Tips for Creating a Video Resume

Tips for Creating a Video Resume Tips for Creating a Video Resume What is a video resume and how can it help your job search? A video resume is a short video created by a candidate for employment and uploaded to the Internet (or emailed to a hiring manager) for prospective employers to review. A video resume describes the individuals skills and experience and is typically used to supplement a paper resume. As with a  print resume, its possible for the video resume to be either general or targeted toward a particular position or company. A video resume can be created by a professional for you, or you can create your own. Some job search and networking sites provide a means for users to incorporate video resumes into their profiles. Its important to keep in mind that a video resume isnt going to get you a job. However, it can assist you in marketing yourself to prospective employers â€" if its done right. Should You Create a Video Resume? Creating a video resume is an optional task for job seekers (very rarely will companies require or request a video resume from candidates). For some job seekers, particularly ones in visual or creative fields, a video resume can highlight important skills. For instance, a video resume is useful for showing any type of performance-based work, whether it involves acting on stage, teaching a class, or presenting quarterly numbers. Also, a video resume can be a good way to show off your personality; for people in client-facing jobs, whose work involves charming prospective buyers, a video resume may be beneficial. However, its easy to miscalculate in a video resume â€" theres a high risk of the script, filming style, or location being inappropriate. If you make it yourself and have little filming experience, your video might come across as unprofessional. Also keep in mind that as with anything on the Internet, once your video file is out there, you cannot control how its shared. Done poorly, it can, at best, hinder your chances of getting an interview. At worst, it can knock you out of contention and embarrass you. Thats what happened to one student who sent a video resume showing himself lifting weights, serving tennis balls, and ballroom dancing. It made the rounds on the Internet and it did not impress any prospective employers, to say the least. Some hiring managers will not even view video resumes, since they fear claims of  discrimination in the hiring process. So, while a video resume can be a great way to get noticed, consider carefully before creating one to make sure a video resume is the right fit for you, and a good use of your time. Tips for Creating a Video Resume If youre considering creating a video resume as part of your job search, keep these tips in mind: Be professional:  Dress as you would for an interview, and maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid slang and, of course, cursing. Pay attention, too, to the background of shots, and make sure it looks tidy. Also make sure there are no distracting noises in the background.Prepare a script:  Dont ad lib your video completely. You want to seem natural and off-the-cuff, but should have a sense of what you want to say, and how you want to phrase it. Do not read directly from a script, or from your resume, since that leads to a dull video. The main points to express in the video are what youll provide the company, and your major goals,  skills, and accomplishments. Think of the video as being a pitch for  why the company should hire you. Know your audience:  As you plan your script and filming location, consider who will watch the video, and calibrate accordingly. A video prepared for a position at a bank might differ from a video prepared for a start-up.Show, dont tell:  Use visuals to illustrate what youre saying in the video script and showcase your talents and skills. For instance, if youre applying for a job where presentations are a major part of the role, you can film yourself assembling a PowerPoint. Or, if any of your presentations were recorded, use that footage in your video resume. Keep it brief:  Videos should be between 30 to 90 seconds. Anything longer than that is unlikely to be watched.Share with friends and family:  Getting feedback from others is an important step. Ask a few people to watch your video, and make edits and changes based on their comments. Always keep in mind that once your video is on the Internet, you no longer have control over who sees it, or how its shared. Take feedback from friends and family seriously. If they think its a misfire, do not share the video. Video Resume Donts  Dont mix your personal life with your professional one.  If you have information on your Facebook or Twitter page that youd prefer employers dont see, dont link your video resume to any of these pages.Dont expect your video resume to replace your traditional resume.  Not all employers are interested in a video resume, and others are worried about discrimination issues, such as hiring candidates because of how they look and sound rather than their qualifications. However, a well-done video can bolster your candidacy for employment.