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Want to stand out from the crowd and get more job interviews? Depending on your industry, learning how to make a good video resume might be the way.
That’s because a video resume or video CV can allow you to highlight sought-after personality traits, such as charisma, humor, and confidence, which don’t often come across in a traditional resume.
If you have such traits and want to learn how to make a video resume, then this article is perfect for you.
Start with an engaging video introduction, get inspired from video ideas and create a job landing video profile!
What is a video resume and when to use one
Video resumes are more akin to a cover letter than a resume and should really be called video cover letters.
They are mostly used by those in creative professions, as it's a perfect way to demonstrate talents that would otherwise be hidden on a traditional resume.
If your field of work requires strong communication skills, then a video resume might be a great way to showcase them. However, it’s important that you read the room properly and that you’re sure that a video CV is actually appropriate for the occasion.
As a video CV is normally kept short and it's an entirely different medium, there are a few video resume pros and cons, such as:
Related: Recruiter Reveals: Video Resumes, Pros and Cons & How to Make One
How to make a good video resume
Let’s get the big red elephant out of the room first — a badly done video resume will kill your chances of getting hired.
If you’re to create a half-baked video resume, then stop here and just submit a regular resume. It’s often the best option anyways.
However, if you think your qualities will shine through in a video and are applying to an industry where a video CV can work, such as the entertainment, marketing, and design industries. Then let’s continue.
Just follow these 6 steps when creating your video resume:
1. Test your equipment
A clear picture and excellent quality audio is a must if you want to create a professional looking video.
2. Create a script
The last thing you want to be asking yourself while filming your video CV is, “what should I say in a video resume?”. Plan before you begin recording, create a script, but use it more as a guide and avoid reading it word by word.
As to what you should say in a video resume, it will depend on your industry. However, try to highlight personality traits which are otherwise hard to showcase on a traditional resume.
3. Dress appropriately
Although you want to show off your personality, try to keep your attire on the formal side. Treat it similar to a virtual job interview. No pajamas or stained/wrinkled clothing, etc.
4. Don’t recite your resume
A video resume is its own kinda beast. If you have nothing extra to show on one, then just send in your resume and call it good. Simply reciting your resume verbatim is likely to be a detriment to you instead of a plus.
5. Rewatch your video
It’s important that you don’t have any inconsistencies when submitting your video resume. Also, it’s easy to miss our own mistakes, if you can share it with a friend or family member. Even better, if you have a job mentor to share it with.
6. Edit your video
You want to make sure you cut any distracting noises or empty moments from your video. Now, how long is a video CV? Try to keep it between 90 seconds in length. There are many tutorials online that can help you make a professional-looking video edit.
What should I say in a video resume?
Now that you know the practicalities on how to make a video resume, it's time to move on to the most important question, “What should I say in a video resume?”.
Apart from highlighting your personality traits, it’s important to have a clear message in mind when creating a video CV.
Knowing what you need to say is more akin to knowing what they need to hear. This is the key to creating a sound video resume script and an overall great video resume.
You can do so by dividing your video into these 5 parts:
- Self-introduction: Your name, the position you're applying for and experience level. Something as simple as, “Hello, my name is Matt and I'm a graphic designer with 7 years of experience in the travel industry" should be enough.
- Say why you're applying for the position: Tell them why you're interested in the role you're applying for and show your passion for the job. Make it specific, not generic.
- Include key accomplishments: Give a quick summary of relevant accomplishments throughout your career. Keep it brief (1-2 achievements) and make sure to quantify your accomplishments.
- Add recommendations (optional). If you have good feedback from previous employers or clients, use a snippet as proof of the expertise and accomplishments you just mentioned.
- Closing: Re-iterate why you're interested on the position and re-share your contact information. Try adding this information on the screen, as it can be easily removed when uploading it publicly".
In the end, your script should look something along these lines:
Video resume script example
Video resume script
Great video resume examples
Of course, a script is not enough when we're talking about video resumes.
