Sometimes called a profile video or video profile, a video resume is essential in a job seeker’s toolbox. They allow you to stand out among other candidates and directly to the employer. A video resume not only helps prospective employers to see and hear applicants, but it is also about how an applicant presents him/herself. They allow a candidate/job-seeker/applicant to stand out from the crowd of candidates who apply through regular paper resumes, and they directly reach the employer.
Video resumes are a way for candidates to go beyond traditional methods of applying, such as submitting only a resume, cover letter, and work samples. Lasting typically 60 seconds to no more then 120 seconds, these videos are your shot to make the best first impression to an employer. A video resume lets the employer literally see you and hear your case (via your communication skills, personality and charisma) as the best candidate for the job – all before the interview takes place. An amazing video resumes acts as an enhancement to the paper resumes but is not a replacement.

Prerequisites and Tips to make a video resume –

• Plan your video resume before you film/record.
  There are various types to choose from; either you choose to directly talk to the camera, create a monologue (slideshow with your voice over), or you can even ask a friend to interview you.
• Make sure you choose the best that suits you and in which you are comfortable; a wrong choice and your video resume might not even fetch you an interview.
• Don’t recite your resume.
• Don’t choose to recite your responsibilities and skills mentioned in your resume. Instead choose an achievement, and focus your video on explaining how you were able to attain the result or success at that particular experience. Make sure the example you choose is in line with the job in which applying. Your paper resume definitely speaks for you in your absence. Your video resume can bring that out live and can help a recruiter/employer to make the right decision about you.
• Work it from a script but remember not to read directly from it.
• Finalize and jot down your pointers. Practice what you are planning on saying in the video before you start to film. Have your script ready if need be and use your pointers to help you remember. Find a better way to read the script and don’t read directly off it. Avoid fillers such as ‘Ahhh…’, ‘Ummm…’,‘Like…’ and the rest.
• Start by mentioning your first and last name.
• Before you jump on to explaining your experience, start by introducing yourself, You may choose any other creative ways to introduce yourself if you wish.
  Validate your video to be clear and audible.
• Before you start your video, confirm on full battery in your cam or any other device through which you are shooting the video. Hiring Managers would like to hear and see you clearly, hence make sure to choose a well-lit space, avoid background noises and make sure that the camera is focused right.
• Didn’t get it right in the first go? Shoot as many as necessary, you don’t have to settle for a bad shot. If there are background noises or any other disturbances during the video it is best to redo the video. Choose the one that best represents you.
• Make sure to watch your own video and get feed back from your friends too.
  Watching your video and having it checked from your friend’s helps notice the silly errors we may have in the video which we might have overlooked while making the video. Also, having a third person’s critical review would help us get better at what we have done.
• Edit the final video if you wish to.

If you have one sure shot video that you think is close to what you were expecting to have, go ahead and share it with the concerned recruiter/hiring manager. If otherwise, and you have 2 or 3 bits you liked from your different takes of the video, then editing is your option. There are several free video editing programs online – choose what suits you best and keep it simple!
Remember, hiring managers/recruiters are no doubt looking for quality but it’s not only about the best pictures or quality in your video. It’s about your effort, creativity and your personality.
Video resume always act as an added advantage to showcase your best to the hiring manager and the value you would add by joining their team. So get creative and have fun making your video resume!