Should I Consider a Video Resume?

Times are changing very drastically, especially in the job search realm. Now, we have grown rather accustomed to submitting our resumes online. However, there is still an avenue that many job seekers have not tried yet: the video resume.

Many experts express their reservations about using the video resume as a part of their job seeking strategy because it has to be handled correctly – and must be used for the appropriate fields. Let’s take a look at some tips you might consider if you’re thinking about trying the video resume.

Make Sure the Video Quality is Great

Similar to sending in a resume on regular printer paper with misspellings, you don’t want to send in a video resume that offers sub-par video quality. The picture needs to be clear with excellent sound quality. In other words, you want to offer a professional look – including a simple background, not one the shows a pile of clothes behind you. Of course, it doesn’t have to look like it came out of a production studio, but it also shouldn’t look like it was shot on your camera phone.

Showcase Professionalism

If you were going on an interview, you wouldn’t show up in a T-shirt and jeans, would you? Hopefully, the answer is no. And the same should be for the video resume. This is your chance to offer an amazing first impression, so the last thing you want to do is look or speak in an unprofessional manner.

Treat It Like a Real Resume

Another key ingredient to help the video resume achieve a high quality is by treating it like a real resume. This means starting with a good introduction, offering your objective, providing your work or professional history, offering your knowledge and special skills, and disclosing your educational background. If you have any additional details to add such as extracurricular activities and stellar references that make you look even more impressive, it’s good to incorporate them. And don’t forget to end with a great conclusion that reiterates your goals, offers contact information, and encourages them to call you in for an interview.

Keep it Brief

Another similarity that you’ll find between video resumes and standard ones is the need to keep it brief. While it may be tempting to ramble on about what a great candidate you are, you want to chisel your masterpiece down to about 3-5 minutes. This is plenty of time to get your point across without overdoing it.

Use for the Right Industries/Fields

When deciding whether to use a video resume, it’s important to make sure you are in the appropriate field to accept them. Accept from the arts - singing and dancing - they are typically accepted in information technology. This is because hiring managers will likely have compatible viewing technology. Also, the video resume allows IT professionals to show their technical skills, including graphic design, animation, and programming.

If the video resume is something you’d like to try, go for it. But keep in mind that not all employers can or want to view them since they’re still new on the horizon. So before making your ultimate decision, it’s good to make sure the video resume is compatible with your field as is something you can create at an appropriate quality.

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