Are you looking for a job in the creative industry? You may have heard of a new way of presenting your candidacy, which is a video CV, which is a short video sent to employers instead of a standard CV. How to create a correct video resumé? When does this method of application have a chance to prove effective, and in what situations will it definitely not work? Read and learn our tips!
Read and learn:
What is a video CV?
A CV video presentation is a short video in which a job candidate presents their competences. The best idea is to send a video resume in addition to a standard resume, for example, created with Resume Creator. A traditional resume presents your education, experience, skills, and other important information in a clear and organized way. A video, on the other hand, is a creative addition that allows the recruiter to get to know you even better.
It is always worth standing out, but not at any cost, sometimes excessive efforts will bring you a completely opposite effect to the intended one. In this article, we will discuss in which situations recording a video CV will be a good idea.
Is a multimedia CV a good choice?
Currently, you can observe a lot of competition on the labor market, hundreds of applications for one position are standard in many places. Job seekers need to really try to attract the attention of recruiters. A traditional resume should be concise and professional, as should a video resume, which has an optimal duration of 1 minute.
Do recruiters open such multimedia presentations? Unfortunately, such files may be omitted, due to the fact that recruitment processes are fast and HR employees often spend only a few seconds to read one application. When you create a multimedia CV, you will not be sure that the hard-won video will be watched at all.
Recording a video CV is time-consuming
When looking for a job, the key to success is to match the content of the Curriculum Vitae to a specific job offer in such a way that the recruiter notices that you are the perfect candidate for the position and that your competencies are needed in the company. You can edit a standard, “paper” CV as many times as you want, it will only take you a few minutes.
In the case of a video resume , the situation is very complicated, because when you want to match your script to the employer’s expectations, you will have to create many different clips. The whole process will turn out to be quite time-consuming and you will put a lot of effort into it. Of course, if you get your dream job thanks to this, it’s definitely worth it! You can also record one universal video and send it to multiple employers, but then it will probably be less effective.
When can a video resume be omitted by recruiters?
It is also worth emphasizing another very important issue regarding the fact that a video CV has little chance of being taken into account. Large companies use IT systems, the so-called ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) to manage recruitment. These systems search for keywords in resumes. For example, if a marketing company is looking for a graphic designer who is very familiar with Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, ATS will look for those keywords on resumes.
Video CVs cannot be scanned by ATS systems, which is why it can be problematic. If a recruiter wanted to compare your video CV with the applications of other candidates, they would have to watch your entire video, note down the most important information about meeting the requirements for the position, and then compare your competencies with what other people have to offer. It would be very time-consuming. However, this does not mean that a CV in the form of a presentation is always a bad idea.
CV film – when will it hit the bull’s eye?
Sending a video Curriculum Vitae is a rather unusual way to submit job applications, we probably don’t need to mention that in most industries only standard text resumes in a professional form, such as a CV for a doctor or a CV for a pharmacist, work. However, in some industries, a video resume will be a good idea and will increase your chances of being invited to an interview.
When is it worth choosing a multimedia CV?
- If the job advertisement asks you to send a video CV – in this situation, you should record it to meet the employer’s expectations.
- In the case of smaller companies that spend more time getting to know the candidates – the people who conduct the recruitment will be able to carefully consider each application.
- In the case of exceptionally creative and unconventional employers – companies that are looking for original candidates will appreciate a carefully prepared video.
- When the offered position requires graphics, editing, announcer or acting skills – a video CV is a great way to show these competences, you will prove that you feel comfortable in front of the camera and can use video editing programs.
CV video – what to avoid?
You can make the first impression only once, both in the case of a traditional CV, which should attract attention with a professional summary alone, and in a video CV, thanks to which you can interest the recruiter after the first seconds of your speech. See what are the most common mistakes of candidates.
What to avoid when recording a video resume?
- You certainly know that a poor-quality, poorly edited video in which you speak uncertainly, will simply discourage the recruiter.
- Avoid too long sentences because you don’t have to say everything about yourself right away.
- Take care of aesthetic clothing and background: do not record against the background of a mess, also pay attention to the outfit (a printed t-shirt will not be appropriate). Just dress like you would dress for an interview.
- If you send a multimedia CV in addition to a standard CV, do not present the same information again. You have little time for self-presentation, so you shouldn’t waste it repeating the same thing. Instead, try to complete what you have already written in a standard resume.
Check out: How to dress for a job interview?
Video CV – what to say?
Start with a greeting, then tell us what your name is and what you do. Proceed to emphasize your competences, but remember to do it in the right way.
Video CV – examples of useful phrases:
- Instead of talking in front of the camera about where you studied and describing subsequent jobs, say something like this: “Detailed information about my education, professional experience and qualifications can be found in my CV in text form, and in this video CV I want to present specific competencies that meet the needs of your company”.
- Present the features that make you perfect for a new job and support them with examples.
- At the end, mention: “I agree to the processing of my personal data in the recruitment process”.
Video CV tips – practical advice
If you want to prepare well for recording a video CV, here are a few tips:
- Before you start recording, work on your diction and try to increase your self-confidence, for this you can practice your statements in front of the mirror.
- Record a few samples of the footage to get used to the camera.
- Take care of the right equipment: a camera or a phone that allows you to capture high-quality images; microphone so that you can’t hear background noise, optionally, you can remove the noise from the recording in the computer program later; Professional lighting so that you are clearly visible.
Prepare a familiar material processing program, you can install a new program and learn how to use it thanks to the instructions available on the Internet. The most popular programs for editing videos are: Adobe Premiere Pro, Corel VideoStudio, Vegas Pro and Final Cut.
How to send a finished video to a recruiter? CV YouTube
Video files take up a lot of memory, so they are difficult to transfer, and in addition, to open them you need to have a suitable program on your computer. A great way to show your video resume to an employer is to upload it to YouTube. When you do that, you can simply send recruiters a link.
Upload your CV video – YouTube:
- Log in to your YouTube account;
- in the top right corner, click the icon with the plus “CREATE”, then “Upload video”;
- Select the finished file you want to upload.
You can choose whether you want your video to be public or only accessible to people who have the link.
Is it worth creating a video CV?
A one-minute video presenting your candidacy may turn out to be a ticket to your dream job. A video CV is an ideal opportunity to show creativity, commitment and self-presentation skills. On the other hand, you have to spend time writing the script, recording and editing, and a multimedia Curriculum Vitae will not work in every industry. Decide if such a short video has a chance to really help you develop your career and act!
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