Introduction
One of the most dramatic changes in the hiring scene in recent years is the introduction of video resumes. Screening candidates through a video presentation is easily becoming one of the most popular strategies for recruitment assessment. A video resume allows the recruiter to gain much more information about a candidate than a traditional resume. It also helps the candidate to portray their personality, confidence and other soft skills.
Let us learn more about video screening and video resumes, their importance in the future recruitment process and how to create a good video resume profile.
Why Do You Need A Video Resume?
Video resumes may, on the surface, look like an unpleasant jump from the traditional assessment systems. Many candidates, understandably, might not be too keen to show their face on camera. Some might even find the performative aspects of putting and tiring. But, if you are ready to shift your perspective, video resumes can be a smart and fast way to showcase your candidate profile and reach recruiters. It can be an effective way to assess candidates, both from the employer and job aspirant sides. It can help the candidate stand out easily and display what is unique to them. Employers can easily understand your communication skills, presentation abilities and language skills without having to put the candidate through multiple rounds. A candidate can also show their enthusiasm and seriousness in landing a particular job. This could be especially beneficial to creative roles in fields like marketing, advertising, media etc.
How To Create A Video Resume?
Creating a good video resume is not that hard as it sounds. It can even be a fun process of self evaluation and presentation. Here are the main steps involved:
Step 1: Write your script
Prepare an outline for the script you are going to talk about. Decide on the skillset and strengths you are going to highlight. Added points if these are directly related to the specific job description you are preparing for. Make sure you get to the main points as quickly as possible. You should try to convey your core skillset, your main achievements and your enthusiasm for this job within the first few sentences.
Step 2: Pick your format
While most companies ask you to create a video resume in a specific format, you can also pick the format of your choice if no particulars are mentioned. This could be a direct one-on-one presentation to the employer, a formal speech or brief of your resume, or a quirky and fun narrative aiming for a more personal connection. You can also create slide shows or video montages with voice overs. This could be more suitable for creative industries, where going a bit offset to the norm can be perceived as interesting.
Step 3: Equipment
Make sure you have the right equipment before you record. Invest in a good quality webcam and microphone or a smartphone with good recording features. Sit in a comfortable space with plenty of spacing and no disturbance. Test your video and audio and make sure everything is working just fine.
Step 4: Record
Speak clearly and confidently to the camera. It is best if you can look professional with nothing distracting in the background. Dull out all the ambient noises and make sure you are properly visible on the screen. Keep your speech crisp and to the point. Recruiters value a serious approach.
Step 5: Edit
Make necessary changes. Crop unwanted or lengthy segments. And save it in proper formats which can be easily read across multiple devices and platforms. You can add captions if you want. Ensure that the file is saved in a proper file name.
Video Resume Tips
Here are a few video resume tips that can give you an edge over other candidates:
- Keep the presentation short and crisp, preferably under 200 seconds. Most recruiters do not have the patience to sit through long videos
- Do not memorise your scripts. Instead study the key points you need to mention and speak about them as naturally as you can.
- Show natural enthusiasm and do not fake emotions.
- Do not gloat about your achievements and talk about them briefly in a few sentences.
- Try to bring in numbers and stats while talking about your achievements.
- Avoid speaking about your personal background and life history too much.
Technical Requirements
You do not need pricey or top-of-the-shelf equipment to record a video resume. You also do not need to be a technical expert to record a video. A simple smartphone would be sufficient if you can record yourself with clarity. Just make sure that your smartphone camera is of moderately good quality, though an HD webcam can give you better results. Natural light is good enough even though a ring light can give you a bit more edge in recording. You can use video editing software of your choice. Plenty of free editing software are also available online. MP4 is the widely preferred video format on most platforms.
How To Present Yourself?
Like we have mentioned, video resumes are a great way to showcase the strength of your presence and how you carry yourself. You should be mindful of how you are coming across a camera.
Dressing : You can dress casual, but make sure your attire is clean, simple and professional. Avoid flashy colours and dresses that are too formal.
Posture: You need to sit upright allowing yourself to move freely but not erratically.
Delivery : Your delivery should be clear, warm and professional. Avoid speaking in a monotone and robotic manner. Be expressive where it demands. Bring in attenuation wherever required. Speak confidently and show enthusiasm and excitement. It will be also good if you can emphasise your passions, but do not lose too many words over it.
If you want to display your skillset beyond the limits of a simple presentation, you can also utilise web resumes – a digital version of your print resume, with a personal URL where you can include a variety of multimedia elements of your choice. Simply create your free web resume with GoResume, and share or post it anywhere.
Conclusion
Video resumes are one of those recruitment trends that are going to stay for a long time. While the idea of performing in front of a camera can be novel and slightly apprehensive to most candidates, video screening can be an excellent way for them to showcase their true potential. To create a good video resume, candidates should have proper recording equipment, and a quiet environment with good lighting. While video resumes can be tweaked to specific job descriptions especially in creative industries, the standard format requires a professional and simplistic approach.
