Tips for Making Video Resume
The procedure has changed, and the employment market is more competitive than ever.
Every industry has been transformed by technology, and hiring is no exception.
This post is for you if you’ve been requested to create a video résumé (or video CV, if you’re in the UK), or if you want to create one to stand out from the crowd.
We’ll examine video resumes in-depth today. Describe them. Why should one be created? How then?
Let’s investigate!
You may convince a prospective employer that you are the ideal person for the job by using a video resume. Your uniqueness and creativity could be a strong addition to your application and help you stand out from the crowd. In this article, we define a video resume and examine how to create an engaging and practical one.
A video resume: What is it?
Your introduction to the recruiter or hiring manager will be in the form of a quick video resume. It is frequently sent along with a resume and cover letter. To demonstrate why you are the ideal candidate for the job, you can showcase a skill or experience on your video resume. Additionally, you can demonstrate how your personality and inventiveness fit with the company’s culture. The recommended length for a video resume is between 30 seconds and two minutes.
In the following circumstances, you might want to think about incorporating a video resume:
• It’s the company’s requirement
Some employers might want you to submit a video resume that summarizes your qualifications for the position in a few minutes or less. Additionally, this technique enables them to see a side of you that they might not have seen in other parts of your application.
• You have a long list of experience.
If you have a lot of relevant experience, you can think about attaching a video resume to quickly highlight your best traits and make it clear to the hiring manager why you are the best candidate. They might think about those key points when evaluating your traditional resume, cover letter, and other materials after viewing your video resume.
• You want to make your application unique.
Including a video CV can personalize your application and make it stand out from that of other candidates, even if some employers may not need it. Hiring supervisors might form a lasting impression of you after seeing your face, hearing you speak, and watching you display your talents.
Making a video resume
Creating a video resume and creating a cover letter are two different processes from creating a video resume. Stage preparation and technical abilities, such as editing and visual storytelling, are needed. The steps for creating a video résumé are as follows:
1. Compose a play
Create a plan for the video’s appearance in this initial step. Think about whether you want to incorporate action pictures of you exhibiting talents or just sit in front of the camera and speak. If you include action, make a written list of each stage so you can follow the timeline of the film.
You should plan out what you want to say in addition to how the video will appear. Consider drafting bullet points of the precise talents, experiences, and qualifications you wish to emphasize if you want to sound more conversational than prepared. Write out everything you want to say if you want to sound more prepared and polished.
To improve the impact of your speech, think about employing powerful action verbs that you may use in a traditional resume.
2. Set up a location for filming
If you need pictures of you speaking directly to the camera while sitting, create a setting with a plain background and lovely lighting. Props that blend in with the surroundings and don’t draw attention away from you are OK. Make sure the location is furnished with the required props and machinery if you intend to add action shots. You might also think about reducing the number of people who appear behind you or in the same frame as you.
3. Configure a recorder
To ensure that your face, other photos, and words are clearly captured during the recording, use a device that can handle high-quality images and audio capture, such as a smartphone, tablet, computer, or camera. Set the camera high enough to capture your shoulders and far enough away to include your entire profile in the picture. Make sure the camera properly captures you if you plan to include action shots in your film.
4. Take numerous recordings
Record each section of your video resume based on your screenplay or outline. To make sure you come out as relaxed, interested, and polished throughout the entire video, record it many times using various facial expressions and vocal tones. If you want to easily restart or try something new while speaking while stationary, think about breaking up your speech into smaller chunks. This phase can assist you in choosing the best takes and could speed up the editing process.
When recording an action, you can continue recording for a longer period of time between repeated actions instead of pausing and starting over. The action may appear more authentic rather than staged if you choose just one section of your action footage to include in this step.
5. Gather further images
Depending on the subject matter of your video CV, you might think about integrating components like infographics, photos, presentations, or clippings. Consider gathering all the things you might want to incorporate in addition to the film you shot before or early in the editing process. These components have the ability to provide extra information in a lively and interesting manner.
6. Video Editing
Choose the greatest takes from all the footage you’ve recorded after reviewing it all. You can start editing and putting together footage to fit the narrative you came up with using your script or plan. In order to visually illustrate what you’re talking about, you can also include additional graphics behind the audio of your speech, such as mentions of accomplishments or accolades.
You can use video-editing software or a program that lets you chop, arrange, and save videos to put the film together. Some smartphones, tablets, and laptops also have the ability to edit videos.
7. Ask for input
To make sure the final cut is orderly and clear, watch it several times. You can also request the feedback of a friend, coworker, mentor, or colleague on your video CV. They can offer you helpful criticism so you can enhance the film and leave a better impression.
Tips for creating a video resume
Here are some suggestions to keep in mind while you plan and record your video resume:
• Concentrate on a single experience or competency.
Because your video CV will be so brief, choose just one subject to concentrate on will be most useful. You might discuss a project that you accomplished very well or show off a skill, like website coding. Address a topic that is only covered in one of your cover letters, resume, or both of those papers.
• Discuss a component that is missing from your programme.
If there was something missing from your résumé or cover letter, such as volunteer work you’ve done or a particular ability, think about showcasing it in your video. You might think about discussing a pastime or interest. Make sure to demonstrate how your interest relates to the position, business, or sector you are applying to, as well as how the abilities you acquired from your pastime enable you to succeed in your professional life.
• Dress appropriately.
Think about getting ready as if you were going on an interview. Dress neatly and appropriately for the workplace, such as in business casual. You might even think about dressing like you would for work. To ensure that you and your speech stay the focal point of the video, try to wear colors that complement the background or environment where your video is taking place.
• Review the policies of the employer.
If an employer requests a video resume, make sure to adhere to any guidelines they may have given on the video’s content, length, editing, or submission. When creating your video resume, some employers could provide you a prompt. Make sure your video effectively addresses their expectations.