Mastering the video resume

Mastering the video resume Mastering the video resumePosted October 13, 2011, by Andrea RiddellYou can spend weeks perfecting your resume selecting the perfect font that represents who you are, finding the right alignment for your bullet points and weighing up the pros and cons of hard versus soft copy. And this is all before youve decided what to include in it. Many a time your labour of love can end up lost in a sea of resumes on the recruiters desk.Its vital that you make your resume stand out to the recruiter and this can be achieved not only through the content but also through the delivery. For many industries, video resumes can be a great way to remove yourself from the pulp and show recruiters your personality. It will also make it easier for people to remember your name if they can attach a face to it. Here are some tips on how to create the perfect video resume.Think about your audienceVideo resumes are not appropriate for every job or industry. If youre applying for a more traditional role or a role with a conservative company, it is probably recommended that you leave the video resume at home.Before you embark on your video-making adventure, bear in mind who you are making your video for, and for what job. Make sure its targeted to the role. If the position requires someone with a bubbly, outgoing personality, make sure you convey that. Hone your video to be job- and industry-specific. Make it differentYour video resume will sit alongside your traditional resume, not in its place. Therefore make sure that both differ in content and length. A video resume is not a clip of you reading out your resume. It is your chance to engage and start a conversation with the interviewer, so use it wisely. Show them who you are and what you are capable of achieving. Use the medium to show your enthusiasm and convince them that youre a perfect match for the company by aligning your skills and experience with the position. Keep it tastefulThere is a fine line betw een video resume and home movie. Remember that you are still applying for professional employment and you need to convey this professionalism and show that you have taken your application seriously. You do want it to be entertaining but steer clear of making the interviewer feel like theyre at an amateur stand-up comedian night. You want to make an impression, but for all the right reasons. Try to emulate the vibe of the company this means dressing and acting the part. You dont want to look too casual if youre applying for the role of a suit or look too corporate and conservative if youre pitching to a funky design company. Its incredibly easy for your video resume to fall into the cheesy category. The best way to avoid this is to be yourself and keep your content as natural and honest as you can.Keep it simpleEven though you may feel like the next Steven Spielberg, keep in mind that this video is heading for the HR department, not the box office. Dont make your video convolute d with special effects unless, of course, youre applying for a job in special effects. It needs to be a balance between showcasing yourself and your skills. Avoid making your video run longer than the one-minute mark. You dont want to make your resume so long that the interviewers require an intermission midway. Make it accessibleYou need to make your video easy for recruiters to access and view. There is no point spending months creating a masterpiece if HR requires a home entertainment centre just to watch it. If youre providing a hard copy of your resume, then send in your video on a CD-ROM or DVD disc. If youre emailing your documents, upload your video to YouTube and place a link in your resume and cover email. Its also a good idea to add a link to your clip to your LinkedIn or Twitter profile.Be creativeHere is your chance to showcase your skills and talents. Dont make the recruiter regret taking the time to watch your clip. Your video needs to convince them that you deser ve the job or at the very least an interview. While it doesnt have to involve state-of-the-art special effects, a little sophistication and editing wont go astray. If youre applying for a role in a creative industry, then make sure you display some of that creative energy thats going to get you hired.PractiseDont be fooled by TV presenters who make performing on camera look like a breeze its not. It takes a lot of practice, so dont be disheartened if your first attempts look like they should appear on Funniest Home Videos. Be prepared to do a lot of takes but try to stay natural and relaxed and dont forget to smile ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searcheselectrician apprenticeship resume sampletraining officer job description templatejob advertisementhanoi resume template cook job advertisement sample CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineAndrea RiddellRelated ArticlesBrowse moreAged CareHealthFive life-giving careers in health careMany of us would agree with Gandhis assertion that health, not money, is the real wealth. But have you ever thought about putting yourself in the healers seat?BusinessCareer progressionKick-start your brilliant career with a business degreeFor anyone aspiring to a career in management, wishing to climb the corporate ladder or dreaming about running their own business, a business qualification is one of the best places to start.Employment trendsFuture trendsHow The Sharing Economy Is Increasing Aussie IncomesMillions of Australians are using the sharing economy as a way to make and save money with some pretty lucrative results. Heres what you need to know about the sharing economy and how to get involved.