message across the audience, a lot of job applicants are opting for video resumes these days.
Therefore, video resumes have become quite popular. So, what are you waiting for? Create one and send it to your potential employer.
