Will admit...a time & place for video resumes

Wednesday

Aug252010

Beth Gilfeather |

Aug 25, 2010 |

resumes |

12 Comments

Read my prior post on why I caution against using video resumes. Anyone trying to convince you that a full video version of your resume will help you stand out from the crowd has likely never actually been a recruiter (and probabaly also runs a website that promotes video resumes!).

But now you're going to hear me talk about how video can actually be somewhat useful. I don't want to come off as flip-floppy...so let me be clear. I DON'T believe in full video resumes as a substitute for a traditional resume application but I DO beleive some portions of video can be leveraged as a supplimental sales tool if you use it for the right sections of information.

Consider using video for only certain "key" parts of your background. This will animate and humanize the facts and also let the screener elect to view this if they want to (as opposed to forcing them to watch this if a video resume is all you provide). You can easily attach a video file to any traditional word resume for areas you'd like to emphasize with this alternative medium. The key is to pick areas of your background that are "meaningful" and will benefit from being communicated on a more personal level.

Here are a few examples of where video can help:

Video a demonstration

Let's say you were a key architect in developing a new product or solution. Doesn't matter if this is a physical product, an online product or service product. If you developed it, a video of you discussing this is a great idea. It's a super opportunity to show off your enthusiasm for the concept and your level of expertise in developing it. Your video could be you using the product physically, touring the features of it online or even drawing a schematic on a whiteboard and walking through how it works.

Video an excerpt from your job history

Everyone has that one "great" moment in their work history. This could be the largest implementation you've ever done, a project that saved the company $X dollars, a watershed product breakthrough or your highest sales performance. This accomplishment is something you could video yourself talking about. Lead off by saying "I'd like to take the opportunity to briefly tell you about one of my accomplishments at work that I'm most proud of..."

Video your objective

This is another great area to video. Reading a cliche objective is boring. In fact, I tend to advise people to blow this off altogether and save the valuable space on their resume for more important things. However, if you personalize this message with video and use this short clip to communicate your passion for the industry, commitment to your work and strong drive and ambition, then this could be a slam dunk idea. Just be careful not to be so specific that you shoot yourself in the foot with what you say. Keep your statement clear and sincere. Read this great post on crafting objectives here. I'd probably say something like "My career objectives are simple...work hard, be part of a stellar team and accomplish something meaningful and important for the company. Job titles, responsibilities, salary, hours are all important. But finding a company and culture that gets me excited to come to work everyday is my main objective."

Video any human interest stuff

Do you have a video clip of you finishing a marathon, doing stand up comedy (provided it's clean!), speaking at a seminar, being interviewed by a local news station because you ran into a burning house to save your neighbor's cat? Then under "personal interests", attach this. Just make sure to only include video clips that communicate POSITIVE and RESPECTFUL qualities that an employer would be interested in (in other words, leave out the clip of you banging out Bon Jovi at the karaoke bar). And even though these are important moments that define who you are, I'd also stay away form attaching anything too personal (ex: fishing with your son, your wedding vows).

So bottom line here...I'll admit that a little bit of video works if done well. Just pick the right things to emphasize, make sure to present yourself as well as possible and keep things brief and to the point. Also, always show your video first to a trusted friend to get their opinion as to whether or not it is worthy of attaching to your resume. Only include this if you are certain it will help you attract employers!

Reader Comments (12)

I might actually go with your last post here. Video Resume? Aleksey Verner anyone?

Howabout just sending them a video of yourself practicing your lightsaber moves in the garage?

The truth is that this whole notion of presenting yourself as exceptionally active, or personable, or just in general interesting as a person is a bit narcissistic. If employers wanted to know who you were, they would care why you need the job, and they don't.

Seriously are people taking a camcorder snowboarding, turning to a friend, and saying:

"Someone get this for my resume..."

The best way to get hired in this economy is to present yourself as an extremely boring and bland person who is obsessed with work, and then be that person until the economy turns around and people are using phrases like "Work Life Balance" again. Hobbies are just a reason to leave the office.

You know I'm right. ;)

August 26 |

Nick Bourbaki

Nick,
Aleksey Verner...how on earth did i miss that reference for this post? Thank you. You are sooo right!

August 27 |

Beth Gilfeather

Thanks Beth, this use of video makes a lot of sense to me. A video Thank You note might also be a good touch. Funny you mention them, but I also see the sales pitches from the professional video resumes companies trying to sell their service. I'd just use one of the free services like mailVU or Eyejot to send a video right from my webcam.

August 29 |

Alex

Alex, I know, right? Why would you need to purchase any type of software to do this? Also, I hadn't heard of those free video services and will check it out.

August 30 |

Beth Gilfeather

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