GIVEN the widespread use of technology today, and larger access to broadband facilities and things like YouTube, job seekers are now sending their resumes in a video format to companies. With the increased use of the Internet in job-hunting and the popular practice of online video sharing, it is only natural that the techno-savvy generation of today uses a video resume in their job search. For the young job seeker who has more of enthusiasm but less of experience, the video resume can help him stand out from the competition.
Though the practice is yet to catch on, young job hunters are including video clips in their applications, sometimes even posting them on sites like YouTube and Google Video and recruiters predict the trend will definitely become widespread. Job candidates use these video clips usually to supplement their standard resumes. The videos provide applicants a more direct way to market themselves.
Employers can shortlist candidates for a personal interview and in the process save time and money according Ms. Sarah White, president of White Consulting Group, a firm that works with small and midsize businesses. She says, "They might have 10 videos they can watch in half an hour, rather than bring in 10 people that will take two to three days to interview".
A video resume gives the employer a chance to see the candidate before calling him for the interview; it acts as a preview. Such resumes also help out of town applicants profile themselves when they cannot make it for the preliminary rounds. A video resume is a show and tell method candidates could use to distinguish themselves.
As Pamela Mitchell life and career coach says, "Depending on the industry and a particular position you're applying for, it can be a very effective tool." But a word of caution, a badly made video resume could prove detrimental in the job hunt. These resumes must be made in a professional way and the candidate should not be inhibited while facing the camera.
To make a good video and post them on websites, jobseekers are seeking the help of online services like workblast.com and resumebook.tv. They e-mail the link of this resume to employers with conventional resumes.
The next obvious question is what should be the format of such a resume? The candidate must speak directly to the camera about his professional achievements or the video could have a mock interview. Some candidates even incorporate visuals of related work or extracurricular activities in their videos.
A video resume is like a two-minute elevator pitch on video where you have just enough time to talk about your experience, give examples of previous on-the-job successes and stress on qualities that will fit the employers' needs. You can include any footage of yourself doing things like making a presentation, getting an award or even conducting a meeting. Charts and graphs too aid in highlighting achievements.
Anyone with access to a video camera can attempt making video resume, have it developed and host it on a server for a nominal amount. Michael A. Patrino II, president of swapjobs.com, an online job exchange feels the process is so simple and says, "In five years video resumes will be commonplace." His company launched the video resume service in 2000 and so far has posted more than 10,000 resumes on the net.
Video resumes show you in action and sets you apart from other candidates. As Patrino says, "Plain paper resumes possess none of the flair, power and dynamics of a strong video presentation that shows more of who you are than paper and ink."
Anyone can use these resumes whether applying for a top-level job or a first job. In fields like information technology sales or creative jobs like graphic design, film, video production and art, visual samples of the candidate's work can depict his talents.
Despite its many benefits many job seekers are reluctant to try a video resume for fear of looking like an idiot on camera or even worse foiling their chances for employment. But such a resume comes with some advantages.
A video resume does give you a leg up over others in the fray- it shows you are innovative and grabs the employer's attention and if you are good, a personal interview is imminent. For companies it makes the process of selection quicker because there are more applicants than jobs these days. Employers in fields like advertising or public relations will appreciate such innovative methods.
On the other hand a video resume could make employers prone to discrimination charges if they drop candidates based on what they see in the video clips. Many employers would not be willing to take the risk. Considering the pros and cons of using a video resume, think carefully before you plan to make yours for a job search.
