How to create an outstanding video resume
Do you need to submit a video resume for a job application? If so, it’s important to put the work into making a high-quality video. If you’re applying for something that requires a video, make sure your video is clear and easy to watch. It should be short (less than one minute) but contain all the information necessary for someone to hire you.
If you’re searching for a job, your video resume is one of the first things a potential employer will look at. If it’s not interesting, people won’t watch it, and if they don’t watch it, they can’t see who you are. It’s important to have a good video resume because many people will base their hiring decision on whether or not they like you. This post will share how to create an amazing video resume using a video editor that potential employers cannot refuse.
So let’s get started!
1. Are you able to have a conversation on video?
Yes! All you have to do is be yourself and speak the viewer’s language. Keep the conversation informal but professional, and make it about what you will be doing for that company. Show them that you’re a hard-working person and that you’re excited about their job opportunity. Share with them your dreams and who you are as a person. Just make sure that people know how capable you are by telling them how your skills will bring value to the company. Make sure they know why they should hire you.
2. What’s your video resume message?
Your video resume message has to be clear and direct. Tell them exactly what you expect from them so that you can make it through the application process.
a. Your goal in a video resume is to show them how your experience will benefit a potential employer. You have to tell them why they should hire you and make sure that what you’re saying here is clear enough so there’s nothing else to confuse people who are reading a copy of your resume.
b. You have to be able to show them that you can create videos according to their specifications and requirements. You have to be able to tell them precisely what you can do on a video resume and how you’re going to accomplish this task.
3. How should you format a video resume?
Before you start writing, you have to answer the following questions:
- How long should the video be?
- Where will you place your name and contact information?
- What should your first sentence be?
- How should the overall flow of your resume video be?
- How can you show that you’re a creative person who knows how to apply their skills in different forms and techniques like videos, audio, graphics, and more?
4. Make video resumes targeting single employers
You need to make sure that you’re creating a video resume to fit each company’s needs. No company wants to see video resumes that are only generic and offer no value to their business. You have to establish a relationship with them so they are comfortable with asking you questions and getting answers that matter.
5. Share the video resume with a professional
A great way to get feedback before submitting a video resume is to reach out to a professional who can tell if it’s okay or if there are things that need to be improved.
They will know how to do this, so they will ask you the right questions. They will make sure that you’re able to see some things in your work before they give you feedback. Finding a mentor on the Professional Mentoring Platform is an easy way to connect with professionals in your industry, who may be able to provide feedback.
6. What should your video resume say about yourself?
Be honest, direct, clear, and concise. Tell them what you want so that your skills will be highlighted properly. You have to tell your story about what you’re able to do for companies. This is the crux of the video resume that will decide if companies are going to hire you.
7. Don’t forget your contact information!
Make sure to include your contact information because you want the viewers of your video’s resume to be able to connect with you easily. You want them to feel comfortable with giving you a call and talking so they can ask you more questions and get more answers. You want them to look forward to getting in touch with you because they’re excited about the job they can hire you for!
8. Practise and rehearse a video resume
Practise making videos using a video editor so that you’ll be able to do it confidently when you’re recording. Make sure that you’re recording the first take because it will be easier for the viewers of your video resume to relate to what you’re showing. The more confident you are, the more people will believe in you.
9. Get the right equipment
If you want to be able to make videos, then you have to get the right equipment. These days, most phones have good-quality cameras to record video on, however, if you need professional equipment, you can buy this at any local retail shop, or rent it to get the work done. The better thing about renting is that if you don’t like it, it’s not going to be a problem because you’re just going to turn in the equipment and have nothing else to worry about. Use a video editing tool to polish your video so it looks professional. This will make people watching your video resume take you seriously.
10. Research the company
You want to know what they’re all about, who their employees are and how they do business. You need to learn that they have a mission, and they want people to help them accomplish this mission by hiring the right people for each position. If you’re the right person, you’re going to get it. If not, you’re going to have to wait for another opportunity.
11. Check and recheck how to make a video resume
You want to make sure that you can check everything before you try it again. If you’re not sure about something, then ask for help. If your script is a bit off because some technical equipment does not work properly, then don’t be afraid to take a break and try again later. Keep in mind that the most important thing is that the video has all of your information on it, and it’s going to be watched. This means that you need to ensure that they can see everything clearly, even if they have poor eyesight or bad lighting in their office.
If you’ve been struggling with what to do with your video resume, then the answer is simple. You can use the tips and advice in this article to know what to do next. Just make sure that you’re adapting to their standards, so that you can stand out from everybody else who will send out applications or resumes.
Featured image is courtesy of Unsplash
Sanket Shah
CEO of InVideo
Sanket Shah is the Founder and CEO of InVideo who initiated this startup with the view of encouraging the creation and use of videos in all sectors of business as well as private lives. Sanket’s dedication has led InVideo to serve millions of users from 190 countries across the world. His continuous encouragement to all video users and desire to make video making and editing accessible to everyone has contributed largely to the video production industry.