Based off of some of the feedback from last week’s outrageously popular post, I’ve decided to give some hints to those who are determined to sally forth and create a video resume. So here are a few tips that might help you make that video great!
Do learn how to edit. I took a video editing class and picked up several books on basic and advanced (re: computer and non-computer) techniques. I learned a lot of things that helped me to make my videos look more professional.
Don’t use everything. If you have a lot of commercials or videos in your reel, cut it down to the best two or three examples of your work.
Do keep it short. The longer it is, the more likely it won’t all be watched and will go in the trash.
Don’t reveal everything. It’s easy to want to talk about your education and work experience in greater detail, but you should keep things concise.
Do think of it as a movie trailer, only for you. Actually, my first video resume-type submission was a fake trailer called “the intern” that helped me land an internship with a sweet advertising firm.
Don’t make one if it won’t help you. If there’s a strong video or visual component to the job, it makes sense. But if the only visuals you’ll be using are PowerPoint presentations (if at all), it’s best not to waste your time.
Do make it interesting. Change locations, do some actions, have other people in it – make sure you appear dynamic, energetic, and awesome.
Don’t make it entertaining. People try too hard to appear funny, sociable, or silly. Save it for YouTube.
Do make it personalized. Even if it’s just a short blurb at the beginning to address the person watching the video, a little effort goes a long way.
Don’t send it in one format. Like we already discussed, it can be difficult to get someone to watch your video. You might have to be just as persistent in getting it to them as you would a paper resume.
Do use good equipment. Quality matters.
Don’t use a slide show. Unless it’s cut in with video, there’s nothing that slides can add that couldn’t just be on a paper resume.
Do plan it out beforehand. Improv won’t save you here – prepare a script, blocking, and maybe even storyboards before you shoot. You’ll save time, and the final result will look better.
Whether it’s on paper or digital, a solid resume (and a great interview) will get you the job. So if you’re going with the video, make sure that it does the job just as well (if not better) than its old-school counterpart.
