#022 — Beyond the Paper: Creating a Video Resume
I went to see a recruiter once, and after talking to him about employment opportunities, he told me their company creates a video of each applicant in their database that they would use as to supplement to your paper resume when connecting you with prospective employers. In other words, a video resume, created to help you stand out from all the competition with mere words on paper displaying their qualifications. So he opened up software that uses a webcam to record up to a 3 minute video, where I introduced myself and explained a little bit about the work that I would enjoy doing.
3 Tips when Creating a Video Resume
- Smile! This is your chance to show them that you can appear comfortable in their surroundings. Show that you are personable, not dreary.
- Avoid “TV Announcer” voice. You don’t have to alter your voice to sound as if you’re the guy that does movie trailers. Pretend like you’re having a conversation with someone and you will come across more genuine. No voice posturing needed.
- Cheat Sheet. I wrote a few bullet points of what I wanted to say down on a piece of paper, folded it half, and hung it over the computer monitor right next to the webcam. It helped me cut down on “umms” and “uuuhhhhs”, and allowed me to maintain eye contact with the camera, rather than looking away or down from the camera.
- Be Professional. You don’t have to act like a goofball just to prove you’re not a stick-in-the-mud. Don’t end up like this guy.
Employer Reaction
Video resumes are still a relatively new venture. Some worry about the legal aspects of viewing video resumes can lead to charges of racial or gender discrimination. But overall, it seems as if employers are open to embracing and adapting to a new social, digital era.
Nearly two years ago, Vault.com surveyed employers and found that while only 17% had seen a video resume, 89% were open to viewing one if submitted to them.
Career websites like CareerBuilder and Interview Studio, among others, offer video resumes as a part of their career search platform. It also could provide the individual job seeker a way to showcase his presentation skills to particular employers. More recently, a personal video resume has enabled one man to pursue his dream.
As with any new use of technology, just proceed creatively, yet cautiously. Know your prospective targets and use video to play to their likes to maximize the greatest use of your electronic portfolio.
Have you ever used a video to supplement your resume?
Employers: How do you feel about video resumes?
photos by: SOCIALisBETTER