Video Resume
June 19, 2007
Great Introduction or Bad 1st Impression?
One of the newer ways of presenting yourself to employers is the Video Resume and/or Video Interview. Good idea, but will it help or hinder? Oddly enough the answer to that question is ‘both’.
I’ve been viewing sample video resumes and here are a couple of pointers for you to keep in mind if you are thinking about creating one for yourself.
Have it created professionally: The do-it-yourself videos are generally missing a very critical component and that is – 1st impressions count! Many of the videos are created with poor camera work, candidates that are looking down while trying to read their script and background drops that are either wrinkled fabrics or so busy that you are unable to focus in on the candidate. Not to mention candidates grabbing various documents and/or trying to actually show a piece of work they’ve created. First impressions really do count and video resumes/interviews are definitely 1st impression material. Always keep this in mind.
Focus on your appearance: Dress in business attire. Presenting yourself in a well-groomed fashion with clothing that is ‘business specific’ is key. If you are too casual you may leave the employer with the impression that you conduct your work in the same way.
Posted by Robin Ogden - FiredUP Careers
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Phillip | June 21, 2007 at 9:56 am
I agree that video resumes are gaining significant momentum. We strongly believe that video resumes will become a standard part of any job candidate’s application. However, we don’t necessarily agree that job candidates need to go to a professional videographer for their video resumes. If a candidate has plenty of time and money, then going to a professional makes sense. But anybody can create very good video resumes with a friend using a webcam, digital camcorder, digital camera that also shoots video, or even a cell phone. Below are some Do’s and Dont’s for shooting a video resume. If candidates register at our site, we show a bunch of sample video resumes and scripts, along with other advice. All of our samples were shot using a camcorder we bought (and we’re not professional videographers by any means).
We’re biased, but we think the best place to post a video resume is at http://www.HireMeNow.com. We let candidates invite any employer to view their profile (a video resume, written resume, photo, and answers to key questions every employer wants to know). And all of this is free to both the candidate and the employer. The profiles are password-protected, so candidates control who can see them. And best of all, we notify candidates when their profiles were accessed - not just when, but by whom. This is crucial for a job candidate to know when to follow up with a prospective employer.
Top 5 Do’s and Dont’s of Making a Video Resume
1. How To Prepare
Do: Write a script. If you can recite what you want to say from memory, that is great, but it is not necessary. Writing out what you want to say on paper, placing those pages just below the camera, and then reading the pages will work very well. We have found that reading your script just twice, and then getting in front of the camera, results in a very smooth, professional video resume. We provide free, sample script outlines after you have opened your account. Remember, you will be in front of a camera, SMILE!
Don’t: “Wing it.” If you think that you can just start the camera rolling without any preparation, you are either extraordinarily talented, or wrong. Almost everybody looks and sounds better when they have written down what they want to say and practiced it a few times before getting in front of the camera.
2. The Length
Do: Keep your video short and concise. We strongly suggest that you keep your video under two minutes. Prospective employers don’t have a lot of time, and will not watch a long video. You don’t need to list every accomplishment on your video resume - that is in your written resume. Your video resume is a chance for you to show that you are a professional candidate with good verbal communication skills.
Don’t: Drone on and on.
3. What To Say
Do: Highlight one or two significant accomplishments from your education and/or work background, and why you are looking for a job. We provide a range of sample video resumes and script outlines for you to review before you sit down to write your script. As you will see in our sample videos, there is room to note that you “hit .400 on the company softball team,” so long as the personal comments are short and do not offend.
Don’t: Tell personal stories, jokes, or stray in any way from the purpose of the video resume - which is to explain why a prospective employer should give you a job. Remember that companies want articulate, professional employees, not class clowns. Even if you have a voice like Frank Sinatra, whatever you do, don’t sing (unless you’re looking for a singing job).
4. What To Wear
Do: Dress to impress. What would you wear if you had an in-person job interview? That’s what you should wear when shooting your video resume.
Don’t: Dress like you just got out of bed or are going to the beach. No t-shirts, sweatshirts, funky hats, dark sunglasses, swimsuits, or revealing clothing. If you are thinking that funky, revealing or unusual attire will make an impression in your video resume, you’re correct, but it’s not the impression you want to project. Let what you say and how you say it differentiate you, not what you wear.
5. How To Set the Scene
Do: Think about what else is in the frame. Pick a quiet, simple place to shoot your video - in front of a simply painted wall or a curtain is best. Be careful that your clothes are not the same color as your background (this will make your head appear to be “floating”).
Don’t: Shoot your video outside, sitting at a messy desk, or have the TV playing in the background. You want the sole focus to be on you, not what is around you. Also, do not add a “soundtrack.”