If you’re looking for ways to get ahead of your competition in the job market, you've probably heard of video resumes. A video resume lets you show potential employers that you’re willing to go that extra step and stand out from the other candidates.
However, most people think they can’t make a video resume and require much video knowledge. That might have been true in the past, but today, you can utilize many user-friendly solutions and approaches to create a solid video resume that helps you stand out from the crowd.
Today, we’ll share everything you need to know when creating a video resume.
In this article
Understanding the Goal of a Video Resume
A video resume is designed to highlight all your professional qualifications, skills, and experience. Simply put, a video resume creatively showcases your talents and abilities and allows you to leave a good impression on recruiters. Similarly to traditional resumes, they should cover essentials like your level of education, career achievements, skills, and work experience.
However, if you look at the core goal of a video resume, you should be able to answer potential employers' questions about why they should hire you.
Remember that your video resume isn’t a substitute for the traditional resume but can supplement it and give a more engaging presentation of your professional capabilities.
Here’s why video resumes have an edge over traditional resumes:
- They are more memorable.
- They let you be creative.
- They showcase technical skills.
- They let you demonstrate your communication skills.
- They let you stand out from other candidates.
Planning All the Elements of a Video Resume
Even though creating a video resume might sound simple, it requires work. A video resume must be visually appealing, but it must also introduce the applicant effectively, motivate recruiters to consider that applicant, and highlight essential education and experience.
Essentially, your video resume should consist of three parts:
1. Introduction
This part of your video resume should include all the contact information. Start by introducing yourself, sharing key information about your professional background, and potentially address the company you’re applying to. Share your name, job title, years of experience, where you’re based, and talk briefly about the position you’re applying for.
Check more details about how to create a self-introduction video.
2. Experience and Expertise
Once you’ve introduced yourself, explain why you are worthy of the position you’re applying for. Instead of focusing on a detailed history of your work experience, talk about the few relevant work experiences to the position you’re applying for.
Once you’ve gone through the main information, you can look back at other less important experiences that are still relevant for the position. As a general rule of thumb, focus on quality over quantity.
3. Call to Action
Your call to action should appear at the end of the video. Give your recruiters a reason to remember you and encourage them to contact you. For example, you can offer to share additional information about how your experience and knowledge are relevant to the position and encourage the hiring company to give you an interview.
Getting All the Equipment You Need for Recording a Video Resume
Once you’ve determined what to include in your video resume and written down all the information and structure, the next step is to acquire all the equipment necessary for recording a video resume. Here’s what you need:
Microphone
A good microphone is essential to recording a video resume that addresses the interviewees directly. Getting a solid microphone that can capture your voice clearly and has a desired quality standard is vital. The people watching your video should be able to understand you clearly.
Web Camera/Laptop With a Camera
You need a camera to record the video. A solid web camera is usually a good choice. They are affordable and can capture decent video quality with a solid frame rate. Alternatively, you can use a laptop with a built-in camera if you have one.
Video Recording/Editing Software
Instead of getting two different programs, you should look for video recording/editing software to handle recording and post-production. A good example is Wondershare DemoCreator, which has multiple recording options and comprehensive video editing features.
How to Record a Video Resume with Wondershare DemoCreator
Before you can record your video resume in DemoCreator, go to the official website, download it, and install the tool. Once you’ve done that, follow these steps:
- Launch the app and click Video Recorder.
- Click on Camera in the next window.
- Wondershare has a fantastic teleprompter feature that allows you to import the text for your video resume. Click on the Teleprompter icon, then click Important, and select the text file from your device.
- Click on Teleprompter Settings and adjust.
- Disable system sound recording by clicking on the icon at the bottom right of the screen. When ready, click Rec at the bottom of the screen.
- When done, click the Stop Recording button.
- Click Quick Export, select the save location, and click Quick Export again. You can also click Advanced Editing if you want to adjust your video.
Tips for Making a Video Resume
Here are some general tips you should keep in mind when making a video resume:
Focus on Your Key Strengths
Since your video resume should be around 2 minutes long, you must get to the main point right away. You can talk about the specific projects you’re most proud of or that demonstrate the essential skills you have for the position.
Talk About Something That’s Not in Your Application
Adding an element you don’t have on your resume is always a good idea. For example, you can talk about a specific skill you think sets you apart or about some volunteer experience. You can also talk about your interests or hobbies, but make sure they relate to the industry, company, or position.
Look and Talk Professional
You should look and talk during your video resumes like you would for an interview. That means having neat, conservative, and professional attire. Complement the colors of your clothes with the background and make sure nothing stands out so that the viewers can be focused on your speech.
Use Employer Guidelines When Creating the Resume
Take the time to read the employer guidelines for the video resume before creating one. Look for any instructions regarding submission, editing, length, and information. Make sure to consider these guidelines when making your video.
Examples of a Good Video Resume
Here’s a typical example of a video resume for a job application you can use as a template for your own:
"Hi!
My name [insert name here] and i have 6 years of experience of developing web-based applications for [insert company name]. I’ve completed my master in computer sciences at [insert university name] which opened up opportunities at [insert company name here].
During my time at [previous job position], i have worked on [insert types of projects] and successfully developed apps over 5 years. All of my projects resulted in [insert project results]. I’ve also worked at [insert other position] over [insert period here] where i was in charge of [insert tasks here], and i can say with confidence that my experience and knowledge give me all the abilities required for your position.
Your job posting said you need individuals who can work on [insert job requirements], and my past experience and projects I’ve worked on can testify to that. I’m a worthwhile candidate with the motivation to learn and improve further.
Thank you for watching my video. I appreciate your time. I am [insert name]. I’m looking forward to talking to you in an interview and sharing all of the knowledge and expertise I can bring to your team! "
Check for more video resume samples.pdf you can use here
- Record customized screens with audio and edit them in different tracks.
- Capture gaming videos, tutorials, and presentations and then edit them in one tool.
- Built-in unlimited editing templates, special effects, and other sources.
- Supported export to MP4, MOV, MKV, GIF, and other formats.
Conclusion
You’re now ready to create your video resume. This is the general information you need to know about how to write a draft or a script for your video resume and how to record it professionally. However, you can always take the time to look at different examples online and find various styles of video resumes.
Consider personalizing the video and emphasizing personal branding. However, don’t overdo it; keep the focus on relevant information companies want to hear.