Here are 5 great examples that will fuel your inspiration:
1. Visual designer video resume example
2. Internship video resume example
3. Student video resume example
4. Mass communication video resume example
5. Film maker video resume example
As you can see from these examples, some careers are a better fit for a video CV. However, regardless of your career, so long as you have qualities that shine through on a video, you should be good to go.
More video resume tips
One thing to note is that even if you decide to create a video CV, it's important that you always accompany a video resume with a traditional resume.
Other video resume tips to keep in mind are:
- Use a video resume maker: Seriously, unless you’re a designer, using a tool specifically made for video resume is the way to go. The last thing you want to do is show your potential employer your bad editing skills.
- Talk clearly and slowly: Yes, you'll have less to say because of this. You just have to make sure you only add the best bits of information.
- Understand company culture: This is important because the overall tone of your video should change depending on the company and career field. Hard to keep an overly enthusiastic tone when you're applying as a data analyst. It just wouldn't be genuine.
- Add background music: I mean, don't add anything with vocals as it will distract from your voice. But adding a mellow background can help eliminate unwanted background noise.
And lastly, prepare, prepare, prepare. Create that script! Can't emphasize this enough.
Best video resume websites, editors and apps
There are a plethora of video CV applications on the web. Yet, not all are created equal.
Some are clunky to navigate, others overpriced and many of them are jacks of all trades that excel at nothing.
And as you’re aware, you might only get one chance to impress an employer. Hence, it’s important that you have the right software for the job.
Here are 10 of the best video resume apps that will ensure you ease of use so that you can concentrate on the actual message :
Also, apart from these video resume editors, remember that in a creative field, many things are valid. You can even use your social media accounts, such as Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok to deliver a job landing video resume.
TikTok resume
It’s always good to keep up with the times. Just a few months ago the new social media giant launched a pilot program designed for recruitment and job discovery called TikTok Resumes.
TikTok teamed up with companies such as Chipotle, Target, Shopify and many others to invite job seekers to apply for entry-level to experience-level positions through its platform.
What a great way to showcase your creative video resume.
Here are a few TikTok resume tips if you decide to go the TikTok route:
- Avoid sharing personal information
- Create a video outline
- Film vertically
- Highlight key-points with text boxes
- Add soft music
Oh, and don't forget to use #TikTokResumes in your caption when publishing it.
FAQ: Popular questions about video resumes
- Are video resumes effective?
Video resumes can be effective in distinguishing you from the rest. However, whether it makes an impact or not depends on the industry you work in. If you’re in the entertainment, marketing, or design industries, then it’s likely to be effective. Otherwise, it might not be as beneficial and might even be detrimental due to liabilities.
- Why are video resumes important?
Video resumes are important because they allow employers to quickly glance at a potential employee’s personality, dedication, and other soft skills such as communication. It can also serve as a way to weed out fake applicants.
- What are the advantages of a video resume?
There are a few advantages you get when you create a video resume, such as having the ability to showcase your personality traits, your communication skills, as well as your ability to go above and beyond to get the job. However, it is important to keep in mind that a video CV does not replace a traditional resume and it’s more like an addition.
- How long is a video CV?
When creating a video CV it’s important to keep it relevant, specific, and to the point. Hence, a good video resume is rarely longer than 90 seconds.
- Why do companies ask for videos?
Companies might ask for video resumes due to many factors such as wanting to know more about your personality and creativity.
- How do I sell myself in a video?
Unless you’re applying as an impromptu comedian, the best way to sell yourself in a video resume is by preparing thoroughly. That means, creating a script, tailoring it to the job description, being brief, and showcasing traits that would otherwise remain hidden in a traditional resume.
- How can I make my resume stand out in a video?
First you need to be aware that a video resume is unlike a traditional resume and you should not attempt to recite your paper resume verbatim. Treat it more like a cover letter in which you summarise your best skills and qualities and reasons why you are the best fit for the role.
- Resident Writer
A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California. He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he got a nice job working for Kickresume thanks to that, so he won't complain.
