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Introduce yourself and present your best qualities with a modern video resume.
Renderforest video resume maker allows you to craft professional animated resumes that will demonstrate your experience and qualifications. From designed templates to a large selection of sounds, color options, and stylish transitions, you have all the tools you need to make an outstanding video resume.
Trending video resume templates
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How to make a video resume, pick a video resume template.
Go through the ever-growing catalog of our specialized video resume templates ranging from designer CVs to marketing specialist resumes, and pick the one best matching your professional needs. Manually add scenes showcasing your education and experience, or streamline the creation by selecting ready-made presets and adding your own information.
Personalize the template
Customize the template by swapping colors, fonts, styles, and music to get a video CV that will highlight your achievements to the fullest. Add your media, adjust the video duration, and have your unique video resume ready in a matter of clicks.
Export and share your video resume
Go to the “Preview” to watch the final version of your video resume before exporting it. If you are happy with your video, export it in your preferred quality. Share your project on different social media platforms, or download it to your device.
Why do you need a video resume?
Stand out and impress the recruiters
In contrast with traditional CVs, animated resumes are not skimmable, and the recruiters need to watch them fully to understand your profile. This will focus the attention of the recruiters on you, and give you a leg-up on the competition.
Visualize your background and qualifications
With a video resume, you can visualize and showcase your talents, skills, and experience. This can come in especially handy if you are applying for a creative position — you can incorporate some of your best works right into your resume.
Let your personality shine
While traditional resumes may sometimes limit the opportunities for creative self-expression, a video resume allows you to show the real you. Whether you choose to be casual or formal, a video resume is a powerful way to give a feel of your personality.
What our customers say about us
Renderforest is an essential creative tool. It allows me to bring my ideas to life in a quick and convenient format. There are endless high-quality video templates to choose from in various categories, each with a unique look and feel.
Tom Mulhern
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Renderforest is a cost-effective solution to create customized professional-grade videos in a fraction of time. Using it has cut my production time and increased production quality compared to other video solutions we have tried.
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Can I import my videos and images to a video resume created with Renderforest?
Yes, our resume creator allows you to add your media to videos. For this, select scenes with image and video holders, and upload your files. You can even add your own voiceover and adjust it with each scene. The allowed file size for each file is 30 MB for free users, and 500 MB for subscribers. For the voiceover, the maximum allowed file size is 50 MB.
What is the recommended resolution for my media?
For the best look of your video CV, we recommend using 1920*1080 JPG images and 1920*1080 MP4 videos. If you plan to add a logo to your resume, our advice would be to go with 1000x1000 transparent PNG files. In case you need to crop or resize your visuals, you can use the in-built cropping tools of our resume creator.
In what quality can I export my animated resume?
The allowed quality of your export will depend on your subscription package. Currently, our editor offers exports in three qualities: 360p, HD720, and HD1080. For more detailed information, you can take a look at our pricing page . If you need only one video, you can make use of our pay-per-export option to download your video resume in your preferred quality.
How long can video resumes created on Renderforest be?
Based on your subscription plan, you can create video resumes ranging from 3 minutes to 60 minutes. More information on the allowed maximum duration for each package can be found on our pricing page . What comes to the pay-per-export option, it allows users to create up to 3-minute videos.
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How to Make a Video Resume in 2024 [W/ Tips & Examples]
If you've looked for creative ways to stay ahead of the competition when you’re applying for jobs, you’ve probably come across video resumes as an option.
After all, a video resume is a creative way to show initiative and willingness to go the extra mile to land a job in a company that you love.
That said, unless you know a lot about video making and how the recruiting process works, you probably have a lot of questions regarding video resumes.
For example, how long should a video resume be and what should it contain? Is a video resume more beneficial to some job applications than others?
Or is it even worth making a video resume in the first place?
In this article, we’ll try to answer all those questions (and then some). Read on to learn:
- Types of Video Resumes
- Benefits of Using a Video Resume
- What Should Go in a Video Resume?
5 Tips to Make a Great Video Resume
- 5 Inspiring Video Resume Examples
And much more! Let's dive in.
What Is a Video Resume?
A video resume is a recording that highlights a person’s professional experience, skills, and qualifications. In a nutshell, a video resume is a creative way to showcase your abilities, emphasize your talents, and leave a great impression on recruiters.
