It’s clear that finding work is becoming more difficult with the future of work changing faster than ever in just a few years. You can relate if you have sent out many resumes without receiving a response.
Do not miss this great opportunity to be ahead of the rest. Here’s how technology can change the future (or at the very least your job search): Use video resumes.
Businesses must adapt to new ways of working. This means that your knowledge and skills will need to change. Video is an effective, flexible, and powerful way to keep up with the times.
As someone who has spent over 11 years in recruitment, I can assure you that recruiters love videos. This will result in more callsbacks.
Video resumes can be a powerful tool for attracting the right candidates. Think back to when you had to wear formal attire in order to hand out a paper CV. Today, the work world is largely remote. Zoom can be used for everything, from team outings and themed office parties.
Technology-powered technology can be used to refresh the way you present yourself. Sending a video resume that shows off your abilities is the best way to show up in person.
Video is much easier than you might think and even more efficient than you would believe. This guide will show you how to create a video resume that is unique.
How to Create a Video Curriculum Vitae
What is a video resume?
A video resume is exactly what it sounds like: you apply for a job by attaching a link to a short video in which you discuss what you would otherwise write.
Although you may be tempted to replace your entire CV with a video one, both a CNBC report and our video experts recommend that video is used as an addition to your resume and not as a replacement.
Video is not intended to be a summary of your resume. Don’t use it to just show your education and past experiences. These videos shouldn’t be too long. Even if you draw people in, they won’t spend more than one to two seconds watching videos, even if it’s a highly interesting candidate.
Tyler LessardVidyardChief Video Strategiest
Video communicates your winning personality in multiple media, whereas a cover letter with text leaves little to the imagination. It can combine visuals, audio, text, and captions all at once, which is a greater information throughput than reading.
A video resume is also known as a “pattern breaking” by salespeople. It’s where you stand out from the crowd and grab people’s attention. It will help your resume stand out from the rest. Imagine yourself as a recruiter. You will remember the candidate if you are looking through hundreds of third-person cover letters.
Video resumes have many more benefits. Interviews have become a talent show over the past decade. Interviewers want to see the whole candidate. Companies want to see if the candidate is as competent as they claim.
A salesperson might use this to run through a mock sale call. It could also be rewriting a case report for a marketer. It could also be the creation of a database architecture for a developer. Video allows you to demonstrate what you know and show that you are the type of person the company would love having around.
A Video Resume: The Benefits
It can be difficult to create a video resume, especially if you need to adapt it for each job application. The benefits are worth it.
Make yourself memorable and stand out.
How to make a video resume
It is easy to create your own video resume. A great video resume can be made in just a few minutes if you have a webcam and a microphone.
Here is a quick overview:
Make a video resume. Pick the right recording device. Record a few takes to find the best. Watch your video resume before you send it.
Each step will be covered in greater detail below.
#1: Create a Video Resume Script
Bullet points are a good idea. The goal is to organize your thoughts before you record. When writing your video resume script:
Keep your introduction brief: It should be no more than 45 seconds. If you go on for more than two minutes, people will lose interest. You should highlight the things that make your resume stand out. It’s important to show recruiters that you have done your research and are familiar with the company’s needs. This will help you to hook them more effectively. It will seem as though you don’t have a reason for applying. Telling a story about coworkers’ appreciation for your work on a project is more effective and gives recruiters more reasons why they should tell the hiring manager.
Bonus Tip: Use Vidyard’s script-timer tool to check the length of your video resume scripts before you record.
#2: Choose a Recording Device
Recording most video resumes can be done with your laptop or smartphone. If you want your application to be well-produced, there is no need to buy new equipment. A DSLR and a lavalier mic can be helpful in this situation.
You have many options for recording your video. However, you might want to use Vidyard as a video hosting platform. Video files can be quite large and can often exceed 25MB. This is the maximum file size you can email. You might also have issues if the file is sent via Dropbox or file storage.
Video hosting platforms make it easy: You can record your video, host it automatically, and then share it with others. Clicking the link will take you to a page that allows you to watch.
#3: Set up the right setup for your video resume
It’s best to record in front of natural light, such as a window, when setting up your recording equipment. Record audio as quietly as possible. If you have headphones, use them. A plug-in microphone is better if you don’t.
#4: Record Multiple Takes
After recording is complete, introduce yourself and talk about the business. Then, explain why you are a good candidate. This is a chance to show that you have done more than just reading the recruiter’s page. Talk about your potential impact on the company. End your videos with a call to action. This is the thing you want the recruiter to do after viewing your video resume.
You can record as many takes you want and then delete the rest. You may feel awkward when you’re on camera. Just remember that recording to your computer costs nothing and you can take as many as you like.
