Video is beginning to dominate the job search for both the employers and the candidates. Employers have recognized that you prefer to watch job postings rather than read them, but have you done the same in return?
The key to video resumes is to realize that they aren’t meant to replace traditional resumes, but to help set you apart in your job search. So rather than video resumes, think of them as video elevator pitches. You want to create a video that will help introduce you and make you stand out to recruiters so they want to read your resume, not skim it and throw it in a pile with other candidates.
We’ve found seven expert tips from The Muse to help you get started making a video elevator pitch and get noticed by recruiters.
1. Keep it short and sweet.
Your video should be 1-2 minutes maximum, but as close to 1 minute as possible.
2. Keep it relevant to your audience.
When creating your elevator speech, think of it as selling yourself to the company to get hired. What does your recruiter want to see from you? What would suit the company’s culture? How can you show that you’re the perfect fit for the job?
3. Don’t just sit and read your resume.
A key reason why you should view the video as an elevator pitch not a resume. You want to display your passion for the career and mention the value you would bring to the company, not just list off your education and previous jobs.
4. Dress appropriately.
You want recruiters to be able to visualize you in their workplace. You can help them do so by dressing how you would dress if you were there.
5. Speak clearly.
Make sure you speak clearly and are conscious of the speed that you are speaking, otherwise the recruiter might not be able to understand you, which would defeat the purpose of your video.
6. Make sure the sound and camera are of good quality.
Along with speaking clearly, you want to be seen and heard clearly. Remove yourself from distracting backgrounds (noises and visuals), and make sure to record yourself with a high quality device. Luckily, smart phones now come with quality cameras, so you might not even have to buy or rent anything new.
7. Add a clickable URL link to your resume.
Remember: Video does not replace paper resumes–it supplements it. Make your resume readily available by adding a URL in the video description or having a clickable link on your video that goes straight to your resume.
Remember to share and comment on this blog!