Just like traditional resumes, video resumes are supposed to cover the following essentials:
- Work experience
- Skills and achievements
From a more strategic standpoint, though, the goal of any video resume is to answer one simple question:
“Why should the employer hire you?”
Well, contrary to what you may think, you don’t actually have to personally appear in the video for it to be successful.
Other than the conventional format (you speaking in front of a camera), video resumes can follow various styles, including:
- Whiteboard animation , a type of video that shows static images being drawn on the screen, typically accompanied by narration. You can even choose between these top 10 whiteboard animation software to easily create yours.
- Animation video , a type of video created with original designs, illustrations, drawings, or computer-generated effects that typically follow a particular style.
- Stop-motion video , a film-making process that makes inanimate objects “come to life” using a series of still photographs.
If you’re a skilled video-maker, go for the style that best represents your experiences, skills , and interests.
If, on the other hand, you’re not super experienced but still want to submit a video resume, then simply filming yourself is the way to go here.
When to Use a Video Resume
First things first.
Before we get into explaining when to use a video resume and all the benefits that come with it, you should know that a video resume is NOT a substitute for the traditional resume , which you still need to apply for jobs in any field and industry.
That said, video resumes can be a great supplement to your original resume, especially if:
- The job application says that having a video resume is mandatory or optional.
- You’re applying for a very competitive position and want to stand out from the competition.
- You’re applying for a position in a creative industry like design, advertising, film, fashion, etc.
- You have video-making skills and want to add value to your application.
If any of the above applies to you, a video resume can be really helpful, especially since it can reap the following benefits:
- It’s much more memorable. Considering that video resumes are not all that popular, submitting one is bound to make your application more memorable.
- Shows creativity. A well-made video resume can help you show off your creativity and originality, which is something that’s valued in all fields.
- Testifies to your technical skills. Creating a video resume from scratch takes some technical skills, which are usually welcomed by recruiters even if they’re not directly related to the position.
- Demonstrates communication skills. If you decide to record yourself as you address recruiters, you’ll be giving proof that your verbal communication skills are more than just a claim on your resume.
- Helps you stand out from the crowd. In a world where professional competition is growing (think, recruiters not spending more than 7 seconds skimming a resume to see if the candidate is relevant for the role), a video resume can help you stand out from other applicants.
A video resume is not a replacement for a conventional resume. Create a resume that shines in less than 5 minutes with the Novorésumé resume builder !
What Should Go In a Video Resume?
A video resume may sound like an exciting idea at first, but creating one is hardly an easy task.
On top of being visually and aesthetically appealing, a video resume should effectively introduce you as an applicant, highlight your experience and education, and motivate recruiters to choose you over other candidates.
As such, here are three essential parts any video resume should contain:
- An introduction
- Your experience
- A call to action
#1. The Introduction
Think of the introduction as the contact information or resume summary sections in the traditional resume.
This is where you’re supposed to introduce yourself, offer some key information about your background, and, preferably, address the company to which you’re applying (e.g. “Hello company X, this is John Doe”). By doing so, you can effectively show your video resume was specifically tailored to the position, instead of using it to apply for several jobs.
Here are some things you can mention in the introduction of your video resume:
- Your name and job title
- The position you’re applying for within the company
- Your years of experience
- Where you’re from or where you’re based (especially if it’s not the same as the company location)
- Hello The Sun, I’m Joe Doe, a news reporter with more than 8 years of experience in journalism. I’m passionate about applying my skills in your newspaper, which I’ve been literally reading since I was 10 years old when I first decided I wanted to be a reporter.
#2. Your Experience
After introducing yourself, you want to back up your claim to the position with your professional experience and education history.
Unlike in the traditional resume, where you typically offer a pretty detailed view of your work history, you can use your video resume to only highlight one or two of your most relevant work experiences. For example, if you’re applying for a job at a film production company, you can talk about your experience with making an independent movie and what you learned from it.
At the same time, you can use this part of your video resume to describe other types of experience that might be valuable to your application, including life and college experiences. If you're applying to be a journalist, for example, describing your experience in making a school newspaper might be more beneficial than listing your journalism classes.
Remember that your video resume is supplemental to your traditional resume, so the point here isn't to be as detailed as possible, but as memorable as possible.
As such, aim for quality over quantity.
