It’s no secret that the job market is competitive. That means it’s in your best interest to do whatever you can to bump your resume to the top of the pile. To that end, should you invest in a video resume?
Speak Up with a Video Resume
Submitting a video resume is a good idea if you’re in a visual field. Models and actors have long used headshots and video to sell themselves. Jobs that are client-facing or demand presentation skills may also be good candidates for a video resume. And if you have the kind of skill you can show-off, do it! Maybe it’s only your voice on-camera while you work your way through a PowerPoint presentation or perform some spot welding.
Creating a Video Resume
If you decide to enhance a paper resume with a video version, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, consider your target market. Your audience will dictate how you dress; wear whatever you would if you were to interview in person. Even if you’re dressed casually, keep your demeanor and language professional. Make sure the background is clean, too.
Prepare a script. That doesn’t mean you should be reading from it on-camera, but know what you’re going to say. If you hit on some main points, you can say what you need to without sounding overly rehearsed. Tailor your talking points to your audience if you can. A personal touch shows you put in extra effort.
Finally, keep it brief! Most video experts suggest one to three minutes as a good target. Others cut that to 60 or 90 seconds. Think of the video as your elevator pitch. Tell the employer about yourself, your skills and why you’d be a good fit for the job.
The Final Assessment
Before posting, play your final cut for someone you trust and get their feedback. Making a video shows you went above and beyond what was expected, so there’s no point in wasting your effort. Worse, a poorly received video could knock you out of the running.
Don’t be discouraged if an employer doesn’t click on your link. Some employers are vigilant about not discriminating. Studies show it can be difficult to avoid bias when hiring a new employee. Accepting only paper resumes can limit an assessment to hard skills.
Remember that in today’s digital world, whatever you post is at large. Best -case scenario, you get the job and your video is used to roast you at your retirement party. Worst-case scenario, an inappropriate video follows you around for years.
Video for Self-Promotion
When it comes to using video for self-promotion, there are numerous avenues. At Key West Video, we’ve done demos for actors, music videos, voice-over reels and so much more! Whatever facet of yourself you’d like to promote, we can help. Give us a call today for a quote.
