Video resumes are becoming increasingly popular. In addition to writing a resume you can now present your work experience to a camera for up to two minutes and send it directly to an employer. While this technique is not used as a standard method to apply for a job, they are especially good if you are trying to catch employer’s eye and also find out if there are any potential job opportunities at the company. You can also attached them to your social media or LinkedIn accounts to help recruiters or employers have a better insight at you and try to impress them enough to interview you. If you are think about having a video resume, here are the things you should do!
Be Prepared
Not only do you want to look good but you want everything you describe to the employer to come across professional and confident. Your video resume should be of you nailing it, not stop go, stop go or keep looking at your notes. Know your material so you come across well.
Make Eye Contact
Like in the job interview, it’s important to keep good eye contact. It helps to demonstrate your confidence & interest. You need to be looking at the camera, not down at floor or off to the side to read your script. Use a teleprompter or something to hold your script located just below the camera lens to read your script so you’re not looking down or away. If you don’t have access to a teleprompter, memorise the script.
Dress Professionally
You should treat a video resume like a job interview. The interviewer will probably judge you on first impressions so it’s vital that you look professional to help you make a good impression even before they have watched why they should interview you.
Pronounce
Pronouncing your words and avoiding slang terms is important because not only does it demonstrate you are professional, but it will help the employer to understand you on camera. If you are quiet and muffle your words they will stop viewing it.
Research
Know what the role you are applying for or enquiring about requires and what the company ethos is like and try to show this research during your video. It shows you have done your homework and also that you know what they need and how you fill that need.
Describe Key Skills
Just like on a resume template, your video resume should outline your key skills and why you are the right person for the job. You only have a few minutes to make an impact so ensure you highlight any previous achievements and relevant work experience. You can do this by speaking it or have these points pop up in your video.
Be Enthusiastic
Show off your personality & let employer see how excited you are not in just words, but your tone & body language. If you feel your enthusiasm is a bit over the top, it’s probably just right for video. Just remember you have to stay professional so avoid jokes or silly props.
Contact Details
Whether it’s saying your email address, social media accounts, phone number or online portfolio – you should let the employer know how to contact you even if it is on the cover letter attached to the video.
Be Prepared
Not only do you want to look good but you want everything you describe to the employer to come across professional and confident. Your video resume should be of you nailing it, not stop go, stop go or keep looking at your notes. Know your material so you come across well.
Make Eye Contact
Like in the job interview, it’s important to keep good eye contact. It helps to demonstrate your confidence & interest. You need to be looking at the camera, not down at floor or off to the side to read your script. Use a teleprompter or something to hold your script located just below the camera lens to read your script so you’re not looking down or away. If you don’t have access to a teleprompter, memorise the script.
Dress Professionally
You should treat a video resume like a job interview. The interviewer will probably judge you on first impressions so it’s vital that you look professional to help you make a good impression even before they have watched why they should interview you.
Pronounce
Pronouncing your words and avoiding slang terms is important because not only does it demonstrate you are professional, but it will help the employer to understand you on camera. If you are quiet and muffle your words they will stop viewing it.
Research
Know what the role you are applying for or enquiring about requires and what the company ethos is like and try to show this research during your video. It shows you have done your homework and also that you know what they need and how you fill that need.
Describe Key Skills
Just like on a resume template, your video resume should outline your key skills and why you are the right person for the job. You only have a few minutes to make an impact so ensure you highlight any previous achievements and relevant work experience. You can do this by speaking it or have these points pop up in your video.
Be Enthusiastic
Show off your personality & let employer see how excited you are not in just words, but your tone & body language. If you feel your enthusiasm is a bit over the top, it’s probably just right for video. Just remember you have to stay professional so avoid jokes or silly props.
Contact Details
Whether it’s saying your email address, social media accounts, phone number or online portfolio – you should let the employer know how to contact you even if it is on the cover letter attached to the video.