Gather around the fire. It’s time to tell a story of a promising candidate with a stand-out personality and exemplary work ethic. In this story, our protagonist embarks on the journey to finding a new job, but finds themselves hitting bumps in the road along the way. In the first chapter, our protagonist pours time and effort into perfecting their CV and cover letter before sending them off, hoping for the best. Alas! Our protagonist does not get the job offers and calls for interviews they were banking on. Is this the end of our story?
Not at all!
The rise of technology and digital culture opens up new doors when it comes to applying for jobs, providing new ways to supplement your application and to stand out from the crowd. Why is this important? It’s simple. With the amount of talent in the Middle East and North Africa region, the journey to finding an ideal job is incredibly competitive. Ideally, your impressive CV should speak for itself – and if that doesn’t work, then the addition of a suave and brilliant cover letter should do the trick. However, employers receive hundreds and sometimes even thousands of applications to their vacancies. This is especially true for bigger names in the industry. So, what more can you do to stand out in the sea of applications?
Go the extra mile.
And, by that I mean you should go above and beyond what the employer expects. There are a few ways where you can showcase your dedication, but for the purpose of this guide we are going to be focusing on video CVs.
Smile for the Camera
Video CVs are still not very common and are only just gaining traction. In some years, they will probably become a staple of job applications, but for now they’re relatively new, they’re fresh and they can be your ticket to distinguishing yourself. Through a video CV, you will be able to:
With a combination of professionalism, a fun and friendly personality and a smile that just won’t quit, this can be your chance to strut your charisma before the interview even takes place.
Use the space in your video to list things such as your skills, experience, etc. so that you don’t have to take up too much time repeating them all verbatim.
Well, not literally. Unless you’re applying for a job that involves some degree of dancing, maybe leave that for another time. Definitely take the chance to demonstrate some of your skills and achievements visually. For instance, if you are a designer, you should include snips of your previous work in the video.
So, what should you include in your video CV? If you have been considering making a video CV for a while and don’t know where to start then these quick basics will point you in the right direction.
Be professional: Dress as you would for an interview, and ensure your demeanor is professional, too. Mind your language also and ensure that your tone is not too casual nor too stiff. Ensure the background of your shot is tidy and that the basic properties of the video, lighting and angle are all flattering while not being distracting.
Don’t just ‘wing’ it: While you should not be reading your video CV script off flashcards, or worse, stare at a board behind the camera with all the words written on it the entire time, you should have some idea of what you want to say during your video. It should come across natural and effortless, so be prepared to reshoot the video a few times until you're absolutely happy with it. The main points to express in this video are a little bit about who you are, your major skills, aspirations and achievements and, most importantly, what value you can add to the company should they hire you. Think about the video as being a short, powerful pitch for why the company should hire you and not anyone else.
Tailor your video to your audience: As you prepare your script, decide on a filming location and structure the overall flow of the video, you should bear the employer and their interests in mind. For instance, a video aimed to an established, multinational company might differ from one made for a startup in terms of content, tone, length, etc.
Know both the walk, and the talk: Use visuals within the frame of your video to showcase your talents and skills. For example, if you are gunning for a role as a web developer, you should put examples of your past work within the video. This will also add more of an intrigue to your video. Another tip I have is to add quotes from former coworkers and managers, or pictures of your certificates and achievements.
Don’t get carried away: One of the most common issues in video CVs is that people make it too long. Your video CV is not supposed to be a verbal regurgitation of your print CV, but rather should be short, sweet and effective. For that reason, keep your video between 30-90 seconds. Anything longer than that is really unlikely to be finished, if watched in the first place.
Feedback saves lives: Feedback from friends and family is an important thing to attain before sharing your video. Ask a few people whose opinions you trust to watch your video and make edits and changes based on their comments. Think of it this way, if someone who loves and adores you does not enjoy the video, there is no real guarantee a stranger will.
Another thing to remember is that once your video is on the Internet, you will not be able to control it or how it is shared. Take the feedback seriously and be safe rather than sorry. If they think you should reshoot the video, then do so.
Keep your personal and professional lives separate: Having a boundary between what is personal and what is professional is always advised, but when it comes to your video CV, it is even more important. For example, if you have information on your Facebook, Twitter or YouTube channel that you would prefer employers not see, do not link your video resume on those platforms.
Don’t rely on your video CV alone! Don't expect your video CV to replace your traditional one. Not all employers are interested and some will prefer the traditional application material. However, just like a cover letter, it is meant to enhance your chances and give you an increased chance at getting that interview, so make use of it.
Now all you need are the following:
And you’re all set!
Sound off in the comments below and let us know what you think of video CVs. Have you ever made one? Would you recommend them to someone else? Are you willing to give it a shot?
And, remember, sharing is caring. So, if you think a friend or family member can benefit from this blog, too, punch that share button and put it on their radar.
