More companies today are relying on video resumes and video interviews during the hiring process to reduce their travel budgets. They are especially popular in high-visibility executive roles, sales and training positions where the employer is hiring you for your personality as well as your skill set. Jobseekers seem to be slowly adopting this new job search tool as a means to differentiate themselves from the competition. 
“18% of job seekers have reported participating in video interviews in the past year – more than double the rate of a year ago” according to a recent Right Management survey. Are you prepared to sell yourself on video? Here are a few tips.
- Your video resume should be no more than 2-3 minutes in length.
- Wear attire suitable for a face-to-face interview.
- Make sure you have proper lighting, a non-distracting background, and have eliminated all sources of ambient noise.
- Compose a script that includes natural transitions between sentences. Do not just read your resume or cover letter! Print it in large font so you can read it at a glance.
- Address a few of the more common interview questions, and show how you stand out from other candidates— your unique strengths, passions and values.
- Practice in front of the mirror and critique yourself on pace, posture, eye contact, smiling and fidgeting. Keep practicing until you have memorized your script, although you can keep your notes in front of you during the recording.
- After you record your video resume, have a few people review it before you post it for employers to see. The best people to ask? Your biggest critic who will give it to you straight and your biggest fan who will provide encouragement.
Give prospective employers a glimpse of your personality and let them see how you carry yourself with confidence. This may help them to determine if you would fit in with their corporate culture. Employers hire people they like. Build your KLT (know, like and trust) factor with a video resume that shows hiring managers that not only can you do the job, you also want to do the job. Stand out in a crowded marketplace with a memorable personal brand.
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people develop the tools, strategies and confidence to build satisfying careers. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she helps her clients articulate their unique value to stand out from the competition, and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful. Contact us to see how we can help you build a more rewarding career. www.the-resume-resource.com