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9 Video Résumé Mistakes
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A video résumé could get your foot in the door of that "just right" company. Don't end up with egg on your face, though. Before you start filming, review these nine common mistakes and learn how you can avoid them.
1. It runs too long
Don't bore the hiring managers. Your video should be a short, inspiring pitch for looking at you as a candidate. Think, "Less is more." Keep it under two minutes; about one minute should get your message across.
2. You don't know who you are
Prepare your "elevator pitch" before you record. Commonly known as a USP, or Unique Selling Proposition, this is a one-sentence pitch that tells the single biggest benefit that you bring to a potential employer.
Here is an example: "I'm a seasoned Sales Manager whose strength in creative sales and marketing techniques generated $500,000 in brand new revenue for my employer in 12 months."
3. Thinking a video résumé is your résumé on video
Contrary to its name, a video résumé is NOT a résumé. It's a 30 to 60 second ad spot to entice your viewers to look at your (digital) résumé and find out more about you.
4. Rambling on camera
Put it on paper first. Think of what you want to say about yourself. Write it down in short sentences and then say it aloud. Replace any syntax problems or phrases that are hard to enunciate with simpler words. You speak differently than you write, so keep it in a conversational tone as if you were speaking to your real-life interviewer a few feet away.
5. Too many "ums and ahs"
Don't wing it. Your finished product should be compelling. This is the most professional image you want to present, so prepare ahead of time and memorize your script. This won't be hard since it should only be about one-half to three-quarters of a page in length and only cover a few simple points.
6. Severe case of "Serious Face"
Have a bit of fun with it. You want to project enthusiasm. Think "upbeat" and smile when you look into the camera. Imagine that you are meeting with a flesh and blood hiring manager at a great company who already likes what she sees.
7. Giving far too much information
Remember the KISS formula: Keep it simple stupid. You want to whet their appetites to know more. Give them just enough info to tantalize them. End with an invitation to check out even more interesting info on your résumé.
8. Uninviting appearance
Remember, a video résumé is a type of interview, so dress the part. Give the appearance of someone in the role for which you are applying. You will also have some background showing on the video. Make sure it's not your dirty laundry or the clutter of your bedroom. Try standing against a relatively bare wall. You want them looking at you and not what's behind you.
9. Too many "Clowns"
No arms folded or hands on hips. While it's OK to use your hands to accentuate, watch out for those "clowns." These are what acting coaches call unnecessary arm movements which, on playback, tend to make you appear like a clown, i.e., humorous. You don't want unintentional laughs. Keep your arms and hands by your side as much as possible.
As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their career. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Joe has been interviewed on several radio talk shows. Discover more insider job search secrets by visiting http://www.jobchangesecrets.com.
1. It runs too long
Don't bore the hiring managers. Your video should be a short, inspiring pitch for looking at you as a candidate. Think, "Less is more." Keep it under two minutes; about one minute should get your message across.
2. You don't know who you are
Prepare your "elevator pitch" before you record. Commonly known as a USP, or Unique Selling Proposition, this is a one-sentence pitch that tells the single biggest benefit that you bring to a potential employer.
Here is an example: "I'm a seasoned Sales Manager whose strength in creative sales and marketing techniques generated $500,000 in brand new revenue for my employer in 12 months."
3. Thinking a video résumé is your résumé on video
Contrary to its name, a video résumé is NOT a résumé. It's a 30 to 60 second ad spot to entice your viewers to look at your (digital) résumé and find out more about you.
4. Rambling on camera
Put it on paper first. Think of what you want to say about yourself. Write it down in short sentences and then say it aloud. Replace any syntax problems or phrases that are hard to enunciate with simpler words. You speak differently than you write, so keep it in a conversational tone as if you were speaking to your real-life interviewer a few feet away.
5. Too many "ums and ahs"
Don't wing it. Your finished product should be compelling. This is the most professional image you want to present, so prepare ahead of time and memorize your script. This won't be hard since it should only be about one-half to three-quarters of a page in length and only cover a few simple points.
6. Severe case of "Serious Face"
Have a bit of fun with it. You want to project enthusiasm. Think "upbeat" and smile when you look into the camera. Imagine that you are meeting with a flesh and blood hiring manager at a great company who already likes what she sees.
7. Giving far too much information
Remember the KISS formula: Keep it simple stupid. You want to whet their appetites to know more. Give them just enough info to tantalize them. End with an invitation to check out even more interesting info on your résumé.
8. Uninviting appearance
Remember, a video résumé is a type of interview, so dress the part. Give the appearance of someone in the role for which you are applying. You will also have some background showing on the video. Make sure it's not your dirty laundry or the clutter of your bedroom. Try standing against a relatively bare wall. You want them looking at you and not what's behind you.
9. Too many "Clowns"
No arms folded or hands on hips. While it's OK to use your hands to accentuate, watch out for those "clowns." These are what acting coaches call unnecessary arm movements which, on playback, tend to make you appear like a clown, i.e., humorous. You don't want unintentional laughs. Keep your arms and hands by your side as much as possible.
As a recruiter, Joe Turner has spent the past 15 years finding and placing top candidates in some of the best jobs of their career. Author of "Job Search Secrets Unlocked," Joe has been interviewed on several radio talk shows. Discover more insider job search secrets by visiting http://www.jobchangesecrets.com.
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Story Filed Sunday, December 20, 2009 - 2:40 PM
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