- I received my Master's Degree in Journalism from Boston University, where I was also the Editor of the university newspaper and received practical experience in reporting different social issues on campus. Since graduating, I’ve worked with many household names in journalism, including The Wallstreet Journal, USA Today, the Washington Post, and the Chicago Tribune. My passion is reporting on complex social issues, including taxation policies, the US healthcare system, poverty, unemployment, and racism.
#3. A call to action
In any movie, the ending scene is always the most memorable.
Well, the same goes with the ending of your video resume, which should give recruiters a reason to remember you and call you back for an interview.
As such, the best way to do that is to conclude with a call to action .
For example, instead of concluding your video resume only with a picture of your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn, you could accompany it with a voice-over saying something like:
- There's more to my experience than I can share in this short video, which I'd love to tell you about over an interview.
There are do-s and don't-s in video making that you should keep in mind during the process of creating your video resume - especially if you don't have any previous experience.
Here are some important tips to follow for a great video resume:
- Create a script. Your video resume should add value to your job application, which means you should think in advance about the things that you’ll say there. After all, a video resume isn’t an elevator pitch . Creating a script to follow in advance can help you visually communicate all the right things, instead of just swinging it.
- Tailor it to the position. Just like with the traditional resume, your video resume will be more effective if it’s tailored to the position you’re applying for. If your video resume is too generic, it’s unlikely to impress recruiters.
- Keep it brief. Recruiters are busy people who have to go through hundreds of resumes daily, which means they don’t have time to watch a biography of your life. As such, make sure your video resume doesn’t exceed 2 minutes .
- Be creative but professional. Simply putting a 2-minute video together won’t cut it. You need to think outside the box so that your video resume doesn’t just repeat the information you shared on your resume or cover letter . At the same time, you have to make sure your video resume is of professional quality and doesn’t look like something you put together 2 hours before submitting your job application.
- Show it to people. Feedback from people can help you spot mistakes that you missed, give you different perspectives on your video resume, and even offer you some original ideas to incorporate. So, don’t hesitate to share your video resume with your friends and family before sending it over to recruiters.
What NOT To Do in a Video Resume
As for the don’t-s of video resumes, here are our top picks:
- Don't use slang. A video resume is not a place to use slang or jargon, as it might make you look unprofessional and careless. In the spirit of professionalism, keep your language as “official” as possible.
- Omit background noise. Background (or even music) is likely to distract recruiters from your video resume. To avoid that, make sure your video’s audio is clear and the background music - if you use one - is not too distracting.
- Don't recite the script. Although a script can be super helpful, simply reciting it might undermine your interpersonal skills - especially if you’re recording yourself. Instead of looking as if you’re simply saying something you learned by heart, practice the script in advance in front of a mirror to make sure you keep eye contact with the camera and establish a connection.
- Don't try to cover everything. The worst thing you could do is try to squeeze all your work experience or education history into a 2-minute video. You’ll end up talking too fast, and the information you’ll cover won’t be detailed enough for the hiring manager to care.
5 Amazing Video Resume Examples to Get Inspired
Enough with the theory - the best way to get started with your video resume is by seeing some examples to inspire your creativity.
Below, you can 5 of the most impressive video resumes we’ve found on the internet:
Example #1. CPA Video Resume
A short and to-the-point video resume that combines the applicant speaking and the use of text to reinforce specific important elements of his video resume, such as his name, age, degree, and the position to which he’s applying.
Example #2. Entrepreneur Video Resume
A very creative video resume that combines a number of video-making elements, sure to captivate any recruiter who lays eyes on it. Use this video resume as inspiration; even if you can’t produce the same end result, you can sure do something similar when it comes to the catchy script and the applicant’s natural behavior in front of the camera.
Example #3. Travel Manager Video Resume
This awesome video resume combines voiceovers, animation, and the candidate’s own narration in front of the camera, making it nice to watch even though it exceeds the optimal 2-minute-length. Our suggestion? Keep the details of your personal life out of your resume video to save time and make it as relevant as possible for the recruiter.
Example #4. Stop Motion Video Resume
This stop motion video resume might be tricky to create, but it’s sure to inspire your creative side and give you some awesome ideas on all the different directions video resumes can take.
