Looking for a job these days can be a real challenge. To stand out from the crowd, it’s important to take extra steps than writing a traditional resume.
This is why more and more people are opting to create a video resume.
Not only does it allow you to present your skills and accomplishments in a dynamic and interesting way, but it can also help you stand out to potential employers.
But how to make a video CV?
In this article, we’ll give you tips and steps to follow to create an effective video resume that will help you catch the attention of recruiters and land your dream job.
How do I make a professional video for free?
Here is a list of six free software programs that will allow you to create your video CV:
DaVinci Resolve
Free, professional video editing software with advanced tools for designing and editing videos. Compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux.
Shotcut
Free and open source video editing software suitable for Windows, Mac and Linux users. It has a clean interface and basic features for creating and editing videos.
Lightworks
Free video editing software offering professional-level features for making and editing videos. Available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
iMovie
Exclusively for Mac users, iMovie is a free and easy-to-use video editing software. It provides title templates, effects and transitions, and a user-friendly interface.
OpenShot
Free and open source video editing software, compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux. It provides simple features for creating and editing videos, with effects and transitions.
VSDC Free Video Editor
Free video editing software for Windows users. It offers basic features for making and editing videos, as well as effects and transitions.
Select the software that best suits your video editing requirements and experience. Be sure to take care of the content of your video resume in order to highlight your skills and work experience in a concise and effective way.
A complete guide for creating your video CV
1 – Plan your content
Planning the content of your video resume is an essential step in ensuring that your message is clear, consistent, and effectively reflects your skills and accomplishments.
Before you start filming, it is important to take the time to define the key points you want to cover. You should identify the skills you want to highlight and determine the concrete achievements that best illustrate them.
You can also think about how you want to structure your video resume. For example, a brief and punchy introduction can be followed by a presentation of your skills and accomplishments, before concluding with an invitation to contact you for an interview.
After determining your content, it is recommended that you create a detailed script for your video resume. This will help you stay organized and follow a consistent storyline throughout your video.
Here are two examples that illustrate the importance of planning your video resume content to stand out in the application process.
Let’s say you’re applying for a position in digital marketing. To stand out from other applicants, you might choose to highlight your SEO skills and accomplishments in this field.
By planning your content ahead of time, you could structure your video resume into three parts: an eye-catching introduction, a presentation of your SEO skills, and a description of your achievements in this field.
By scheduling your content, you’ll be able to ensure that each part of your video resume is cohesive and clearly and effectively highlights your strengths.
Now let’s say you’re applying for a position in sales.
To stand out from other candidates, you may want to highlight your sales skills and accomplishments in this field.
By organizing your content ahead of time, you could structure your video resume into three parts: a powerful introduction, a presentation of your sales skills, and a demonstration of your achievements in this field.
When planning your content, you can choose concrete examples of sales successes, such as sales numbers you’ve achieved or customers you’ve retained.
By describing these accomplishments in a clear and concise manner, you will be able to convince recruiters of your sales skills and your ability to generate results.
2 – Prepare your scenario
In order to make your video resume successful, it is essential to prepare your script well. Even if you have planned the content in advance, it is important to think about how you will present it on screen.
Here are a few steps to follow to prepare your script well:
First, write a detailed script. Write a complete outline of your video resume, detailing what you will say at each stage of your presentation.
This will help you structure your presentation and ensure that you cover all the important points of your career path.
Next, recite your script out loud. This will ensure that your speech is smooth and easy to understand. You can also record your voice to listen to your presentation and make sure you speak clearly and are easily understood.
It is also important to practice several times. Practicing will help you present your video resume in a fluent and natural way. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with your presentation, and the more professional and confident you will appear to recruiters.
Finally, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. Make sure your equipment is working properly and that you have all the necessary props to make your video resume. This may include a microphone, extra lighting, or a neutral background.
3 – Gather your equipment
Having the right equipment to record your video resume and taking good care of it is essential for a professional and high-quality presentation.
