By creating a video resume you can personalize your application, helping you stand out from other applicants. Seeing your face, hearing you speak and watching you detail your skills may leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
Here are some tips to consider when preparing for and recording your video resume:
1. Highlight a specific experience or skill. Since your video resume will be 60 seconds or two minutes, it’s most effective to choose a single topic to highlight. You may speak about a specific project you did great on or highlight a specific skill, such as designing a website.
2. Discuss an element not application. If there was an important achievement or experience that you left off of your resume or cover letter, such as a volunteer experience or specific skill, consider demonstrating it in your video. You can consider talking about a hobby or interest. Make sure you show how your interest is connected to the role, company or industry you are applying to or how the skills you acquired through your hobby help you excel at work.
3. Dress to impress. Consider dressing like you are going to an interview. Wear proper, workplace clothes. You may even consider wearing the clothes you would while at the job. Try to wear colors that complement the background or setting in which your video takes place to ensure you and your speech remain the focus of the video.
4. Review the employer’s guidelines. If an employer asks for a video resume, follow any instructions they require for content, length, editing or submission. Some employers may ask you to follow a prompt when making your video resume, so be sure that you adequately address their expectations in your video.