Recruitment is changing, and one of the biggest changes we are seeing is in the way individuals apply for jobs. Candidates were once required to print and post their CV and cover letter and wait for a response by snail mail.
Today, you can apply for a job with a single click from your LinkedIn profile. Video resumes are also changing the way individuals look for and apply for work.
Some employers will ask for a video resume in place of a traditional application, particularly those in the creative industries. And if your job has anything to do with video editing, you can be sure that a video resume will help you to stand out and show off the tricks of your trade.
A video resume is a short video filmed by a job applicant. It often includes all of the information you might include in a CV but in video format. This allows individuals to be more creative in their delivery and show off their skills.
In general, a video resume should be around two minutes long and can include a mixture of video, photos and voiceover. It should also include subtitles to ensure no information is lost. Most people upload their video CVs to LinkedIn and YouTube to aid in their job search.
Some individuals make their own video resume out of choice, and others will only do so when prompted by an employer. A video resume is great if you want to stand out from the competition. If you work in a creative field, it can help you to show off your skills. And even if you don’t work in a creative field, it’s a great way to showcase your personality.
Making a video resume doesn’t have to be difficult, but you will need to invest some time to get it right. A poorly produced video resume could hurt your chances of landing a role, so it’s a good idea to take your time. You should also ask for assistance if you need it. A second opinion could also help you to refine your ideas.
Your video resume needs to showcase more than just your CV. Try to think of it as your elevator pitch, rather than simply reading your CV. This means that you’ll need a script. Remember to write your script in the same way that you speak. And if you aren’t sure, ask for a second opinion from someone who knows you well. You want to be professional, but you should also aim to be personable.
There are many different ways to create a video CV. You can talk directly into the camera, documentary style. You could record a voiceover to use over the video footage. Or you could do something more creative, such as making a stop motion animation. Look at some examples on YouTube for inspiration.
You don’t have to invest in a lot of equipment to achieve a professional result. You can probably use your phone to film, but you should invest in a tripod and a ring light if you are going to be in front of the camera. You might also want to consider a microphone to ensure the sound quality is clear enough.
Creating the right setting for your video resume doesn’t have to be difficult. You could be seated at a desk, in front of a bookcase, or simply standing in front of a plain wall. Think about the image you want to project and then try to find a setting that suits this style.
Now it’s time to capture your footage. You might need a few takes to get it right, so don’t be afraid to keep the camera rolling until you feel comfortable and can get your words out with ease. Not everyone is a natural in front of the camera, so be kind to yourself and give yourself time to get it right. Shoot multiple takes so that you have a few different options. You should also shoot from multiple angles so that you have the option to make cuts that appear more natural.
Now it’s time to gather your footage and any supporting images and videos and start piecing it together. You can also find royalty-free music online to create an intro and outro. Remember to keep your video around the two-minute mark and get a second opinion on the final cut. Once you have created your video, it’s time to add subtitles and upload it. If you upload to YouTube, closed captions will be automatically added.
When you upload your video, make sure you include your contact details in the description. If any hiring manager stumbles across your video and likes what they see, they will find it much easier to get in touch.
