Technology has revolutionized the world, and the recruitment industry is no exception to it. As a result, employers for dream job profiles today find applications pouring into their emails from across the globe. As such, if you have to grab your employer’s attention, you have to be at the top of your game and in that game the tried & tested paper CVs ,Resumes and Cover letters might lead you to fall back in this game. Creating an aesthetic and exhaustive video resume is a great way to do that. Most employers explicitly ask for it these days. If you have been asked to make a video resume, or if you want an edge over your competition, you’ve landed on the right page. Let’s understand what makes a good video CV.
Why a Video Resume
A video resume is essentially a video wherein you answer the most crucial question for your recruiter—why they should consider hiring you. It’s not just a visual transformation of your paper CV but also a reflection of your personality, talents, and skills. You can use it to create a desired first impression.
According to studies, people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they read, and 80% of what they see and do. Every day, your employers’ emails are going to be flooded with hundreds of CVs. So if you want to be remembered, a video resume is an obvious choice. Plus, it gives you more space to get creative and stand out.
If you’re not comfortable speaking in front of the camera, do not worry. Other conventional video resume formats might be helpful, like:
- Stop Motion video CV (e.g., https://youtu.be/lskgM0CxYUo)
- Whiteboard video CV (e.g., https://youtu.be/OdR1H1BiB-M)
- Animation CV (e.g., https://youtu.be/1Eg1_1IBisA)
Choose a style that suits your resume the best.
Top 7 Tips to Create a Video Resume That Will Instantly Get You Hired
Now that we know what video resumes are, let’s get some insights into what makes a great video resume.
Make It Relevant
Howsoever creative you want your video to be, don’t forget that it is a resume at the end. You must make it relevant to the job you’re seeking. Before you add any fluff to it, make sure that your essentials are covered. Never compromise on the following things:
- Education
– Experience
– Interests
Make sure you align your details such that your employer is convinced of your competence and sincere interest in the job opportunity. Everything else comes second.
Choosing an easy-to-use Software
Which software should you choose? Unfortunately, this question will get you stuck if you belong to a job profile other than motion graphics or video editing.
You don’t need to struggle with the complex user interfaces of applications for something as simplistic as a video resume. More straightforward applications like online tools will work just fine. These tools can have an extensive library of templates for almost every use case, with an easy-to-use editor to customize them.
The answer is simple—whichever software makes your job easy.
Get Creative
Now that you have your essential elements and your software, it’s time to weave your story. Remember that just creating a video is not enough. Most likely, everyone is doing that. Your resume is a sneak into your life so far, and you must make it intriguing. Here are some valuable tips for doing so:
– Choose a video format that best suits your job profile, personality, and skillset.
– Be wise in choice when it comes to animation and background music.
– You may also use your resume to redirect your employers to more of your work by adding links at the end of the video.
Write a Script
When it comes to a video resume, each word you say is of consequence. Speech defects and wordy statements come across as highly unprofessional. As such, pulling off an extempore might not be the best idea.
It is always advisable to write down what you’re going to say. Writing a script helps you:
– organize your thoughts
– create a logical flow
– ensure you don’t miss anything out
– minimize stutters and speech defects
So memorize your script and rehearse well before you start recording. You only have to give one perfect shot.
Be Concise
Always keep in mind that your employer has numerous more CVs to go through. So if yours is long, it might turn them off. An optimum length for a video resume is 90 seconds, but anywhere between 1-2 minutes is acceptable.
If yours exceeds that, you might want to trim out some fluff.
Make It Professional
Your resume needs to be the most professional video you make. Ensure that the following things are checked:
– The video quality is good. It should not be an issue for you since most smartphones today can record HD-quality videos.
– Your speech in the video must be clear. If your camera doesn’t have an excellent in-built microphone, invest in an external one and do a voiceover.
– The lighting, framing, and editing must be professional. If you’re using animations, make sure they suit your purpose—most applications have templates specially designed for video resumes. If you feel you can’t do it by yourself, hire a professional. It’s a one-time investment.
Collect Feedback
No matter how carefully you look for errors in your video, you will always overlook things in your work. That is why you must show it to other people. Before you send your resume to employers, show it to your family and friends. They may point out errors or give you an excellent idea that you may include.
Video resumes are a revolutionizing concept for the recruitment industry. They are time-saving, concise, and less tedious than reading through a two-page document. With over 60% of hiring managers using them already, they are all set to become the norm. As such, you cannot refrain from making one for yourself sooner or later. We hope this article made the task easier for you.
