This is the most trending search on the internet today. A Video CV is a great way for a recruiter to really get to know the candidate. Moreover, a video resume helps you put forward the best version of yourself and sets you apart from others with your personality, rather than trying to sum up it up on a piece of paper. 98% of candidates get rejected in the initial screening itself, as per the latest stats in the job market!
The process of creating a Video Resume is easy. You may feel uncomfortable on the camera for the very first time, but with practice, it gets better. A lot of people I know felt they were nervous, less confident, didn’t know what to say, etc., but when they saw examples and tried a few times, they got more and more comfortable in creating a Video Resume.
One must first find a noise free environment to record a Video Resume. The person must be well groomed like they would do for any face-to-face interview. Though you are not meeting them for an interview, it still is your formal introduction to the organisation you are applying for. Lastly, the content of the video resume. It needs to be about you, your passion, your aspirations, your talent, and why you are the best person in the world for that job. I would strongly recommend people to not repeat what they have already mentioned in their CV.
Give relevant examples from your experience and internships. Talk about your skills and mention how can contribute to the growth of the organisation and simultaneously your interest in learning along the way.
If you’re a fresher, you can talk about relevant projects, emphasize on your skills more and back them with theory and practice during your educational years. But remember, confidence, eye contact and a smile is key throughout your video resume!
When applying to a particular company, whatever we discussed just before this applies either way – highlighting key skills, projects along with good communication and personality. But sometimes, what really takes the cake is if the candidate can show his or her passion towards the company he/she is interviewing for. For example, if you are giving an interview for Google, you can state that – I would like to work for a global organisation that makes products FOR people and not OF people – which is becoming the trend of many tech giants today. There can be many different examples of this, so one should prepare it beforehand.
A very common question recruiters often ask to gain final confidence in a candidate is – “Why should we hire you?” This is a key selling point. You can talk about how you take complete ownership and contribute in every way possible. In some cases, if the candidate has done his or her research, he/she can actually take up specific factors related to the company and express his or her plan of action in brief to boost those factors or gaps.
When you are applying for an internship, things work a bit different. Because you don’t have any previous work experience to show and you will have to create your video as per that. Interns usually learn the working process during their short internship period and that is why they need to show their urge to learn. You can also show your volunteering experiences if any so that they know you are good with people and all…
Apart from job or internships, can video resume be useful for making an individual stand out in case of B-School Applications. B-schools need a bit more than just your confidence and communication skills. A good B-school will prefer a candidate with a good record of curricular activities, achievements during school/college time, any work experience as internships that helps him/her in better understanding the course they are applying for. Being more of an all-rounder and an added strength with current affairs and GK is what really can impress B-Schools. So one should touch upon those points!
To summarise, the final do’s and don’ts of making a good video resume?
Do’s
- Dress formally, like you would for any face-to-face interview
- Choose a decent, clear background
- Be in Noise free environment – devoid of traffic, loud fans or loud noises
- Look at the camera while talking and keep a pleasant smile always!
- Speak with confidence
- Always mention your skills or very relevant details such as why you are the best hire, why you’re apt for the job, etc.
Don’ts
- Messy background
- Loud environment
- Bad Lighting
- Inappropriate dressing
- Stammering while speaking, nervousness
- Mentioning unwanted infos or using inappropriate words
- Being too casual in your approach