#5: Give your Video Resume one last look before you send
Are you capturing all that you wanted? Are you personable? Consider asking a friend for feedback as we all look and sound different on camera.
Send it if you are unsure. It is better to be prepared and have a chance at the role than to wait until you lose it.
#6: Send your video resume
There are many ways to share your video. You can share the video link if you are using Vidyard, a free online video hosting platform.
To stand out, use a Video Resume and send a video in less than 5 minutes. Register Free
Video Resume Recording Tips
Here are some tips to help you create a video resume that has maximum impact. This isn’t a checklist. It is more important than anything that you are using video. This alone will make you stand out.
You can nail some of the more complex pieces below, but perfection is not the enemy of good. It’s better to get something out than it takes to miss the application window.
7 Tips to Record Video Applications
#1: Get your camera up to eye-level
Directly look into the camera. You won’t look the same if you look too high or low. Do you really want to give a recruiter a double-chin? Use a tripod if you have one. If not, stack boxes or books to give your camera something to rest on.
#2: Record in natural lighting
Natural light is better than artificial light. Indoors, facing a window, is the best place to record. You can also record indoors with artificial light. However, you should use light diffusers (those umbrellas that you see in photoshoots), so that the light isn’t too bright and doesn’t cast shadows.
#3: Use a plug-in microphone to record
Anyone who has spent a lot time on Zoom interviews will know that poor audio quality is more irritating than poor video. The conversation can be continued even if the video stops. If the audio is not understandable, it’s over. It’s over. You can use either a clip-on lavalier microphone or a plug in microphone to get the best audio.
#4: Use props
You don’t need to just talk at the camera. You can use a whiteboard or laptop to create a diagram. If you have access (such as a t-shirt and a phone, hat, plant, or phone), then you can also present the products. Hold it up and let everyone know that you are already a fan.
#5: Reduce filler words by watching yourself on video
Everybody has a favorite filler word. My preferred filler word is “like.” You may have “um.” If you don’t practice, you will be more understanding.
#6: Choose an interesting thumbnail
Switch it up if the default thumbnail (the picture that appears before your video plays), is of you sneezing. Attention-grabbing thumbnails like your waving at the camera are more popular. You should be able to see the Play button clearly, but not so that you are buried in it.
#7: Do what you feel right
Productions of high quality are wonderful. However, most people are comfortable with hand-held, shaky videos thanks to social media. If you feel it helps, feel free to ignore the rules.
Jonathan Mahan, a job seeker, captured a video while walking outside. This is a great example of being true to yourself. (No green screen needed!)
Five Other Types of Application Videos
Video is an extremely versatile tool. Once you feel comfortable with it you can apply it throughout the hiring process. You can use it to make yourself stand out and get more interviews. It can be used at all touchpoints.
These are some other video formats that you might like to try:
After interview, send follow-up video
You can thank interviewers by creating a short video in which you repeat your top points and those of the interviewer. This is your chance to demonstrate that you were listening and that you are excited about the job. Assuming that you are enthusiastic about the role!
LinkedIn allows you to post a “About Me Video”
You can record a video about yourself and your experiences, and upload it to your LinkedIn profile or other talent sites. This will help you stand out to recruiters looking for you. Add something like “Watch my Video” to your LinkedIn headline to ensure that people find it.
Send Video Reactions and Responses
Send video responses to recruiters and hiring managers if they have any unresolved questions or concerns. If they call you asking for more information, send a video in which you address their concerns.
Make mini “Case Study Videos” about Past Work
Ask your former boss to help you create a “case study” of what you did at that company. It’s possible to combine clips: one clip introducing you, and another one describing your boss. For an example of a tried-and true format, see case studies.
Send video introductions to others
Job-seeking right now is a team sport. There are many people out there searching. Send a video message to the recruiter if you find a job that isn’t right for you, but could be for someone you know. Recruiters have quotas and will be grateful to your friend for their help.
How to get started with video resumes
You don’t need as much. You will believe that recruiters are busy and can’t tell the difference between all the cover letters they receive. This is why you should be convinced that video helps you get noticed and get responses. It is a great way for you to showcase your personality and help you make a connection quickly and get in the door with other candidates.
You know what you can do next? This article is shared! We’re all in this together because it’s a difficult job market. Video can be used to help others find work. Vidyard’s Katie Bentz, a Vidyard employee, discovered that video can be a great tool to help a friend find work.
To stand out, use a Video Resume and send a video in less than 5 minutes. Register Free
This article was first published November 5, 2020. This post was last updated on December 8, 2020.
How to make a video resume to land that job
