Create an engaging video resume with these five top video resume best practices

Applying for a job today is vastly different than in the past. Much has changed since the days of dropping off paper resumes to potential employers. Technology and social media are a few of the top game-changers that have increased the competitiveness of the current job market. A new innovation on the job application scene, the video resume is being utilized by thousands of applicants to make themselves stand out from those who are vying for the same position.

If you’ve been intrigued by this new method of searching for a job, you’re not the only one. Check out these six video resume best practices that will leave a lasting impression on hiring managers and increase your chances of getting the dream job you’ve always wanted.

What is a video resume?

A video resume is exactly what it sounds like, a video version of a traditional resume. Rather than highlighting your education and experience strictly on paper, with a video resume you can creatively and visually showcase your professional expertise. Video resumes are best used in addition to a written resume and/or cover letter. They are meant to supplement, rather than replace, traditional methods of applying for jobs. When it comes to video resume best practices, a 60- to 90-second video is ideal for recruiting managers. 

Just as you would highlight your brief professional history with a written resume, you’ll want to do the same with a video resume. Use this time to emphasize your unique talents and skills, higher education, professional achievements, and career-related abilities. Not only does this speed up the hiring process, but it also aids hiring managers in discovering who would be the best fit for their company amidst a pile of cover letters. One of the best reasons for creating a video resume is to answer this question: Why are you the right person for the position?

Why create a video resume?

The video version of a resume allows you to be as creative or imaginative as you wish. Highlight your skills by showing clips of you performing work-related tasks. Showcase your education by including brief images of the universities you attended. Use this brief amount of time to leave a lasting impression that will engage the recruiter, causing them to remember you, and your video resume when scheduling interviews.

There are several advantages to creating a video resume:

• Stand out from other applicants, especially if you’re in a competitive industry
• Get your message across concisely and effectively
• Grab the interest of hiring managers
• Display particular skills with video rather than with traditional resumes

Video resumes are a valuable method for emphasizing the skills and talents of individuals who work in various industries. For marketing and sales professionals, a video resume can showcase their communication and interpersonal skills. Those who work in the fashion world can model clothes they’ve designed or show a clip of their fashion design process. If you have a career in the media industry, video resumes are a perfect medium for demonstrating editing skills, storytelling abilities, or reporting expertise.

Top video resume best practices

Making a 60-second video resume may seem overwhelming at first. If you’re not sure where to begin, follow these video resume best practices for an engaging and eye-catching video resume.

Customize the content

Read through the job description thoroughly in order to pinpoint any distinct skills or experience for which the hiring manager is searching. From here, you can customize the content of your video resume so it emphasizes the various skills and expertise that match the type of candidate the company needs.

Plan and write the script

Before you can create a video resume you need to plan and write out the content to be included. Remember, the purpose of this visual recording is to highlight and supplement your professional history. Edit and revise as needed until you’ve reached a script that clearly yet effectively speaks to the position for which you are applying. If you plan on being on camera, be sure to memorize the script so you can appear professional in your video resume.

Be creative

One of the best parts of a video resume is the opportunity you have to be creative. There’s nothing wrong with introducing yourself and sharing a brief summary of your professional expertise, but creativity can increase your chances of leaving a positive impression. There are several strategies and methods you can employ such as storytelling, graphic design, and animation.

Keep it professional

If you take advantage of innovative and outside-of-the-box techniques, remember to still keep it professional. Make the resume brief, as recruiters are very busy and may only have time for a 90-second video. The video resume doesn’t need to be an award-winning piece, but it should be of professional quality. Also, be sure to edit and review for any mistakes before sending it with your cover letter. 

Consider presentation

Regarding presentation and visual appearances, there are a few key elements that can aid in creating a professional and intriguing resume. 

• Quality: Ensure a quality video resume by utilizing clear images and photographs, avoiding background noise, ensuring sound clarity, and editing for grammar and punctuation. 
• Appearance: Dress in clothing that is professional and reflects the position in which you are interested. For example, wear a trendy shirt and tie for a professional marketing job or a business casual outfit if applying to an up-and-coming digital marketing company. 
• Speech: If you plan on talking in your video resume, practice speaking confidently and clearly. A well-spoken and friendly tone can catch the attention of many hiring managers.
• Background: Choose a background that highlights your video resume and doesn’t distract from or diminish your presentation.
• Outline: Regardless of what type of video resume you create, it’s best to build your visual cover letter using various sections, such as introductions, education and on-the-job training, professional skills and capabilities, career goals, and why you are the best candidate for the position.
• Time: If you perform research on video resumes, you may find a wide range of recommended video lengths. Many hiring managers simply don’t have the time to watch five-minute videos, which is why we suggest making yours between 60 and 90 seconds long.

if you’re looking for an innovative way to stand out from a large pool of applicants for that highly sought-after job, consider creating a video resume. Don’t forget to follow the video resume best practices mentioned above for building an engaging and stress-free visual presentation. When you’re finished, create a profile on Career Builder so interested employers can find you. Then get to work searching for your next professional position so you can begin sending out your newly built video resume.

Related reading: resume writing tips

Learn how to make an exceptional resume for the job you want.

Take advantage of this cover letter template when applying for a professional marketing position. 

Apply these resume tips to stand out from other job competitors.

Showcase your professional abilities by adding these five transferable skills to your resume.