When Robert De Niro – in the movie, The Intern – wants to apply for a job at the age of 70, he goes about making a video resume.
This not just brings out his true self but also adds emotion to his story so far – events that led him to apply for the internship.
Even though the internship was meant for seniors, all that richness of experience would have been lost in a paper resume.
In this competitive world, thousands are looking for new jobs and thousands of of others are being laid off.
Have you ever thought about how you could stand out while applying for a job?
Here’s a big thing that can make a difference for sure – A video resume!!
Traditional resumes are lost in stack of papers. But video resumes can help you make a mark.
Applying for a job is an overwhelming process; but a video resume can draw the attention of the interviewers making the effort worthwhile.
It’s like presenting a slice of you before you get to meet the panel in person.
You can showcase your personality, communication skills, and enthusiasm for a job through the video clip.
However, this is easer said than done!
The fear of facing the camera runs deep! Even professionals, who I coach, are usually camera shy and would prefer to just shoot an email.
But when the stakes are this high and it could mean a make or break for that opportunity to interview with your dream company, video resumes are worth it.
In this post, I am going to answer the most common questions in your mind such as:
“What do I need to say?”
“How will it look professional?”
“What are the things that I should include and what not?”
So, here are some tips to help you to create an impressive video resume.
1. PLAN THE VIDEO
Create an outline of the things you’d like to say. This may not happen in the first draft and that’s okay. Take as many as it requires.
Create the flow of the video:
Start with a story → connect to college life → add reasons for choosing your field → finally talk about your hobbies to bring it all together. (this is just an example)
Pro-tip: Try to practice your points aloud as you jot them in every draft. This will also ensure that you don’t go way over the time limit and then have to delete most of what you painstakingly created.
Practicing aloud as you go will also help you understand the tone of your voice, how words you wrote sound in delivery and make changes accordingly.
Planning your video will give a flow to your video.
Remember, conversational videos are catchy, so you can bring that in during practice.
2. SHOULD YOU WRITE A SCRIPT
The opinions are divided on this one. When I write a script, I stumble if I forget the next line. A more spontaneous delivery keeping the flow in mind works for me.
However, you can use choose to write some sentences to give you the flow.
OR use a teleprompter – there are a lot of free apps. But be doubly sure to practice a lot so that you sound like you are reading.
Start with an introduction and address the company name.
For example, hello [company name], I am XYZ.
In this way, the employer feels that you have made this especially for them.
You can give a gist about your profession or what you aspire to be.
Talk about your passion and support it with your experience. Give a brief about your past work experience and accomplishments.
Explain about the projects you have worked on. Speaking with supporting numbers will make you stand out
For example, “I worked on a social media campaign and increased the traffic by 15%.”
Pro tip: Make doubly sure that you don’t sound like the verbal version of your resume. Bring in some emotion, some personality.
The employers can read your resume, what’s that extra special that your video resume brings to the table.
3. END WITH A CALL TO ACTION
Talk about what you bring to the table in a unique way. Connect with the recruiters and explain how you are best fit for the role.
End on a positive note – talk about how you are looking forward to meeting them in person and are excited to work for a company like theirs.
READ: How to ace virtual communication in any situation
4. MAKE IT PROFESSIONAL
Record a few times just to check how you sound on camera. Are you loud enough? Do you project your voice enough? Is your body language in sync with the energy you want to project?
Keep or professional. Don’t add fancy fonts or musical transitions.
The employers need to see a mature adult ready to represent their brand – and not the goofy video editor who knows how to use every feature on the software. Let the focus be on your job skills and not editing skills.
So, keep the resume about the value that you will add to the applied job.
Ideally, the video should be of 2 mins or less. Keep it short and catchy. Be creative but professional.
5. HOW TO HANDLE THE TECH ASPECT
You might be thinking that you don’t have the equipment required. But let me assure you that with the devices we own today, it’s super easy to make a great video using your phone.
While you record the video, just pay special attention to small details.
For example: Based on how your practice video looks, carefully choose the colours you wear.
According to research, confidence in your tone plays a crucial role for a hiring manager.
→ Use a plain wall as a background
→ Avoid distracting background noises
→ The source of light should be in front of you – not on top or behind
→ Preferably invest in a tripod because the camera has to be at the eye level
→ Wear formal clothes. That makes a difference on video
→ Edit the video creatively but professionally
WATCH: How to set up your camera angle in the right manner
In a competitive job market, it has become challenging to capture the attention of hiring managers.
A well-made video resume will help you to unleash your potential and easily grabs the employer’s attention.
Do you still have any unanswered questions? You can connect with me and I’ll be happy to help you!
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