Example #5. Web Designer Video Resume
Yes, the music on this one is quite dramatic, but there’s no denying that the video itself is inspired. Not to mention, the candidate focuses on all the right things - a short introduction of himself, his skills, and his competencies - and concludes with a strong call to action that is very likely to have anyone watching the video want to contact him.
Video Resume FAQ
If we haven't covered everything you need to know about video resumes, check out our answers to the most frequently asked questions on the topic below:
#1. What should I say in a video resume?
Video resumes are all about originality, uniqueness, and creativity. As such, it’s important that you don’t simply use them to repeat what you’ve already written on your resume or cover letter.
Use your video resume to:
- Introduce yourself in a creative light
- Reinforce your skills and achievements so that they’re more memorable to recruiters
- Wrap up the video interview with a call to action, urging the recruiter to get in touch
#2. Is a video resume a good idea?
A video resume can be an excellent addition to your job application and your traditional resume, especially if you're applying for a highly competitive position, a job in a creative industry, or if you're skilled in video creation.
Just remember that a video resume cannot act as a substitute for the traditional resume and your cover letter.
#3. What is the difference between a video resume and a traditional resume?
Typically, the traditional resume is a 1-page document that lists everything a recruiter needs to know about you, including your contact information, professional experience (including responsibilities and achievements), education history, skills, and even optional resume sections like awards and certifications, memberships, and hobbies.
The traditional resume is a mandatory part of every job application, whereas a video resume is a supplement to your traditional resume and it serves as a creative way to showcase your abilities, emphasize your talents, and make a great impression on recruiters. Oftentimes, adding a video resume to your application will show recruiters you really care about the position and that you put a lot of time and effort into the application.
Key Takeaways
And that’s a wrap! You’re now ready to start creating your own video resume.
Before you go, here are the most important things we covered in this article:
- A video resume is a recording that highlights a person’s professional experience, skills, and qualifications.
- Your video resume doesn’t necessarily have to feature you addressing the recruiters. On the contrary, there exist different styles of video resumes, including whiteboards, animations, and stop-motion videos.
- A video resume can come particularly handy when you’re applying for a very competitive position, you’re applying for a position in a creative industry, or you have awesome video-making skills and want to add value to your application.
- Some of the benefits of adding a video resume to your application are that it attests to your creativity, communication skills, and tech skills, that it’s much more memorable, and that it helps you stand out from the crowd.
- When you’re making a video resume, make sure to write a script in advance, tailor the video resume to the position, keep it short and to the point, be creative but professional, and share it with people for feedback.
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Create a rejection-proof video resume in minutes with biteable.
Trusted by 9+ million people and over 10,000 companies
Knock interviews out of the park before you even walk in the door. Complete a video resume in a matter of clicks with Biteable.
Get started with one of these videos.
How to make a video resume in 4 steps
Start your free Biteable trial .
Choose the video resume template that matches your style. (Or start from scratch.)
Add animation, footage, background music, and text to build a video resume that knocks employers’ socks off.
Download your video resume or share it with a single link.
Paul walks you through how to make a video resume that sets you apart from the pack.
Best-in-class templates
Start with a professionally-designed template to create a video in less time.
Ready-made content
Over 24+ million stock clips, images, animations, and music tracks to choose from.
One-click editing
Streamlined and smart. Add on-screen text, animations, and music with a single click.
Getting started
Give yourself an edge with a video resume.
Did you know?
- 89% of employers say they would watch a video resume.
- Only 5% of paper resumes get read.
If you’re worried you don’t have the video editing skills to make a video resume, never fear. Use Biteable to point and click your way to a breathtaking video resume in no time.
Use video editing software you can afford before you get the job
You don’t need a production budget or a suite of video editing software. The Biteable video resume app gives you the power to cut, edit, and add text to your footage until it’s perfect.
With a library of 24+ million stock clips, music, and one-of-a-kind animations to supplement your own footage, you can put all the professional touches on your video resume with the click of a button.
Create videos that drive action
Activate your audience with impactful, on-brand videos. Create them simply and collaboratively with Biteable.
Create your video resume in a snap
The Biteable video resume maker works in your browser and operates entirely on clicks. There’s nothing to download and no learning curve. If you can make a PowerPoint, you can make a video in Biteable.
Just choose a template or make a completely custom video from scratch. Upload your own footage or choose from customizable scenes and animations to drag and drop your way to a finished video resume without breaking a sweat.
