Creating a Video CV
A video resume is becoming an increasingly popular trend in the job market. This is because the employer gets to know far more about your nature and personality from a video resume than they can from a written resume. Your video resume can set you apart from other applicants.
How to Make a Great Video Resume
The most appropriate time to use a video resume is in positions that require presentation skills and a creative flair. But you shouldn’t feel limited by this, as the potential for the impact of a video resume in any position can be limitless. Since video resumes are more frequently being used by job applicants, you don’t want to find yourself outshone by them because you didn’t think it was necessary to submit one.
The Requirements for a Successful Video CV
Unlike its paper counterpart, there is no set format for a video resume. But there are some conventions that you should observe:
- A good video resume should be 1-3 minutes. If it’s less than one minute, it looks like there’s not much to say about yourself. If it’s longer than three minutes, you’re going into too much detail and risk boring your potential employer.
- The first impression created by your video resume should make the person want to watch more.
- The tone is upbeat and engaging. Do not speak in a monotone, as this is off-putting. Your body language should be open. Engage in eye contact with the camera.
- Prepare your script, but don’t overprepare it or it comes across as stiff and insincere. Don’t have a written script that you read from. This is neither spontaneous or confidence inspiring.
- Dress appropriately for the video. Thank the person for watching your video and considering your application.
- Approach the making of the video as you would an interview in terms of your conduct and language.
- You need a high-quality camera and sufficient light.
Things To Be Aware Of
- You need to be self-confident in your video.
- Remember, your age, weight, appearance, and ethnicity become immediately apparent when you use a video resume. People’s sub-conscious biases may be triggered before they even listen to you.
- HR managers are sometimes hesitant about the use of video resumes due to increasing emphasis on legalities around employment and acts of discrimination.
What Program To Use
The program you use to make your video resume will depend on how you are submitting it. You may be able to submit the video as an attachment in an email in which case you don’t need a video hosting platform and encoding software. You do, however, need a good camera and the software needed to convert the video file so that it can be viewed on a PC or laptop. If you plan to upload your video with a link your potential employer can use, you’ll need a broadcasting platform such as YouTube, Vimeo, or DaCast. When choosing a broadcasting platform, establish whether it is public, in which case your video would be accessible to anyone.
