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What is a video resume?
A video resume is a 1-3 minute video profile that gives you the opportunity to introduce yourself to a potential employer. In it, you get to outline your skills and qualifications in a personal way. Keep in mind that the Video Resume is not intended to replace the written resume or Curriculum Vitae, but rather to supplement it-provided the Video is well done. In fact, a poorly made video can not only hurt your chances at getting an interview, but in the wrong hands, can potentially embarrass you too.
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Why a video resume?
In today’s economic environment, there are too many candidates pursuing too few employment opportunities. Your written resume may end up in a stack of dozens or maybe even hundreds of others. And if most of the candidates meet the necessary educational requirements and have similar real world experience, how are you going to stand out? Job seekers need a better way to shine above the competition and a video resume is one of the best ways to do just that. In fact, some believe that text alone just isn’t enough to compete anymore.
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Employers like video resumes because they are a quick way to perform an initial screening of candidates and can save time by preventing unnecessary interviews. Job seekers like them because they can be recorded in an environment where they can feel more comfortable and less intimidated. And, if you can't make it across the country for an initial interview, a video can help bridge the divide between you and the prospective employer. With a well made video profile, a potential employer gets the opportunity to see your professionalism, demeanor, and personality while you get the opportunity to make a great first impression and prove that there is more to you and your personality than can be conveyed in your written resume.
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How Should I prepare for a Professional Video Resume?
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Think about what you want to say.
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Prepare a script that focuses on your professional or academic achievements. Personal achievements are best left for the personal interview.
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Rehearse your script until it flows naturally. It may be helpful to practice in front of a mirror to see how you will come across to the screener.
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What should be included in my script?
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Of course the first thing you want to do is introduce yourself. This should include your first and last name.
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Discuss briefly any notable business (academic) achievements.
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Point out why you would be a good fit for the company and what you hope to achieve as an employee.
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Thank the screener for taking the time to view your video profile.
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Do’s and Don’ts during filming
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Relax and be yourself. Don’t try to be anyone else. Chances are you won’t succeed.
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Dress appropriately for the job you seek. Try researching the standard practice for the industry. But, if all else fails, err on the side of dressing too professional.
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Make sure you maintain good eye contact with the camera. Don’t let your eyes wonder. Having rehearsed your script will help here.
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Speak slowly and enunciate so that the screener can hear and understand you clearly. Don’t assume the screener can read lips.
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Make your points as concise and as clearly as possible. Don’t ramble on and on.
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Video Resumes, like people, come in all shapes and sizes. The Profile Style, where you highlight your experience and qualifications, The Interview Style, where you are interviewed by an off-camera person, The Voice Over, where your still photo stays on the screen while your audio plays, or the Slide Show style with still photos interspersed with video and your voice over.
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