Video Resumes

In this economy, getting a job isn’t easy. You’ll need to use every tool at your disposal to even land an interview. Video resumes are clearly the competitive new way for job seekers to gain an advantage in their search for employment. In a few years, it will likely be mandatory to submit a video resume when trying to get a job, especially if the job entails being in front of the public. A job candidate who uses a video resume demonstrates that he or she is confident, ambitious, techno-savy and computer literate...especially if he or she combines the video with a personal website.

Here are 6 tips for your video resume.

1. Start with a script. If you don't, you'll turn on the camera and find yourself tongue-tied as you try to think of what to say.

2. Don't try to impress your audience by channeling someone who impresses you. Video is a great way to let people connect with you but it only works if they know they're watching a real person. So be yourself.

3. Don't use the camera's built-in microphone. Use a wireless lavaliere mic and clip it on your lapel. The difference in the professional quality of your video is huge.

4. Be vigilant about your lighting. This is one of the easiest ways to make your video look good.

5. Frame your face well. If you're placing your video on your website it's going to be relatively small, so if your face is small in the video it will be very difficult to see on your website. Why does the size of your face matter? Because we want to watch your face as you talk.

6. End your video with some kind of call to action. This is because people watch videos to watch a story, and every story must have an ending, and the most effective ending for a video is a clear communication of what the person should do next.

Remember that the video resume is not a replacement for the face-to-face meeting. You will still have to perform live, in person, for the company. But it can help you in getting to the in-person interview when other techniques have stalled for you.