Video Resumes

Your PDF Format CVs are still required, but to get better results from our recruitment process as a jobseeker, you cannot discount Video Resumes. While the written resume shows a lot about an applicant, it is a bit limited. Video resumes play a key role for our recruiters and an employer to feel connected and confident about the candidate. By going through a video resume of a candidate, recruiters can establish a connection and visualize how they'll fit into the organization.

A video resume is a short video you to introduce yourself to the hiring manager or recruiter. It is often submitted in addition to a resume and cover letter. You can use the video resume to highlight a skill or experience to show you are a perfect fit for the position. It also lets you show how your creativity and personality are a match for the company’s culture. An effective video resume is between 30 seconds to two minutes long.

BENEFITS OF VIDEO RESUMES

• Opportunity for jobseekers to articulate their skills and profile even before any in-person interviews (if need be).

• Video resume is the new creative type of resume that allows the employer to get that first impression from this video that might be crucial in determining the right person for the job.

• It shows the creative, flexible and credible side of the jobseeker.

• Lowers the chances of jobseeker faking. In a video resume, our recruiters are better able to assess the technical skills of the applicant and other skills necessary for the job. In a video, it is highly unlikely that the applicant will be able to pretend he/she knows how to use a particular tool or any other tool the job might require.

• It presents the speaking abilities of an applicant. Hundred words and images may present a person in a good light, but her speaking abilities will tell you more. The applicant can present himself much better when talking, and that means it can increase the chances of hiring the right person.

• Confirms that the candidate is comfortable with technology. Submitting a simple Word document file or a PDF is easy, but recording and editing a video is a bit different. If a candidate did a good job and followed all given instructions all by him/herself, we can be almost confident he/she is tech-savvy.

The use of advanced technology and services is solid proof that the candidate is up-to-date with technology and less likely to experience technical challenges. Therefore, the video resume is one of the things that represent the candidate’s ability to follow up on the complex procedures that involve technology use and the latest perks of it.

• Assessment of Jobseeker's Confidence. Paper can show really great and remarkable skills of a candidate, but it cannot show the confidence. This video resume enables us to assess the ability of the candidate to handle new things and the ability to emerge into solving new problems. We will be able to recognize the level of confidence and understand whether we want to pursue the candidate or not.

• Our deliberate limit of video resumes to less than 2 minutes, enables our recruiters to know which jobseekers can provide relevant, precise and on-point information in under 120 seconds.

Some people find it easier to stay focused on paper and have a really hard time to organize their thoughts when speaking. Of course, this does not mean we will reject the candidate who is camera-shy, but we can realize whether that person is good at precision and focus. Sometimes it can be harder to stay-on-point on paper, which means that some candidates can explain precisely their achievements, goals, and strategies.

• Not all roles with us require one to have good public speaking skills. But if we're looking for a candidate for a public relations position, we’ll likely be looking for someone with a bubbly personality and good public speaking skills. Therefore, a Video Resume will give us a better glimpse at the person than their written resume.

For example, in a customer-facing role, it is all about communicating with customers, and that means that communication skills must be impeccable. Almost all our customer-facing roles requires a video resume, since it is a powerful way to determine the language skills and cut down the time for interviewing. We have had a lot more success in hiring the right people through the use of video resumes.

• Take the Video Resume feature in our online job application form as a mini-interview session to impress, as there have been times we have employed qualified persons without a traditional interview session, but purely based on their impressive video resume.

WHEN VIDEO RESUMES ARE REQUIRED

You may consider including a video resume in the following situations:

• It’s required by the employer. Some roles may ask you to submit a video resume to provide an “elevator pitch” for why you are a strong candidate for a role. This method also helps to demonstrate your personality that they may not otherwise get from other elements of your application.

• You have an extensive resume. If you have a lot of relevant experience, you may consider including a video resume to briefly summarize your top qualities and help our recruiters and/or hiring managers understand what specifically makes you a uniquely qualified candidate. After seeing your video resume, they may keep those top highlights in mind while reviewing your traditional pdf format resume, cover letter and other materials.

