8 Steps To Effective Video Resumes
Video resume? What’s that? Never heard of it? Well, it is a new concept but a growing trend. It is simply a video that a candidate makes of herself/himself to try to sell a hiring manager as to why she/he should be hired. Video is the craze these days.
With millions seeking work, it might just be a way to set yourself apart from the masses. True, it is a unique approach; but if done correctly could help to score an interview. After all, that is what a resume is for: to help get an interview.
A video resume does not take the place of a regular resume, it is a supplement. You still need to make sure your paper resume is sharp and accurate. It needs to accompany the video resume. Let’s face it: some people are not good at writing but are comfortable in front of a camera. So it might be easier for you to sell yourself on video than on paper. Here are some guidelines to making your video resume.
- Make your video short. It should be no more than two minutes.
- Know what you want to say and stay focused. You could give answers to the most common questions usually asked in an interview (see 8 Interview Questions). You could also talk about how you are qualified and meet the requirements of the job you are seeking.
- Be very professional. Do not use slang words or too many hand gestures.
- Dress the part. You need to look as if you were walking into the company’s headquarters for a job interview. You know the saying about first impressions.
- Be yourself. Practice until you are comfortable. It is important for a potential boss to see you as you are and what you’d be like to work with.
- Do not use humor. No one expects you to be a prune but getting and keeping a job is serious. You will be expected to be productive for the salary they’ll pay you.
- At the end, ask for an interview in a professional manner.
- Watch, edit and remake the video as many times as needed. Remember, you are trying to sell a product: you.
Video resumes may not be mainstream, but they will be more common in the future, especially with the move toward a paperless society. Get a headstart and make yours today. I have an excellent site that makes video resumes and then creates a link that you give to employers or anyone else and they just click the link to see the video.
