You are looking for an entry-level job or internship and have applied to a few companies that seem like a good fit. But how can you stand out from the crowd? What if you don’t have an insider or a friend who can make an introduction? How do you get their attention? In today’s digital world, video resumes are becoming more common. In fact, some companies now require them instead of paper applications. An online resume is also one way to stand out from hundreds of other applicants. Here is how you can introduce yourself in a video and use it as your first step towards landing the job or internship of your dreams.
Why is a Video Resume an Effective Introduction?
A video resume gives you an opportunity to show your personality and creativity in a new and interesting way, and you can use visuals to make your points and convey your ideas. A video resume can help you stand out from the other candidates because it’s different, and different can be good. If a video is required as part of the application process, then you have a good chance of standing out among the crowd, even if you have a less than stellar GPA or few work experience. Video resumes are also a great way to showcase your communication skills. You are the one in charge of the content, so you can make sure it’s clear, concise, and compelling. Since it’s a video, you can show your personality and charm, which isn’t easy to do in a paper resume. You can also provide examples and visuals that help your viewer to understand your skills and how you would be a good fit for the job. A paper resume can only provide so much information, but a video can be engaging and interactive.
Produce a Good Video Resume
A good video resume should be short and sweet, be professional, and convey the message that you are the right candidate for the job. You don’t have the luxury of having your potential employer read for hours. They want to know if you are worth their time quickly, so you have to make the video short and punchy. As a general rule, you should keep your video resume to one page, or 3 minutes. A good video resume has a clear message and a solid structure, just like a paper resume.
Create a Good Introduction Video
Create an introduction video with the same goal as a paper resume: Convince the employer to bring you in for an interview. Make sure to include these elements:
- Why are you applying - Explain why you are interested in the job and the company.
- What are your skills - Show the employer your expertise and what you can bring to the table.
- What do you want - Know what you want and go for it.
- Where you want to be - Where do you see yourself in five years? Let them know.
- How you can be reached - Let the employer know how they can reach you.
- Your future employer should be able to get a good sense of who you are from the video.
Tips on how to introduce yourself on video
- Keep it short - Keep the video under 3 minutes. The shorter, the better.
- Keep it simple - Use plain language and don’t try to be overly fancy or pretentious.
- Keep it natural - Don’t overthink or try to be someone you are not. Just be yourself.
- Practice - Practicing in front of a mirror before recording can help you relax.
- Edit - Get someone else to edit your video, or use an editing software. Poor editing can make your video look amateurish.
- Consider video hosting - You can host your video on YouTube or Vimeo.
- Share it - Don’t just keep it to yourself. Share the video with your friends, family, and your connections online.
Remember that not all companies accept video resumes, so don’t get too hopeful.
Data dodania: 01-11-21