Here are some things to consider when gathering your equipment:
Opt for good recording equipment. Use a camera or smartphone with excellent video recording quality to ensure a crisp, clear visual presentation. You can also get an external microphone to improve the audio quality.
Make sure you have enough storage space. Record your video resume with an adequate amount of storage space so you don’t run out of room while recording.
Check the lighting. Make sure the lighting in your environment is sufficient to show you off well on screen. If necessary, add lights or reflectors to evenly illuminate your face and body.
Select an appropriate location for the recording. Find a quiet, clean, well-lit place to record your video resume. Avoid areas that are noisy, crowded or have a distracting background.
By gathering your equipment in advance and making sure everything is ready for recording, you can produce a professional quality video resume that showcases your profile and skills.
4 – Record your video
Once you’ve developed your content, set up your script, polished your visual presentation, and gathered your equipment, it’s time to move on to recording your video resume.
Here are a few things to keep in mind to successfully record your presentation:
Practice several times before recording your presentation. Rehearse your presentation several times in front of the camera to ensure you are comfortable and in control of your content.
Do multiple takes. Record several takes so you can choose the best one. You can also ask a friend or colleague to help you select the best take.
Stick to your script. While recording, follow your script and stay true to your content. Avoid deviating from your script or getting lost along the way.
Be yourself. Stay natural and authentic during the recording. Recruiters want to see your personality and authenticity, so avoid being too formal or scripted.
Recording your video resume may seem intimidating, but with the right preparation, you can create a professional and compelling presentation that will grab recruiters’ attention.
5 – Edit your video
Once you’ve recorded your video resume, it’s important to move on to the next step, which is editing your video to achieve a professional quality presentation. While editing may seem daunting, it is entirely possible to achieve a professional and compelling end result with the right tools and skills.
Here are a few things to consider when editing your video resume in the best possible way:
Use professional video editing software. There are many free and paid video editing software that can help you edit your video resume. Choose software that matches your skill level and specific needs.
Remove unnecessary errors and pauses. While editing, be sure to remove all unnecessary errors and pauses to keep your presentation concise and professional. You can also add transitions and special effects to enhance the visual presentation of your video.
Incorporate relevant graphics and images. If you have graphics or images that can help illustrate your points, feel free to add them to your video resume. This can make your presentation more visually appealing and captivating.
Check the audio and video quality. While editing, make sure the audio and video quality is optimal by adjusting the volume and brightness, adding subtitles or adjusting the color of the video.
By professionally editing your video resume, you can create a compelling presentation that showcases your profile and skills. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help if you encounter technical difficulties or need an expert eye to help you improve your presentation.
6 – Be concise
Recruiters are often faced with a large number of video resumes that they have to review in a short period of time. That’s why it’s crucial to present your content in a concise and clear manner.
Here are a few things to consider to make your presentation successful:
First, it’s important to stay focused on the essentials. Avoid straying from the main topic and focus on the key information you want to convey. Limit yourself to the most important points you want to emphasize.
Secondly, to be effective, it is essential to use clear and direct language. Avoid overly complex sentences and technical terms that may be difficult for the recruiter to understand.
In addition, it is important to respect the time allotted for your presentation. Recruiters often have strict deadlines and a presentation that is too long can be detrimental to your application.
Finally, don’t hesitate to use visuals such as graphics, images, or videos to reinforce your message and make your presentation more attractive. This can help keep the recruiter’s attention while being concise.
7 – Highlight your skills
One of the major objectives of your video CV is to highlight your skills and achievements. To achieve this, here are some tips:
Identify your key skills: Before recording your video CV, it is crucial to identify the key skills you want to highlight.
Use concrete examples: Concrete examples and success stories are great for highlighting your skills. Recruiters often prefer tangible experiences to general statements.
Use positive, action-oriented language: Opt for positive phrases and action verbs to highlight your skills and accomplishments. Avoid passive language that may give the impression that you are not self-sufficient.
Use visual aids: To reinforce your message and make your presentation more interesting, use graphics, images or videos. This can keep the recruiter’s attention while highlighting your skills.
