Video Resume

From digital portfolio's to digital interviews, digital presence in professional interview and recruitment processes has increased dramatically. More specifically, video resumes have emerged as an opportunity to capture a candidate's professional competencies. Job seekers can leverage video resumes to unpack their skills, convey their experiences and background, and leave a lasting impression. In this article, we will guide you through the ins and outs of video resumes, how to approach them, and how often they are used. Let's dive right in!

How To Make A Video Resume

A video resume is an innovative tool for job seekers that offers a dynamic and creative way for candidates to demonstrate their interpersonal and technical skills beyond the traditional paper resume format. A video resume will typically involve a short recording where candidates have an opportunity to visually and verbally describe the professional and academic backgrounds, achievements, and strengths. This medium is particularly valuable in fields and roles where interpersonal skills, communication, and creativity are instrumental.

To create an effective and compelling video resume involves careful planning and execution. Candidates should outline the content to ensure both clarity and conciseness. This enables the video resume to be brief yet informative. Additionally, the setting and equipment used to film a video resume are fundamental in the quality of the final product. Candidates should ensure they are based in a quiet location with good lighting, clear lighting, camera, and microphone—all to maintain the utmost professionalism.

As candidates prepare for this stage of a recruitment process, it is vital they are also mindful of the content they are including within these video resumes. Candidates should aim to engage viewers without particularly overloading them with too much information. More often than not, focusing on a few key achievements and relevant skills speaks more volume than trying to fit a plethora of experiences in one video resume.

Are Video Resumes A Good Idea?

The concept of a video resume—while not widely adopted across industries—is becoming increasingly popular in the job market. As mentioned earlier, a video resume offers a unique manner for candidates to demonstrate their communication and professionalism. However, despite this creative approach, it may not always be the best direction . In professional fields that are more conservative and traditional, a video resume may be perceived as inappropriate or unprofessional.

Unlike paper resumes that are more anonymous, there is a more significant risk of unconscious bias, where decisions and perceptions are more influenced by a candidate's physical appearance and / or mannerisms more so than their qualifications and experiences. This being said, whether a video resume "is a good idea '' is reliant on the industry, company culture, and the role you are seeking.

How Long Should A Video Resume Be?

The ideal length of a video resume should be between 1-2 minutes. Candidates should be wary of exceeding this range because concision ensures that you are able to hold the employer's attention and convey your most valuable attributes.

Should You Have Background Music For Video Resume?

Including background music in a candidate's video resume can be a creative touch but it must be chosen very carefully and intentionally. When deciding to use background music, candidates should ensure it is subtle and does not distract from spoken content. As a golden rule, prioritize clarity and professionalism above stylistic elements in your video resume.

How To End A Video Resume?

The most effective video resume conclusions leave a lasting and positive impression. Candidates should conclude with a succinct summary of one's outfitted qualification and emphasize their enthusiasm for the role, industry, and opportunity. Finally, candidates should offer their gratitude for their consideration and express their desire for future discussion and communication.

Video Resume Examples

As of 2024, video resumes are still only used in specific instances. Yet, there are some examples where video resumes have been known to play a part in the hiring process.

• A graphic designer showcasing their portfolio with a voiceover explaining the creative process behind each piece.
• An educator giving a mini-lecture to demonstrate teaching style and engagement with the subject matter.
• A software developer screen-sharing coding projects while discussing the solutions they implemented.
• A marketing professional presenting a successful campaign they led, including strategies and results.
• A project manager outlining a complex project they oversaw, highlighting their organizational and leadership skills.

Video Resume Tips

Follow these video resume tips when creating your video resume to get the best final result.

1. Plan Ahead

Outline extensively and determine for yourself which aspects of your professional and / or academic background you want to highlight the most. Think about how to communicate the skills you can apply to the given role.

2. Professional Decorum

Dress as you would for in-person interviews, and ensure that the setup for your recording is quiet, well-lit, and clear for both video and audio. Maintain a professional decorum both in your appearance, your tone, and your response

3. Be Concise

Do not make your video exceed the recommended 1-2 minute length. The length of your video can speak volumes for how much you respect your employer's time and attention.

4. Showcase You

Don’t be scared to showcase your genuine interest and excitement in your chosen field of work. Highlight the various interpersonal characteristics that make you the candidate you are, your future employers will appreciate it!

5. End Strong

As addressed earlier, a strong conclusion with a clear call to action, expressions of gratitude, and forms of contact.

Do Consulting Firms Use Video Resumes?

Within the management consulting realm, it is not currently standard practice for firms to use video resumes as a part of their candidate recruitment and evaluation process. For many consulting firms—especially those that are more traditional—the preference leans toward conventional resumes / cv's. For best guidance, it's best to check the application guidelines and inquire directly about the acceptance of video resumes.

Conclusion

The video resume is an emerging opportunity for job seekers and candidates to offer employers a digital handshake and offer a first impression that will leave recruiters and hiring managers excited about your application. With adequate preparation, practice, and reflection, candidates can leverage video resumes to capture their professional essence through a digitally creative medium.

 

Additional Resources:

• Consulting Resume: Complete Guide
• Can AI Write My Resume?
• Gaps in Resume: How to Account for Gaps in Resume
• Case Interview: Complete Prep Guide (2024)