How to create your Video Resume?

A video resume or CV is a short video created by a candidate for employment and uploaded generally to social media or more specific job sites for prospective employers to review.
As with a text resume, a video resume can be general or targeted toward a specific position or a specific company. The video CV must describe the subject's skills and experience and would normally be used to supplement a text resume.

A video CV can be created for you by a professional, or you can create your own using either your own equipment or online tools that also provide some education. Some job search and networking sites provide a way for users to incorporate video resumes into their profiles. For example, LinkedIn will allow you to post a video to your profile.

Should You Create a Video Resume?

Creating a video resume is no longer an optional task for job seekers. Most employers will now expect candidates at least to take part in an online video interview on platforms. For job seekers, a video resume can highlight skills and open up a way for an employer to visually meet the job seeker sooner.

Any type of work, whatever it involves, benefits from a candidate being shown on video. As well, a video resume can be a good way to show off your personality; for people in client-facing jobs, whose work involves communication with prospective buyers, a video resume will be essential.

There used to be thought that a video resume could contribute to the possibilities of discrimination, however, those fears have long since dissipated. Video interviewing platforms have introduced tools that combat that by allowing candidates to choose to submit an audio-only recorded response as well as AI assessments of submissions that only deal with what is said and how it is said with no weight being put on the visual images.

Tips for Creating a Video Resume

It's important to keep in mind that a video resume isn't going to get you a job. However, it can be of great assistance in marketing yourself to prospective employers - if it's done right. I have penned down all the important tips for creating a video resume based on the feedback received on my Visume. You can check my Video Resume below.

What to Include in a Video Resume

You should be considering recording and sharing your video CV. When you are ready remember these points :

• Be professional: Dress as you would for an interview, and maintain a professional demeanor. Avoid cursing and slang. Pay attention, too, to the background of shots, and make sure it looks tidy. Also, ensure that you are in a well-lit area and that the light is in front of you so that you show up well on camera.
• Prepare a script: Don't ad-lib your video completely. You want to seem natural and off-the-cuff but should have a sense of what you want to say, and how you want to phrase it. You can read directly from a script or a list of talking points. The main points to express in the video are what you'll provide the company, and your major goals, skills, and accomplishments. Think of the video as being a pitch for why the company should hire you.
• Know your audience: As you plan your script and location, consider who will watch the video, and adjust accordingly. A video prepared for a position at a bank will differ from a video prepared for a start-up.
• Show, don't tell: Use visuals to illustrate what you're saying in the video script and showcase your talents and skills. For instance, if you're applying for a job where presentations are a major part of the role, you can record yourself assembling a PowerPoint. Or, if any of your presentations were recorded, use that footage in your video resume.
• Keep it brief: Videos should be between 30 to 60 seconds. Anything longer than that is unlikely to be watched.
• Share with friends and family: Getting feedback from others is an important step. Ask a few people to watch your video, and make edits and changes based on their comments.

Always keep in mind that once your video is on the Internet, you no longer have control over who sees it, or how it's shared. Take feedback from friends and family seriously — if they think it's a misfire, do not share the video.

Video Resume Don'ts

Don't mix your personal life with your professional one. If you have information on your Facebook or Twitter page that you'd prefer employers don't see, don't link your video resume.

Don't expect your video resume to totally replace your traditional resume. However, a well-done video will bolster your candidacy for employment.