The popularity of video resumes is rising. According to the statistics, 60% of recruiters have been using them for hiring.
A video resume lets the employer access the candidate’s personality, which is difficult to achieve with a paper resume. Moreover, with a video application, you can show confidence, communication skills, and increase your interview chances by standing out from the crowd.
This guide will help you create a strong video resume, even if you have never created this type of resume before, plus a list of the best video editing software.
Is it time to hire a professional resume editor?
Video resumes gain popularity in remote hiring, yet, traditional paper resumes are not disappearing. In fact, recruiters see a video application as an addition to a standard resume, not as its replacement.
So, before starting your job search, make sure that your paper resume is up-to-date and well-written. A professional resume editor can help you with that.
An expert from a resume editing service near me can correct mistakes and typos in your resume, polishing it for a perfect professional impression. Moreover, a resume editor will improve the structure and content of your paper resume and highlight your value to help you get more interviews.
What is a video resume?
Simply put, a video resume is a visual version of the old-fashioned paper resume. In it, you are supposed to tell about your qualifications, biggest accomplishments, and motivation for joining the company.
More than that, a video resume needs to show your personality, communication skills, and the ability to work with a video editing software.
If you are not sure that such a resume is acceptable in your industry, or you feel way too uncomfortable in front of the camera, it is best to give up on this idea. A poor video resume can do more harm than good. In all other cases, sending a video resume can be beneficial, and here’s why.
The pros of sending a video resume:
- It shows dedication and enthusiasm for a role. A resume video shows the recruiter that you took time to write a script, record the video and then edit. This communicate your extra interest in the position.
- It is great for creative industries. If you work in the marketing, design, or other creative industry, or your job assumes heavy interaction with people, a video resume is a great way to stand out.
- It showcases extra skills. A video application displays skills that a paper-based one cannot, such as verbal communication, speech writing, and video editing.
- It gives a broader understanding of your experience. In a resume, you are limited by formal bullet points. On a video, you can talk about your accomplishment and life experiences in a less formal way and help them better understand what you bring to the table.
7 tips to create a professional resume video
- Write a script
Avoid simply reciting your resume. Otherwise, the employer might wonder what is the point of sending a video whatsoever. Write a script, expanding on your background but in a slightly different way that in a resume.
Here’s what you can include:
- An introduction, starting with your name, target job title and a brief overview of your expertise and skills;
- Your motivation to apply for the position. You can lead with the story, explain how your skills fit into the company’s needs, or tell why they should hire you over others;
- Cover your background and accomplishments. Be specific when listing accomplishments – unlike on your paper resume, you can share a bit more details;
- Add recommendations. If you have great recommendations or comments about your performance from university or previous employers, consider citing them;
- Share interests and personality. Here, you can expand a bit about your hobbies and passions, or tell a life story to make your resume video more ‘human’;
- End with a call to action. You may reiterate why the human resources manager should select you over others, and share your preferred contact details.
- Dress appropriately
In some way, a video resume is similar to a remote interview. So, dress as you would for an interview with the employer. Keep your appearance professional, but not too formal (for example, wearing a business suit is not a must if you apply to a design agency).
- Record your video
If you have decided to record a video yourself, make sure that it has a professional quality. Use a smartphone or tablet that can film in HD, or opt for professional equipment. Pick an appropriate location with neutral background and good lighting.
Look straight in the camera as you film the video, and smile. Work on your body language – it should convey openness, enthusiasm, and be relaxed.
- Keep it short
Just like a paper resume, your video application has to be short. A sweet spot for viewer engagement is 90 seconds, but it is okay to make it a bit longer. Usually, a 2-minute video is enough to briefly convey your background and value to employers.
- Keep it relevant
Shoot your video resume with a specific job posting in mind. Whereas this can be time-consuming, a general video will not tell the employer what your value for their company is. So, if you want a resume video to be effective, customize it for a particular job opening.
- Do not lie
According to the statistics, 70% of resume contain exaggerations or false information. All employers do background checks, and if the truth reveals, this will cost you an interview or a job. Take care of your professional reputation and be honest.
- Edit your video
After you have recorded enough takes, it is time to edit your video and put it together so that it tells your story smoothly. There is plenty of video editing software which you can learn quickly – read below and choose the most suitable one.
The best video resume editing software
VideoCreek
VideoCreek is a cloud-based video editing platform that has an intuitive interface and offers a wide range of templates to choose from. It allows you to create a professional-looking video for your resume even without prior editing experience. The platform also gives you an opportunity to customize your video, including text overlays, music, and visual effects, to make your resume video engaging and not similar to others.
Animaker
Animaker is an online platform where you can create animation and live-action videos. Here, you can create a dynamic video and stand out from the crowd. The platform offers a drag-and-drop interface, pre-made templates, and a variety of animation styles to choose from to give your video resume a professional touch.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing tool designed for professionals. Yet, it is also suitable for beginners thanks to the steep learning curve. Premiere Pro offers advanced features such as color correction, audio mixing, and special effects. The software is widely used in the film and television industry, and it is a great choice for those who need a video resume of a top quality.
iMovie
iMovie is a free software for Mac and iOS users. It is great for beginners thanks to its simple interface and basic editing features which will suffice to build a simple yet effective video resume. This software offers a range of templates, music, and special effects, making it easy to create a professional-looking video with minimal editing experience.
Where to upload your video resume?
Posting your video on YouTube and sharing the link with the employer seems the most obvious strategy.
However, it is recommended to post your video in your LinkedIn profile as well. According to the statistics, profiles with video resumes are 7-10 times more likely to be viewed by a potential employer.
You may use other social media platforms – such as Instagram or TikTok – as well, but keep in mind that they are considered less formal. Yet, if your target employers use these platforms for hiring and advertise jobs there, uploading your resume makes perfect sense.
Conclusion
Sending a video resume is a great way to stand out from the crowd, show off your personality and communication skills, and get more chances for an interview. Remember to keep your video resume personalized for the specific job and enthusiastic, yet, keep your tone professional.
After you have recorded and edited your video, show it to your family and friends (and preferably some hiring managers) to hear their opinion and feedback. And, if you are in doubt about what to include on your resume or how to improve it, don’t risk your career and turn to a local professional resume consultant for help.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
