Depending on the field of work you are in, creating a video resume may be the best way to land a new job. If you work in a highly competitive or creative industry, then a video resume can help you get noticed by potential employers. Not only can you showcase your skills, but you’ll be able to show more of your personality than with a traditional paper resume and cover letter.
Aside from the benefits of hosting your video on a site like YouTube, your video resume is much more likely to be shared and viewed than a paper version. However, because you are putting yourself out there in a new way, you need to know some best practices when it comes to video resumes.
Keep It Simple
When you set out to make a video, you might have high hopes of making something awesome that goes viral. However, you should understand a majority of videos posted online never go viral. While you’ll probably get more views on your video resume than a paper version, it’s more than likely not going to get millions of views. So when creating the video, be sure to keep it simple.
Keep It Targeted
When you’re speaking on camera, it’s easy to get nervous and then start rambling. Before you start recording, think about what you want to say and have a game plan. Don’t read from a script, but have a rough idea of what you want to say. This is your chance to show off your skills, talents, and experiences to potential employers. You need to include your work history, what skills you have, and specific experiences that make you a great hire.
Keep It About You
Remember that this video is about you as an employee. When creating a video resume, you need the content to be about you and your experiences. Don’t get caught up in the fact you are on camera. Instead, focus on how you’d be a great addition to a team or a company and give specific examples of how you would do that.
Keep It Real
It’s easy to add fluff in a video— information that just isn’t necessary. However, you need to make sure as you stay focused, you are only providing the real and necessary information. Is it interesting that you climbed Mount Everest or swam across the English Channel? Sure. But a potential employer doesn’t need to know that. Instead, turn those accomplishments into skills by explaining you are a dedicated and passionate person who follows through on goals and tasks. Keep the information you are sharing real and necessary.
Keep It Short
Just like with a paper resume, you don’t want your video resume to be too long. When you keep the information relevant to who you are as an employee, your video really shouldn’t go beyond 3 minutes. When videos are longer, people tend to stop watching and then they may miss something really important at the end of your video. So, in order to keep people watching, make sure your video doesn’t bore or go on too long.
Have you ever created a video resume? Do you have any tips to creating a video resume? Leave your stories and suggestions in the comments below!