How to Make a Video Resume

Hands down, video is the most popular type of online content. Video is so popular in fact, that its popularity is spreading beyond websites and social media. It has even found use in the job market, with many applicants choosing to submit a video resume instead of the traditional document. If you want to learn how to make a video resume, then you’ve come to the right place.

What is a video resume?

A video resume is a visual recording of a job applicant providing potential employers with a brief overview of their most relevant skills and experiences. Its purpose is the same as a traditional resume—to promote one’s self as the ideal candidate for a vacant job position—but the main difference is that personal and professional information is presented in a more exciting and engaging way.

Why would you need to make a video resume?

Simply put, a video resume makes you more memorable. Keeping in mind a recruiter’s busy schedule and short attention span, you need to make every second count, and a resume on video can be just what you need to distinguish yourself from the sea of applicants.

Aside from its uniqueness, a resume made with video lets potential employers see and hear you up close in personal, in your own environment.

If you’ve decided that video would be the best resume format for you, then here are five steps to ensure you know how to make a video resume right.

1. Develop an outline

Making a video resume is like telling a story, and that means it has to have a beginning, middle, and end. Write down what you want to say, beginning with your background and experience. Have a clear idea of the message that you want to send, focusing on the qualities that make you a great fit for the vacant position. Don’t forget to close your resume by offering your thanks for your viewer’s time and consideration.

2. Decide on a format

Do you want to impress them with your speaking skills, or wow them with your video editing mastery? Perhaps you’d like to showcase your portfolio in your video presentation. Indeed, there are many approaches to delivering your message. Here are some ideas:

• Narration – For most jobs, simply talking about your qualifications in front of the camera can be enough.

• Mock interview – You can have a friend ask you questions, or you can display the questions via text slides.

• Video presentation – If you have a portfolio of your work, showcasing them in your video can be an effective approach, especially if your skills relate to the visual arts such as sculpture, painting, drawing, architecture, graphic design, photography, and film.

You’re free to use more than one format in your video, but be careful not to turn it into a haphazard and slapdash production. Take a minimalist approach with your presentation, and make sure to keep the ideas focused and concise.

3. Ensure quality

Your video presentation isn’t going to earn you a call from a recruiter if it doesn’t look professional. For high quality results, it’s important to put some thought into production. For a more impressive end-product, consider using a DSLR camera for your video and a good condenser microphone for your audio. You’re also going to need a video editing program such as Sony Vegas Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro.

Of course, many video makers have managed to do well using only a good quality phone. If you’re confident in your phone’s capabilities as well as your own video making skills, there’s no reason you can’t save a lot of money by relying on the talent and tools at your disposal.

4. Shoot your video

After you find a good spot to record your video, it’s time to make your video the best it can be. When shooting, do as many takes as necessary to get it right. Remember that you don’t have to finish it all in one day—if you’re not satisfied with any of the takes, it can help to sleep on it and start fresh the next day. The more confident you are with your video takes, the happier you’ll be with the end result.

5. Polish

Once you have all of your video materials, it’s time to review the footage and select the best takes. Using your outline and your video editing program of choice, start editing and connecting footage to match the narrative you developed. You can adjust lighting and audio, and even add visual effects to make your video even more stunning.

If you lack the know-how to make a professional-looking video edit, there are plenty of tutorials online that can help you sharpen your knowledge and techniques. Otherwise, you may want to leave this part in the hands of an accomplished video expert.

Let Resumeble help you out

Need some more tips on how to make a video resume? Or maybe you want more details on what is a video resume? We at Resumeble will be glad to answer your questions. Read more articles on the topic in our blog, or contact us for more info. You can also send us your resume for a free, no obligation evaluation.