A video resume can generate calls and interest from recruiters, hiring managers and talent specialists
In the era of multimedia where nobody reads anymore (except you 🙂), video CVs are becoming a great tool to beat the boring, keyword-based, standard resumes. Of course, you will still need one to go through the selection process, but an engaging video will put yours on top of the pile.
An attractive video resume can get you hundreds of views and gather the interest of many recruiters.
Tools and budget you need to make a video resume.
Creating a video resume could seem like a daunting task. Still, I assure you that you can get it done in a couple of days with a very reasonable investment that you can return multiple times.
The equipment that I used to record the video that you saw, in the beginning, is relatively tiny.
Hardware
Camera
I used a DJI Osmo pocket camera.
You can also shoot videos with your phone; most modern smartphones have high-quality cameras to record in high definition. Just make sure you are recording in HD.
Price of the pocket camera: $170.
Tripod
A standard camera tripod that is stable and can reach the desired height. I have seen every kind of hack to recreate a tripod, some of them very creative. If you don’t want to buy one, you can use a bookshelf, stickers, or anything that can hold your camera or smartphone in place.
Tripod price: $30.
Green Screen
I used a cheap green screen sheet, stuck to the wardrobe. A green screen allows you to remove and replace the background with any picture or video. This operation is also called chroma key. It gives you room to introduce exciting transitions, sights or signs when editing. Naturally, you can shoot your video in an exterior location like an office, a lake or a place that allows you to link back to your script.
Cost of the green screen: $20.
Software
I used two pieces of software and a gallery to add some effects.
Image editing software
Canva is a simple online video and image editing tool that is very powerful and offers many free features.
Video Editing Software
I use a video editing software called Wondershare Filmora because it is affordable and straightforward. There are many video editing tools out there, but I like the simplicity of Filmora. For example removing the green background as mentioned above is just one click.
Editing the whole video took me around three hours. Wondershare Filmora is $69 for a year or $90 for a perpetual lifetime license. I bought it on sale and paid $49 for a lifetime license.
Effects: Titles, Transitions, Music and Icons.
I got some effects and icons from the Filmora Gallery called Filmstock in the video. I bought it one month and cancelled after finishing the video cv. Cost of the gallery subscription for one month: $10.
Total Video CV Budget
- Using HD camera, Green Screen, Tripod, Video Editing software and effects gallery = $270
- Using your phone, green screen, Video Editing software and effects gallery = $100
How to create a video resume
1-Script
The script is probably one of the trickiest parts of creating a video resume. First, your story must be engaging and exciting; otherwise, the viewer will likely stop after a few seconds.
I follow the 3 steps writing process from Azza El Arabi
.The first 10 seconds are critical to hook the viewer, so don’t use long titles. Instead, use a piece of thrilling music, effects and your best intro; give it your all. As Jay Z would say, “grand opening, grand closing.”
2-Script Feedback
It is a good idea to ask for feedback on your script. If there is something to change or improve, it is better to do it before recording.
3-Scene Design
Now that you have your storyline, it’s time to design the scenes. You can decide to go with a natural background, record in the street or somewhere indoor. You can also go for a green screen. What is essential is that the scene connects with the message you want to send.
4-Props
The video resume must not be boring. That’s why you need to dress up for the occasion. I don’t necessarily mean you need to wear a costume. Depending on your field, you can go more or less funny.
Think about changing your clothes and adding some elements of surprise that will keep the viewer hooked in. You can also consider collaborations. Friends and family are always a great addition to create some contrast (people might get bored of your face). For example, I asked my daughter to feature in my video, and based on the feedback I got, it gave the video a fresh and cute touch.
5-Recording
As you already have a script and the scenes, shooting your video shouldn’t take you too long.
It is sometimes challenging to be on camera. Therefore, it is okay to record in sections and make cuts. However, maintain a flow and not shoot too many parts or different lights because your video will look too amateur.
Make sure to repeat each part at least two times and then choose the best act.
6-Editing
Editing the video is probably the part that would take you the most time. Editing is time-consuming but vital to get the professional movie effect you want your viewers to see. In addition, you want to keep them engaged throughout the whole video, so make sure that each part adds value.
7-Feedback
Run your video draft through different audiences like family, friends and former colleagues. Feedback is vital to uncover potential issues.
8-Publish your video CV
Which platform to choose is entirely up to you. YouTube is an obvious choice. If you worry about privacy, YouTube offers several options. If you don’t want the video to be searchable, you can mark it as private or unlisted. So that only people with the link can see it.
Promote
If you don’t market your video, it would be like you have done nothing. Please include it on your Linked in Page and Add a QR code that leads to the video URL in your CV.
When you contact recruiters, put the link first in the email. Make it easy for people to watch it on their phones so you get as many views as you can.
Essential tips to make your Video Resume stand out
You need to consider a few crucial points when creating a video resume.
- Keep it short to a maximum of two minutes. Studies show that you have 10 seconds to grab the viewer’s attention. It is unlikely that a recruiter (or anyone) will spend more than two minutes watching a video. Recruiters are very busy people, and they have hundreds of CVs to review every day.
- Be authentic. Try not to be someone else; that always seems weird on camera. If you are a funny person, throw a joke. If not, stay serious. Just be yourself. You want to make sure that they find the same person they saw in the video when you interview.
- Be respectful. Don’t use jargon or weird words. Never get involved in polemic topics. Use candid, subtle and respectful humour.
- Call to action. Regardless your objective is finding a job or getting new freelancing clients, make sure you include a call to action at the end of the video. Voice it out and use captions and descriptions in the channel you decide to publish. Include a link to your digital visit card, to your email or to a place where someone can contact you.
Conclusion
It takes some work to produce a video resume, but it can yield many profits. In addition, it’s a way to get calls and interest from recruiters, hiring managers and talent specialists.
Video has become a powerful tool in the modern-day job search. The ability to showcase your effectiveness will help you stand out from the crowd.
Start with a script that tells your story, be yourself on camera and spend some time doing the edits. In the end, you will have a video CV that will give you a competitive advantage.
