A few years ago, the idea of posting a video highlighting your professional and academic achievements online was regarded as a novelty. Now, many hiring professionals consider the video resume to be a plausible recruiting tool. Because video CVs can make you stand out from the crowd, Bayt.com provides a dedicated section on the website that encourages jobseekers to create their own video CV to accompany their traditional CV. Getting a video CV right can be challenging, though. If you’re considering going down the video CV route, the experts at Bayt.com have some advice for you. Below are five tips to create the perfect video CV:
Prepare your elevator pitch before you sit down to record your video CV. Your elevator pitch should include your unique selling proposition – a statement that tells potential employers the main reason you are different from the rest. In other words, it tells employers what makes you the best applicant for the job.
Your video CV is the first impression you give, so dress for it as though it is an interview, appropriately for your industry and position. Not everyone may need to wear a suit, but employers expect professionalism, and that starts with your appearance. Your video will include some background that’s visible in the shot. Make sure it’s not something like a cluttered desk or a dirty or damaged wall. Try standing against a relatively bare wall or sitting in a neatly organized office. You want employers to focus on you and your message, not be distracted by what’s behind you.
A large percentage of human communication is non-verbal, so be aware of what your body language is telling employers about you. Try not to cross your arms or have your hands on your hips. While it’s OK to use your hands to accentuate, watch out for unnecessary movements. Be conscious about rocking back and forth while talking, checking the time or inspecting your fingernails. Keep your arms and hands by your side unless you’re using them to drive home an important point.
Keep your video short and concise. The last thing you want to do is bore the hiring manager, so keep your message under two minutes – just long enough to inspire the employer to take action. Remember, the goal of your video CV is to get potential employers to consider you a qualified candidate and secure an interview.
Your video gives you an opportunity to demonstrate the charisma and passion you’ll use while working for them, so don’t use this chance to simply read your resume aloud. The best use of a video CV is to show your personality and sell yourself. The more creative the job you’re seeking, the more creative your video can be. For example, if you're applying for a design job, show some of your work. A video CV can be professional and creative at the same time. It’s meant to show your personality. You want to project your professionalism and personality with enthusiasm, so smile and deliver your message with confidence. Imagine you are talking with the perfect employer, and they already like what they see.
Check out more video CVs on Bayt.com’s YouTube channel. Good luck!