“I’ve used other apps similar to this and Biteable is the best, by a long shot.”
- Rick, enlightened video maker
“Biteable is easy to use, giving me a lot more time to focus on the message.”
- Ovi, thoughtful video maker
Step off the page with a video resume
A video resume commands far more attention than a paper resume. Every job candidate sends a paper resume, but you’ll be the only one with a video, too. That’ll instantly separate your application from the slush pile and get your foot in the door.
Take the planning off your plate with templates
Cooking from scratch is hard, so is creating an animated resume from thin air. Biteable has templates for every profession, designed by video pros to help you keep your video resume on track and make the best impression.
Simply edit the template, add a sprinkle of your personality and a drizzle of your skills, and cook up a video resume that’s immune to rejection.
Build your personal brand with color and motion graphics
Choose a color scheme and style to create a motion graphic resume that builds professional rapport and visually represents who you are.
The Biteable editor offers built-in color schemes and visuals that polish your video till it shines. It’s like adding your personal logo to your animation resume (we also have animated logos if you want to add one for real).
Go beyond the selfie video
Even if all you’ve got is your phone camera, your video resume can be more than a simple selfie video. Add stock footage and background music to create a memorable video resume that’s way cooler than plainly answering questions on camera and gets rapt attention from beginning to end.
Create video resumes that open doors
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3 ways to knock your video resume out of the park
Written resumes are by nature a little stuffy. A video resume is your chance to showcase your personality, show off your creativity, and build a brand that puts you in your own category.
Demonstrate how you’ll fit in with the company culture and even show samples of your work (especially if your work has visual appeal). Your video resume is your chance to present a complete picture of yourself and add anything your typed resume leaves out.
Keep it short, but informative
Your video resume should be between 30-120 seconds. Sixty seconds is the sweet spot.
That might seem short, but don’t worry. It’s plenty if you keep your message focused and avoid fluff. Cover the important points like what you bring to the company, your skills and accomplishments, and your goals. If you need a guide, a template helps keep everything between the lines.
Give your video the share test
A lot of important people will watch your video resume, so imagine posting your video on the internet. Would you be comfortable with your video resume going viral?
If you’re cool with anyone on the internet seeing your video resume, it’s good to go. If going viral is scary, you may want to spend a bit more time on it.
Get some (nice) feedback
Even if your video resume passes the share test, send it to a few friends and family members and ask for honest feedback. Make any needed adjustments before you send it off to potential employers.
Further reading
Learn to make video resumes like it’s your job.
Become the foremost expert on video resumes. The Biteable blog is packed with enough information to turn you into a professional video resume creator in an afternoon. Check out the articles below for more.
How Cyber Innovative Technologies uses Biteable to excite investors
Stepping up your lead generation game with Rene de Paula Jr.
Dancing with joy: How Joel doubled his click-through rate with Biteable
Make a masterpiece in minutes. join the 9m+ people who love biteable.
How to Make a Video Resume (Plus Top Examples)
Last updated on 22nd April 2024
In today’s competitive job market, it’s essential to stand out from the crowd when applying for a new role.
While traditional resumes are still widely used, video resumes are becoming an increasingly popular way to showcase your skills and personality to potential employers.
A well-made video resume can give you an edge over other candidates and help you land your dream job.
But how do you make a video resume?
What should you include, and how can you ensure that it’s professional and effective?
In this post, we’ll guide you through the process of creating a video resume step-by-step, and share some of the best video resume examples to inspire you.
Whether you’re a recent graduate, changing careers, or simply looking to refresh your job search, this guide will help you create a standout video resume that gets you noticed by employers.
So grab your camera and let’s get started!
What is a resume video?
But it’s more than just transforming your paper resume into a video format. It’s a way for you to showcase your personality, create a great first impression, and emphasise your talent and skills.
Just like a paper resume, you need to cover the essentials:
And, above all, make sure you answer one simple question: Why should the employer hire you?
If you’re a little uncomfortable in front of a camera, no problem! Not all video resumes need to show a candidate talking directly to a camera. Other styles include:
Whiteboard video
Stop-motion
Choose a style that is going to best represent you and your skills.
Why create a video resume?
A video resume can help you stand out in a competitive job market. In a world where attention spans are shrinking , video is the perfect way to get your message across succinctly and effectively.
