Introduction A video CV is a brief account of a job applicant's professional experience, qualifications and interests, submitted to a prospective employer in video form Video CVs enhance job applications by providing employers with more insight into what an individual has to offer. But before you press record, here are a few things you need to know :
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Video CVs: do’s and don’ts Contrary to paper CVs, there is no set rule for creating a video CV. It needs to show your personality. However, there are a few things that good and bad video CVs tend to have in common :
• Mistakes to avoid • How to give your video CV the "wow factor" • Bonus vid: the “best video CV ever” Business Communication - Semester 2 Karine DUBOIS
Mistakes to avoid
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How to give your video CV the "wow factor" 1. Make Sure It's Appropriate Don't just create a video resume because you can, create one because it's relevant to the job you are applying for. The question you need you ask yourself is "does a video CV add value to my application ?" taking into account : - your sector of activity - the role you're applying for - your own personality. If the answer is "yes" to all these questions, then... go for it !
Example : Graeme Anthony's video CV Graeme Anthony, from the example above, is a public relations executive. His cleverly thought out online content adds an extra wow factor to his already outstanding experience.
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2. Do not Just Read Out Your Resume Reading aloud the contents of your CV is a waste of everyone's time. Instead : • Introduce yourself clearly and tell the viewer why you're the right person for the job. • Show them you're the right person to hire and what you can do for the company. • Emphasize particularly relevant info from your CV. Example : Angelica Pinili - Teacher in Japan.
• And if it's appropriate and relevant to the job, don't be afraid to talk about your passions.
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3. Keep it Short ! Think of your video CV as your own personal teaser trailer. The best video CVs usually last between 1 and 3 minutes. In the example below, the clip is less than one minute and 20 seconds long, while the extra time is made up of a bloopers accompanied with credits, a clever way to show off your personality (and that you don't take yourself too seriously).
Example : Thomas Langford's video CV
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4. Don't Be Afraid to Be Creative If you're opting for a video CV, then go the whole hog and make it spectacular ! Be creative, whether that's with the concept of your pitch, use of humor, clever production values or brilliant editing. However, keep in mind that you have to stay classy and professional. And this also applies to your dress code.
Example : James Corne's video CV In the video below, James Corne creates a spoof AAstyle confession, but maintains a certain veneer and dresses like he was headed to the office. This demonstrates creativity and humor whilst showing him to be a professional person.
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5. Make sure it passes the share test Do not put content online that you wouldn't be prepared to see go viral. It's unlikely your video CV will become an Internet sensation from one day to the next, but imagining that scenario is a good test to make sure you could cope if it did. 6. Get a good grasp on at least one video editing program. Non-exhaustive list : • Windows movie maker • I-movie • Lightworks • VSDC free video editor.
A simple search on YouTube will provide you with plenty of tutorials on how to make the most out of these programmes Business Communication - Semester 2 Karine DUBOIS
Bonus vid: the “best video CV ever�
Mark Leruste - Public relations Mark Leruste, applying for a job in public relations, is the perfect mix of the 6 tips mentioned above! It combines humour, creativity and professionalism, it is short, appropriate, went viral (266 990 views on Youtube) and got him the dream job he wanted! Business Communication - Semester 2 Karine DUBOIS
Business Communication - Semester 2 Karine DUBOIS