Be honest: Ensure the skills you highlight in your video resume match your experiences and accomplishments. Avoid lying or exaggerating your skills, as this can damage your credibility.
By highlighting your skills effectively, you can give recruiters a clear idea of your strengths and abilities. This can help you stand out from the competition and attract recruiters’ attention.
8 – Use clear and simple language
It is essential to use simple, easy-to-understand language in your video resume to ensure that recruiters understand your message. Here are some tips for using clear and understandable language in your presentation:
Avoid professional jargon. If you use language that is too technical or specific to your field, recruiters may have difficulty understanding your message. Instead, use simple language and universal terms.
Avoid long, complex sentences. Complicated, overused sentences can make your presentation difficult to follow. Instead, use short, simple sentences to communicate your message.
Use keywords. Use keywords that are relevant to your industry to engage recruiters. This can enhance your credibility and expertise.
Be consistent. Adopt a consistent tone throughout your presentation. Avoid sudden changes in tone or style that may confuse recruiters.
Proofread and edit your presentation. Before you finalize your video resume, be sure to proofread it carefully and correct any grammatical, spelling and syntax errors. A presentation free of spelling or grammatical errors gives a positive image to recruiters.
By using clear, easy-to-understand language, you can ensure that your message is understood by recruiters and that your presentation is easy to follow. This can help you get the attention of recruiters and land your dream job.
9 – Stay professional
When creating a video resume, it is important to present yourself in a professional manner in order to impress recruiters. Here are some tips for a professional presentation:
First of all, it is essential to be polite and respectful. Use professional language and avoid jokes or inappropriate comments that could be prejudicial to you.
Next, choose professional attire that is appropriate for your field of work. Avoid casual or overly extravagant attire.
In addition, it is important to meet the deadlines you have committed to, including the submission of your video resume. If you have an appointment for an interview, be on time.
For the presentation itself, use a simple background and sober colors. Avoid flashy effects or distracting animations.
Highlight your skills and professional achievements throughout your presentation. This will show recruiters that you are a serious and competent candidate.
Finally, be confident and self-assured. This can help convince recruiters of your professionalism and competence.
10 – Watch out for omissions
When creating a video resume, it’s common for people to make several important oversights. Below, we’ve listed some of these common oversights:
Failing to introduce yourself: Although it may seem obvious, it is crucial to introduce yourself at the beginning of your video resume by mentioning your name, your current position as well as your work experience.
Omitting contact information: It’s crucial to include your contact information, such as your email address or phone number, at the end of your presentation to make it easy for recruiters to contact you.
Omit key skills: The purpose of your video resume is to highlight your professional skills and achievements. It is therefore important to mention the key skills you possess that are relevant to the position you are applying for.
Not proofreading: It is essential to proofread and edit your presentation several times to ensure clarity, consistency, and the absence of spelling or grammar errors.
Inconsistency: Make sure your video resume is consistent with your written resume and online profile. Use the same terms and phrases to avoid confusion.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can create an effective and professional presentation that will impress recruiters and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Conclusion on how to make a video resume
Ultimately, producing a video resume presentation can be a great way to stand out in a competitive job market. However, this process can also be complex and difficult if you don’t have the necessary skills and knowledge.
That’s why it’s important to get a professional coach to help you prepare and create your presentation video.
An experienced coach can guide you through the various stages of creating your resume presentation video, providing you with valuable advice on planning your content, writing your script, choosing your equipment, and editing your video.
In addition, they can help you identify your core competencies and showcase them effectively in your presentation.
With the help of a coach, you can not only create a professional and effective resume presentation video but also improve your communication and presentation skills, which can benefit your career in the long run.
Investing in a coach to create your resume presentation video can be a wise decision for those looking to stand out in their job search.
To take advantage of the skills of a career coach write to us now using our contact form or call us by phone or on WhatsApp at + 33 6 69 46 03 79.
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Read this article in other languages
Français : Comment faire un cv vidéo percutant : guide étape par étape
Italiano: Come realizzare un video CV efficace: una guida passo passo