5.1 Video CVs
In some sectors, particularly those with a creative or visual emphasis, the video CV is already being used, and with platforms such as LinkedIn likely to introduce more video capabilities in the future, this is a growing trend.
As with a standard written CV, you need to keep your message concise and relevant to the employer, but there are other considerations.
Appearance
You have an opportunity to match your visual content to the culture of the organisation you are applying to in a way that would be much harder on a written CV. Think carefully about what you wear, the background you use, etc. Clearly demonstrating your cultural fit at this early stage in the process can be very beneficial.
Professionalism
Make sure your video is professional and easy to access. If they can’t hear you properly or part of your head is cut off in the shot – you won’t be creating a very good first impression. Remember to look into the lens of the camera as that will ensure you are making eye contact with the audience.
Verbal communication
As well as thinking about your non-verbal clues, focus on the clarity and speed of your speech. Nerves can make us talk faster in an interview, but you have the advantage of being able to record this again so that should reduce your anxiety and allow you to present what you have to say more effectively. Writing a script and learning it should also help with this.
Camera work
It might help to have a camera operator rather than doing it all yourself. That way, you can focus your attention on what you say rather than whether the equipment is working etc. You will also have the advantage of an actual person who can give you some feedback as you go along rather than talking to an imaginary panel of recruiters.
A video CV provides a great opportunity to demonstrate your verbal communication skills and display your personality to employers prior to meeting them.
Useful to note: Much of the advice for recording video CVs is equally applicable to video interviews, but be aware that the systems employers use don’t always let you re-record your input, so check that before you start. Also, the questions will be randomly selected from a large question bank, so scripting your answers could be risky. You don’t want to sound over-rehearsed and wooden or to answer the question you have anticipated rather than the one that was actually asked.