With studies finding that visuals are processed 60,000x faster than text, a video resume will get your message across straight away and could pique the interest of a recruiter who has been filtering through paper resumes all day.
In addition to that, a video resume is likely to leave a lasting impression. According to a Wyzowl infographic about the power of visual communication, people remember 10% of what they hear, 20% of what they read, and 80% of what they see and do . So, by watching your resume instead of reading it, recruiters are more likely to remember you when the time comes to hire a candidate.
Video resume: Pros and cons
How to make a video resume: 6 top tips.
Here are our top 6 tips for making a video resume.
- Write a script
- Make it relevant
- Keep it short
- Get creative
- Make it professional
- Collect feedback
Let’s drill into each of these in more detail!
1. Write a script
First things first: Do not wing it. To ensure your video includes everything that you need to cover, write a script out first . This will give you time to perfect what you want to say and phrase everything in the best way.
If you’re going to be on camera then it’s also best to memorise the script. You don’t want to be reading from it while filming as this could come across as unprofessional and detract from how you want to portray yourself to potential employers.
Check out this article for our expert guide to writing a script (based on creating 4,000+ videos for clients all around the world.)
2. Make it relevant
Just like a paper resume, your video resume should be specific to the role you are applying for. A generic video is unlikely to impress potential employers, but personalisation will show them how much the role means to you and will make for a more memorable application!
3. Keep it short
Recruiters are busy people. They have a lot of resumes to get through and they want to be able to do it as quickly as possible. If you send in a feature-length biopic about your life so far, it’s safe to say that they aren’t going to watch it in its entirety.
4. Get creative
Unfortunately, a video alone is not going to make you stand out. Tons of people are making video resumes now, so you need to make yours worth watching.
Think outside-the-box and get creative when it comes to filming your video. We’re going to take a look at 3 awesome video resumes a little further down so be sure to watch those to gain some inspiration!
5. Make it professional
This might seem like stating the obvious, but your video should be of a professional quality. Thankfully, most smartphones these days are capable of filming in HD. It’s fine to shoot it (or animate it) yourself, but make sure that the lighting, framing and editing are akin to that of a video made by a professional.
Also, make sure that your voice can be heard clearly – whether you’re speaking directly to the camera or recording a voiceover.
6. Collect feedback
Before sending your video resume out to employers, ask your family and friends to critique it. It’s always better to get feedback from others because they may spot a mistake that you missed, or they might even suggest a fantastic idea that didn’t occur to you.
3 awesome video resumes
Before creating your own video resume, it could help to gather some inspiration by looking at some awesome examples.
Denny Kremblas
This is a filmmaker’s resume so, as you’d expect, it’s beautiful and professionally-shot. Aside from that, it gives an insight into the candidate’s past to let potential employers know more about him and his journey.
The video ends strong with the candidate’s contact details and also links to his other videos – so potential employers can view more of his work before getting in touch.
Maria Rodriguez
This lovingly crafted animation would really stand out in an employer’s inbox. It’s bright, colourful and fun, and it covers all points succinctly. The candidate covers her education, past experience, special skills, and also some of her personal interests.
Pay close attention to the script when watching it. A great script, like this one, can really intrigue potential employers and make them want to find out more.
Mark Leruste
You may think that making a comedic resume video is a little bit risky, and perhaps it is. But, after trawling through applicant after applicant, a recruiter might really appreciate some light humour to break up their day. Plus, it’s one way to get them to remember you!
This candidate does a great job of mixing humour with the facts that every employer wants to know.
Thanks for reading
Video resumes are fast becoming the new norm, so it’s important to make one and start sending it out to potential employers – Good luck!
For more tips, tricks, and ideas on all things video, head to the Wyzowl blog .
Written by Samantha Ferguson
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Video Resume Guide: How to Make a Good Video Resume (Tips & Examples)
- Noel Rojo ,
- Updated August 12, 2024 7 min read
Want to stand out from the crowd and get more job interviews? Depending on your industry, learning how to make a good video resume might be the way.
That’s because a video resume or video CV can allow you to highlight sought-after personality traits, such as charisma, humor, and confidence, which don’t often come across in a traditional resume.
If you have such traits and want to learn how to make a video resume, then this article is perfect for you.