• You want to personalize your application. Though other roles may not require it, including a video resume can personalize your application, helping it stand out from other candidates. Seeing your face, hearing you speak and watching you demonstrate your skills may leave a lasting impression on our recruiters and/or hiring managers.

• Anytime it is made mandatory for some specific roles. Video resumes are currently option with most advertised roles, but mandatory for a few roles.

HOW TO MAKE A VIDEO RESUME

A video resume allows jobseekers to speak directly to potential recruiters and/or partner employers about what makes you uniquely qualified for the role. It can be a strong addition to your application and help you better distinguish yourself from other applicants, through your personality and creativity. Below, we discuss how to create one that is effective and engaging.

Making a video resume is a different process from designing a resume or writing a cover letter. It requires stage preparation and technical skills, such as visual storytelling and editing. Here are the steps to making a video resume:

1. Write a script

In this first step, make a plan for what you want the video to look like. Consider whether you want to just sit in front of the camera and speak or if you’d like to add action shots of you demonstrating skills. If you incorporate action, write out each step of the video so you understand its chronology.

In addition to what the video looks like, you should also outline what you want to say. If you want to sound more conversational rather than rehearsed, consider writing bullet points of the specific skills, experiences and qualifications you want to highlight. If you’d prefer to sound rehearsed and be a bit more polished, write out exactly what you want to say.

When writing your speech, consider using strong action verbs you might include in your traditional resume to increase the impact of your words.

2. Prepare a filming space

If you have shots of you sitting and speaking directly to the camera, set up a space with a neutral background and attractive lighting. You can include props that seem natural to the environment and do not distract the viewer from you. If you plan to include action shots, be sure the necessary props and equipment populate the space. You may also consider limiting the number of people in the background or those that appear with you in frame.

3. Set up a recording device

Choose a recording device—either a smartphone, tablet, computer or camera—that can capture high-quality images and audio to ensure your face and other images, as well as your speech, are clear. Set the recording device high enough to capture your face and shoulders and far away enough that your whole profile is in the frame. If you are incorporating action shots into your video, be sure that the device captures you fully.

4. Record several takes

Using your script or outline, record each segment of your video resume. Record your video several times using different expressions and vocal tones to ensure you appear comfortable, engaged and polished throughout. If you are stationary while speaking, consider splitting your speech in shorter segments so you can easily restart or try something new. This step can help you select the best takes and may streamline your editing process.

If you are recording action, you can record a longer segment of repeated actions without having to stop and restart. This step allows you to select a single area of your action footage to include, and it may also make the action seem more natural rather than rehearsed.

5. Collect additional visuals

Depending on the content of your video resume, you may consider including elements such as informational slides, infographics, photographs or clippings. Before or early in your editing process, consider collecting all of the materials you may want to include in addition to the footage you shot. These elements can provide additional information in a dynamic and engaging way.

6. Edit the video

Review all of the footage you’ve captured, and select the best takes. Using your script or outline, you can begin cutting and assembling footage to fit the story you created. You can also add in the additional visuals, such as references to achievements or awards, under the audio of you speaking to visually demonstrate what you’re discussing.

To compile the video, you can use editing software or an application that allows you to cut, organize and save videos. Some computers, tablets and smartphones come equipped with video editing capabilities as well.

7. Get feedback

Review your final cut a few times to ensure the video is clear and organized. You can also ask a friend, coworker, colleague or mentor to review your video resume as well. They can provide you constructive feedback to improve the video and make a stronger impression.

TIPS FOR MAKING A VIDEO RESUME

Here are some tips to consider when preparing for and recording your video resume:

1. Focus on a specific experience or skill. Because your video resume will be so short, it’s most effective to choose a single topic to focus on. You may talk about a specific project you did very well on or demonstrate a specific skill, such as coding a website. Complement your resume and cover letter by addressing an element only discussed in one of those documents.

2. Discuss an element not in your application. If there was an element 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 related to the position, company or industry you are applying to or how the skills you learned through your hobby help you excel at work.

3. Dress professionally. Consider dressing like you are going to an interview. Wear neat, workplace-appropriate attire, such as business casual clothing. You may even consider wearing the attire you would while at work. 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, be sure to follow any instructions they provide 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.