How To Make A Video Resume: A Practical Guide

With unemployment levels at historic highs, many people are facing layoffs and trying to figure out what’s next. Finding a new job can be a daunting task. It can be hard to know where to start, and even harder to know how long it will take.

It can also be a struggle to try to stand out from thousands of candidates since you might be competing with talents that are affected by the recent tech layoff. Therefore, adopting a new type of application material: video resumes, might be very eye-catching to many HRs.

This article outlines all you need to know about this new resume format.

What Is A Video Resume?

Usually requested in addition to a written resume, a video resume is a short, recorded introduction in which job seekers can put a fact with their name for potential employers. These short “blurbs” are typically less than ninety seconds and are growing in popularity.

Industries with a strong customer-facing focus are more likely to request a video resume—especially for roles like sales or communications, where on-camera presence is key to success.

With this new resume format come some concerns, however. HR departments are largely divided on the issue, with heated debate centering around the possibility of discrimination. Opponents of the video resume cite concerns about appearance discrimination—taking into account the weight, gender, race, or even perceived “attractiveness” of candidates before considering their professional skills.

Many still stand by the video resume, however, claiming that on-screen personality and camera-relevant tech skills are vital for success in remote, client-facing roles.

Video Resume vs Traditional Resume—Which Resume Format Should I Choose?

If your prospective employer hasn’t specifically asked for a video resume, that doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t provide one. A traditional resume is still the standard, and an attractive resume outline that highlights your skills is a must.

As a plus, however, adding on a video resume can make job seekers in the creative industry stand out. Media, fashion, marketing, tech, design, and other “creative” professionals should consider adding a short video resume to their application.

While it may feel like a daunting undertaking, video resumes, and traditional resumes have more in common than not. For instance, regardless of the format, a solid resume outline is important to producing a well-structured presentation. Both should be relatively short and sweet, as well: no more than 90 seconds for a video, and one page for traditional resumes, which can be tested through the ATS friendly resume checker.

It is also important in either case to consider the visual appeal of the layout, colors, and formatting. Additionally, both traditional and video resumes are easy to distribute on LinkedIn and other social networks.

Video resumes differ from traditional resumes, however, by nature of the format. For one, they take longer to make than a traditional resume. While you may use the same resume outline, your video resume will require a thoughtful video script, proper lighting, and possibly a few re-shoots to make a cohesive product. Video production also requires time, as do balancing any “multimedia elements” that may cannibalize viewers’ attention.

However, for those in the aforementioned creative fields, video resumes may be well worth the extra effort. Show your personality and creativity on-camera by combining it with the art of making good videos, and you can connect your audience with you at-a-glance.

Write Your Video Resume Script

While it may be tempting to speak freely about yourself and your experience in a video resume, this may not be the most advisable approach. Writing a video script is the best way to prepare to make a video resume that accurately presents your skillset to potential employers. 

A video script allows you to practice what you’re going to say so that you can deliver your video resume with confidence. Additionally, scripting out your approach will allow you to keep your message relevant and consistent—keeping in mind that 90-second time goal. 

The important thing is to keep your video script creative but professional. It’s okay not to cover every detail—remember, you’re trying to provide an engaging overview that gets employers interested.

The Video Resume Outline Template In Write-On Video

Write-on Video is a video editor for those looking to build a professional, organized video resume. This innovative software features a ready-to-use video resume outline template, including a room to write scene descriptions and an option to export your outline to a PDF for easy printing and reading. 

If you don’t have advanced video editing skills, Write-On Video is the software for you: Their intuitive design makes it easy to create a storyboard and video script you can stick to. Moreover, their editing features are simple enough to learn in a day. This software will help you build a beautifully structured video that drives employers’ attention to your content.

What To Include In A Video Resume

You can think of a video resume as a more visual CV, in some ways. Your video script should begin with an opening greeting your viewers, and then move on to a short introduction of yourself. Try and opt for a conversational flow—speak to the camera in the same way you may speak to an interviewer.

Then, explain your qualifications for the position in question. This is the time to list off your education, certifications, and years of experience. From here, include highlights of your experience and particularly relevant achievements. For instance, if you want to start a career as a product manager, include in your video resume with your relevant educational background and your practical experience in product management.

Finally, tie this information into what you can contribute to the company. Employers want a workforce that adds value to their brand—take the time to explain that value. Wrap up with a strong ending, and thank your viewers for their time and consideration.

Space & Equipment

Even the most thoughtfully-composed video resume will fall flat if your potential employers are distracted by messy production. Worse yet, improper techniques could make your interview impossible to understand.

In this regard, pay attention to how you record yourself. Opt for natural lighting by filming in a well-lit room, near an open window. Over-lighting, such as a spotlight or fluorescent overhead, can make for an unattractive shot.

Reduce noise by choosing a time of day when your space will be quiet. Shooting in a room with carpeting, heavy drapes, or plenty of upholstered furniture will help absorb any echoes or bounce back and make your audio cleaner.

Finally, use a phone holder or tripod to ensure your camera is placed at the right level for a well-framed shot.

Practice Confidence

To sell your skills, you have to believe in them! A lack of confidence will come across as uncompelling and potentially alienate your viewers. 

Practice in front of a mirror, and ensure good posture. In addition, get used to looking directly at the camera—not at the screen attached to it—to simulate eye contact. Practice your script thoroughly so that you can speak naturally in the video, rather than reading prompts. 

As much as it may make you cringe, watch your recording back to make sure that you speak fluently and comprehensibly, and check for consistent eye contact with the camera. Ensuring a confident presence on camera is vital to producing compelling content.

Upload to LinkedIn

An effective way to let recruiters find you is to always keep your LinkedIn profile updated, including your work experience, skills, and personal website or videos. You have worked so hard to make this video resume, put it in a visible spot! 

Many people put their excellent websites and videos in the contact info section, which will only be visible by clicking the information. This will be easy for recruiters to miss, especially since they have hundreds of profiles to go through every day. So put your video resume in the about you section, and make it visible and accessible to anyone who visits your LinkedIn profile.

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In Conclusion

If you believe a video resume is right for you, go for it! Remember to use a resume outline, construct a thoughtful video script, and reference best practices when it comes to shooting your video. There is no substitute for confidence—so trust yourself! Video interviews are a great opportunity to show off your personality on camera, and being yourself will allow employers to see what nobody else brings to the table: you.

Now that you know how to create an awesome video resume, it’s time to get to work. Write-on Video provides a video resume template that can do all the heavy lifting for you. Following each pod’s instructions in Write-on Video, you can complete your first video resume within a day!

Good luck with your job search!