Start with an engaging video introduction, get inspired from video ideas and create a job landing video profile!
Table of Contents
Click on a section to skip
What is a video resume and when to use one
How to make a good video resume, what should i say in a video resume, great video resume examples, more video resume tips, best video resume websites, editors and apps, tiktok resume.
Video resumes are more akin to a cover letter than a resume and should really be called video cover letters.
They are mostly used by those in creative professions, as it's a perfect way to demonstrate talents that would otherwise be hidden on a traditional resume. If your field of work requires strong communication skills, then a video resume might be a great way to showcase them. However, it’s important that you read the room properly and that you’re sure that a video CV is actually appropriate for the occasion.
As a video CV is normally kept short and it's an entirely different medium, there are a few video resume pros and cons, such as:
- Soft skills such as communication skills are put on display.
- Hard skills such as video editing are also showcased.
- Uniqueness can give you an edge against an equally qualified
- Shows dedication
- Not able to cram as much information
- Can be informal
- Can open you up to discrimination
- Hides your grammar skills
Related: Recruiter Reveals: Video Resumes, Pros and Cons & How to Make One
Let’s get the big red elephant out of the room first — a badly done video resume will kill your chances of getting hired.
If you’re to create a half-baked video resume, then stop here and just submit a regular resume. It’s often the best option anyways.
However, if you think your qualities will shine through in a video and are applying to an industry where a video CV can work, such as the entertainment, marketing, and design industries. Then let’s continue.
Just follow these 6 steps when creating your video resume:
1. Test your equipment
A clear picture and excellent quality audio is a must if you want to create a professional looking video.
2. Create a script
The last thing you want to be asking yourself while filming your video CV is, “what should I say in a video resume?” . Plan before you begin recording, create a script, but use it more as a guide and avoid reading it word by word.
As to what you should say in a video resume, it will depend on your industry. However, try to highlight personality traits which are otherwise hard to showcase on a traditional resume.
3. Dress appropriately
Although you want to show off your personality, try to keep your attire on the formal side. Treat it similar to a virtual job interview . No pajamas or stained/wrinkled clothing, etc.
4. Don’t recite your resume
A video resume is its own kinda beast. If you have nothing extra to show on one, then just send in your resume and call it good. Simply reciting your resume verbatim is likely to be a detriment to you instead of a plus.
5. Rewatch your video
It’s important that you don’t have any inconsistencies when submitting your video resume. Also, it’s easy to miss our own mistakes, if you can share it with a friend or family member. Even better, if you have a job mentor to share it with.
6. Edit your video
You want to make sure you cut any distracting noises or empty moments from your video. Now, how long is a video CV? Try to keep it between 90 seconds in length. There are many tutorials online that can help you make a professional-looking video edit .
Now that you know the practicalities on how to make a video resume, it's time to move on to the most important question, “ What should I say in a video resume? ”.
Apart from highlighting your personality traits, it’s important to have a clear message in mind when creating a video CV.
Knowing what you need to say is more akin to knowing what they need to hear. This is the key to creating a sound video resume script and an overall great video resume.
You can do so by dividing your video into these 5 parts:
- Self-introduction : Your name, the position you're applying for and experience level. Something as simple as, “Hello, my name is Matt and I'm a graphic designer with 7 years of experience in the travel industry" should be enough .
- Say why you're applying for the position: Tell them why you're interested in the role you're applying for and show your passion for the job. Make it specific, not generic.
- Include key accomplishments: Give a quick summary of relevant accomplishments throughout your career. Keep it brief (1-2 achievements) and make sure to quantify your accomplishments .
- Add recommendations (optional) . If you have good feedback from previous employers or clients, use a snippet as proof of the expertise and accomplishments you just mentioned.
- Closing : Re-iterate why you're interested on the position and re-share your contact information. Try adding this information on the screen, as it can be easily removed when uploading it publicly".
In the end, your script should look something along these lines:
Video resume script example
Video resume script.
Hello, my name is [your name] and i’m a [job title] with [X] years of experience in the [job industry] .
I’m applying for the [job position] role at [company name] because I believe my core values and skills align perfectly with what [company name] is searching for.
I’ve had a passion for [your career field] for as long as I can remember and have pursued this passion by volunteering at [name of organizations] , getting a degree in [career role] , [list certifications] , as well as many personal projects, such as [list related personal projects] .
