Want to Stand Out From the Competition? Create a Video Resume!

Are you looking to gain a competitive advantage and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers? Getting innovative and creating a video resume may be an effective way to capture their attention. This comprehensive guide gives you a complete overview of video resumes, their importance, key elements, and the dos and don’ts to help you develop a professional and compelling video resume that enhances your chances of landing your dream job.

What is a Video Resume?

A video resume is a short, personalized video that allows you to introduce yourself and highlight your skills, experience, and personality to potential employers. It can be an addition to the traditional written resume and cover letter, offering an opportunity to display your creativity, enthusiasm, and personal traits in an engaging and impactful way. Typically, a video resume should be a short, professionally produced clip between 30 seconds and two minutes in length to capture the hiring manager’s attention and make a positive impression. 

Video resumes are especially valuable for candidates with extensive experience or those applying for creative positions. By showcasing credentials and achievements succinctly, video resumes help recruiters save time and better understand the candidate’s suitability for the job. Furthermore, for candidates in creative fields, video resumes can demonstrate the ability to think outside the box.

What are the Key Elements of a Video Resume?

A strong video resume has three key elements: 

1.  Introduction 

Start with a strong introduction to grab the hiring manager’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the video. Begin by introducing yourself and the position you are applying for. You can also mention your current job (if applicable). Clearly articulate your aspirations, goals, and reasons for applying for the job to help the hiring manager understand your motivation and whether you are a good fit for the role.

2. Experience 

After introducing yourself in the video resume, showcasing your work experience is important. Highlight your experience to help demonstrate your skills and accomplishments compellingly and memorably, and make a strong case for why you are the best candidate for the job. To do this effectively, select experiences that best align with the job requirements and emphasize your achievements and contributions to past projects with specific examples. 

If you’re a recent graduate or transitioning to a new field and struggling to determine what to include in your work experience, you can talk about your background and life experiences that have contributed to your skill set. For instance, you could highlight your volunteering work, personal projects, or travel experiences that have shaped your personal and professional growth. Even if you don’t have direct work experience in the field, these experiences can demonstrate your transferable skills and showcase your potential.

3. Call to Action 

End the video resume with a clear Call to Action (CTA) that encourages your hiring manager to take the next step, such as contacting you for an interview or reviewing your profile in more detail. Ensure you provide links to your website, social media profiles, or portfolio at the end of the video to increase your chances of being contacted by recruiters and advancing in the job application process.

Why are Video Resumes Gaining Importance?

A large number of traditional job applications are being scanned by Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter resumes before they reach hiring managers. According to Harvard Business School, 88% of employers believe that qualified high-skilled candidates are being eliminated from the process by ATS technology due to a mismatch with the criteria laid out in the job description. Moreover, these systems are designed to identify specific resume keywords that match the role’s qualifications and required skills. 

Furthermore, the average attention span for job applications has decreased from 2½ minutes to just 47 seconds in recent years. With such a short window of time to engage and impress both the hiring manager and ATS, it can be tough to stand out in the crowd. This is where creating a short and engaging video resume can make all the difference. It will allow you to showcase your personality and skills and save the hiring manager valuable time and make them want to know more about you.     

What are Video Resume Must-Haves?

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind when making a video resume:

• Write the script to make the video polished: Outline what you want to say in the resume to make sure you don’t forget any crucial points or ramble for too long on certain topics
• Elevator pitch: Consider your video resume as an elevator pitch, and let your personality shine through. Make it engaging, detailed, and concise
• Check guidelines: If the company is requesting a video resume, be sure to review their guidelines before making the video 
• Choose a recording device: Select a recording device that can capture high-quality video and audio, such as a camera or smartphone
• Dress appropriately: Ensure that you wear appropriate clothing in the video, preferably formal or semi-formal attire
• Be creative: Demonstrate your creativity and skills by creating a unique video resume that stands out among other applicants 
• Keep it short: Stick to essential points and keep the video under two minutes; remember you can talk in-depth during an interview
• Consider additional visuals: Instead of just talking about your skills and credentials, consider adding elements such as infographics, slides, and images
• Edit: Review and edit the footage in a compelling and professional manner
• Collect feedback: Get feedback from friends and family to spot mistakes that you may have missed out on and get suggestions to make the video more impactful

What to Avoid in a Video Resume?

Now that you know what you should do, here are some key mistakes to avoid when creating a video resume:

• Omit using informal language or slang that can come across as disrespectful
• Don’t speak negatively about your past work experience
• Avoid sounding rehearsed as it can make you appear inauthentic
• Choose a quiet location to record, and avoid background noise
• Steer clear of your personal life

ALSO READ: 10 Employable Skills to Help You Land Your Dream Job 

To conclude, a well-crafted video resume can effectively demonstrate your skills and personality to potential employers, leaving a lasting impression and significantly increasing your chances of landing your dream job. So, grab your camera today and start recording! To further increase your chances of getting hired, enhance your skills by exploring the wide range of online courses offered by Emeritus, in collaboration with the best universities in the world.

Write to us at content@emeritus.org