Many job seekers feel dissatisfied with the traditional process of applying for jobs. You know the drill: search online for job ads, tweak your resume, write a cover letter, then click send. That process can feel boring, formal and uncreative!
Of course, there is room to be creative in how you write up your application, but only so much of yourself can be conveyed through a text resume or even a portfolio containing samples of your work.
So is there a better way showcase creativity, authenticity and personality to the employers you want to work for?
There is! And that's where video resumes come in! [1]
WHAT IS A VIDEO RESUME?
A video resume is a dynamic way to introduce yourself to potential employers. It can benefit your job search by:
✳️ Adding personalization and enthusiasm to your application
✳️ Showcasing your communication skills verbally and visually, not just in writing
✳️ Differentiating you from other applicants who rely solely on traditional methods of writing job applications
Now, to be clear, a video resume is not a replacement for a well-crafted resume or cover letter. Rather, it is a supplement to your written application; an audio-visual introduction to who you are.
When done correctly, a video resume can boost your credibility and relatability during the early stages of the hiring process, making you a more competitive candidate.
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS?
But before you decide to hop on the ‘video resume bandwagon’, take some time to weigh the potential downsides:
✳️ Videos aren’t ideal for all job applications
✳️ They are time-consuming to make, so be sure it’s for an employer you really like!
✳️ They require above average video-editing and communication skills
✳️ They might work against you, e.g., if a hiring manager has unconscious biases about your voice or appearance
These are real concerns, but sometimes the rewards outweigh the risks. If that’s true for you, then I’d recommend using a video resume to introduce your next application - especially if you are applying for jobs in fields like marketing, hospitality, communications, or fashion. It’s definitely worth a shot!
RESOURCES ON VIDEO RESUMES
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"How To Script and Film a Video Resume: Example Included!" by Madeline Mann | "Video Resumes: Helpful Trend or Half-Baked Fad?" by Roy Maurer |
If you’d like to know more about video resumes and how they can enhance your job search, feel free to check out the links above.
Or perhaps a video resume isn’t what you need right now. Perhaps you are already employed but hoping to investigate alternative career options, rise the ranks internally in your organization, or shift jobs in the next year or two. I help with all of these and more, so reach out for a 1-hour strategy session with me! I'd be happy to help!
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REFERENCES
[1] I am indebted to Roy Maurer,"Video Resumes: Helpful Trend or Half-Baked Fad?" SHRM September 13th, 2021, for his assessment of when to use video resumes.