Also, apart from meeting the requirements for the position, I can also bring other skills that are sure to benefit [company name] bottom line.
For example, [list of relevant quantified results and accomplishments throughout your career] .
Honestly, as you can see from the video I get excited from just talking about the possibilities of working for [company name] . It has always been a dream of mine.
Thank you so much for your time, and am looking forward to hearing from you.
Of course, a script is not enough when we're talking about video resumes.
Here are 5 great examples that will fuel your inspiration:
1. Visual designer video resume example
2. Internship video resume example
3. Student video resume example
4. Mass communication video resume example
5. film maker video resume example.
As you can see from these examples, some careers are a better fit for a video CV. However, regardless of your career, so long as you have qualities that shine through on a video, you should be good to go.
One thing to note is that even if you decide to create a video CV, it's important that you always accompany a video resume with a traditional resume.
Other video resume tips to keep in mind are:
- Use a video resume maker : Seriously, unless you’re a designer, using a tool specifically made for video resume is the way to go. The last thing you want to do is show your potential employer your bad editing skills.
- Talk clearly and slowly : Yes, you'll have less to say because of this. You just have to make sure you only add the best bits of information.
- Understand company culture : This is important because the overall tone of your video should change depending on the company and career field. Hard to keep an overly enthusiastic tone when you're applying as a data analyst. It just wouldn't be genuine.
- Add background music : I mean, don't add anything with vocals as it will distract from your voice. But adding a mellow background can help eliminate unwanted background noise.
And lastly, prepare, prepare, prepare. Create that script! Can't emphasize this enough.
Video not for you?
Get creative with a traditional resume.
There are a plethora of video CV applications on the web. Yet, not all are created equal.
Some are clunky to navigate, others overpriced and many of them are jacks of all trades that excel at nothing.
And as you’re aware, you might only get one chance to impress an employer. Hence, it’s important that you have the right software for the job.
Here are 10 of the best video resume apps that will ensure you ease of use so that you can concentrate on the actual message :
- Biteable
- Movavi Video Editor
- VistaCreate
Also, apart from these video resume editors, remember that in a creative field, many things are valid. You can even use your social media accounts, such as Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok to deliver a job landing video resume.
It’s always good to keep up with the times. Just a few months ago the new social media giant launched a pilot program designed for recruitment and job discovery called TikTok Resumes.
TikTok teamed up with companies such as Chipotle, Target, Shopify and many others to invite job seekers to apply for entry-level to experience-level positions through its platform.
What a great way to showcase your creative video resume.
Here are a few TikTok resume tips if you decide to go the TikTok route:
- Avoid sharing personal information
- Create a video outline
- Film vertically
- Highlight key-points with text boxes
- Add soft music
Oh, and don't forget to use #TikTokResumes in your caption when publishing it.
FAQ: Popular questions about video resumes
Video resumes can be effective in distinguishing you from the rest. However, whether it makes an impact or not depends on the industry you work in. If you’re in the entertainment, marketing, or design industries, then it’s likely to be effective. Otherwise, it might not be as beneficial and might even be detrimental due to liabilities.
Video resumes are important because they allow employers to quickly glance at a potential employee’s personality, dedication, and other soft skills such as communication. It can also serve as a way to weed out fake applicants.
There are a few advantages you get when you create a video resume, such as having the ability to showcase your personality traits, your communication skills, as well as your ability to go above and beyond to get the job. However, it is important to keep in mind that a video CV does not replace a traditional resume and it’s more like an addition.
When creating a video CV it’s important to keep it relevant, specific, and to the point. Hence, a good video resume is rarely longer than 90 seconds.
Companies might ask for video resumes due to many factors such as wanting to know more about your personality and creativity.
Unless you’re applying as an impromptu comedian, the best way to sell yourself in a video resume is by preparing thoroughly. That means, creating a script, tailoring it to the job description, being brief, and showcasing traits that would otherwise remain hidden in a traditional resume.
First you need to be aware that a video resume is unlike a traditional resume and you should not attempt to recite your paper resume verbatim. Treat it more like a cover letter in which you summarise your best skills and qualities and reasons why you are the best fit for the role.
A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California. He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he got a nice job working for Kickresume thanks to that, so he won't complain.
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