Video Resume: What Should You Keep In Mind When Making One?

Last updated on April 17th, 2023 at 12:48 am

The future is seeing the rise of video marketing and its significance in the last few years. In order to sell their goods and services, companies utilize videos and the internet has several platforms through which individuals can post and share their videos in order to promote their goods and services.

And if you’re seeking employment and if you’re wondering how you can stand out from the rest, then video resumes may be your answer.

Video resumes can help you highlight your best qualities and also your skillset. 

But is a video resume applicable for everyone? 

The answer to this question is no, that is because not everyone needs a video cv, if you’re a chartered accountant or an engineer, then a video resume may not be the best option for you, but Vmaker screen recorder may be.

But if you’re in creative or a visual based industry, then a video cv makes sense. Video resumes work excellently in performance based industries like acting, you highlight your stage acting skills in a video, or even if you’re a teacher a video resume can be quite helpful in letting your potential employer know how well you teach. 

You have to assess the need for a video cv before making one. 

A video resume, however creative it may be, it does not replace the traditional PDF or paper resume. It is more of a value addition to whatever resume you already have. 

Remember, if you’re creating a video resume then you ought to do it the right way, that is because creating video resumes is not like creating other forms of video content. Other forms of videos can be entertaining to few and may not be entertaining to others and that is completely fine but a video resume is not something to be taken lightly as it will help you gain employment if done correctly or it may also leave you embarrassed if executed in the wrong manner.

As mentioned above, you should assess the need for a video resume. One main reason for that is not every company wants to review a video resume for various reasons, it may be time consuming or it may be viewed as discriminatory practice to review video resume as the other prospective candidates may not have one, that is why you should do adequate research before you send a video resumes to potential employers.

If possible, take the help of a professional videographer, he will aid you with the filming of your video resume. It will help your video resume look all the more professional. 

Video Resume: Tips To Keep In Mind

As mentioned before, creating a video resume can be quite tricky. You don’t want your employer to get bored or you don’t want to make the video extremely entertaining to the point where you distract them from your skills. The ideal duration of a video resume should be somewhere between 1 – 2 minutes and no more.

Be Enthusiastic

There is a fine line between looking energetic/enthusiastic and looking funny. Of course, you should look bored in your video resume, but that does not mean you have to be overly enthusiastic as well. Keep a smile on your face when you’re talking on screen and maintain a good level of professionalism and energy throughout the video.

Keep It Brief

One important thing to remember is that you should keep all your statements brief and “to the point”.

You can explain a couple of things here and there but just make sure you do not exceed the time limit (2 minutes being the maximum) although you can, but it may end up boring your employer and you do not want that to happen. Before you start talking on screen make sure you write the points as small notes. To help you remember what you exactly have to say.

Script 

This is in a way a continuation of the previous point. Write down all the important details that you want to mention to your employers through your video resume, having a script eliminates awkward pauses and “ummms”. 

Here is a small format which you can use 

• Introduction: Write down a brief introduction
• Experience: mention your experiences in the field or the post you’re applying for
• Next highlight points that will help you stand out from the rest and let your employers know why you would be a good fit for the role they are offering.
• highlight your skills 
• End the video with a powerful statement. For example you can say something along the lines of “if you are looking for candidate who is a great leader and team player, then I’m the best candidate you can choose”

Another important thing to remember is that you should not read off the script, it will look extremely unnatural and takes the creative aspect out of the video. You don’t want that, the whole point of a video resume is to be as creative as possible. Speak freely, use the notes as a reference only. 

Other

Other things to keep in mind is that you should dress professionally, dress like you’re going for an interview, you can get a little creative with dressing sense but make sure it is work appropriate and not shabby. Avoid using unprofessional language, no matter what. Talk clearly, do not rush any sentence nor be too slow.

Make sure you test all your equipment before recording, especially your microphone, make sure you conduct a proper mic test before you start talking. 

There are many other types of resumes like project centered resume but the above mentioned things must be kept in mind when writing a resume of any kind.