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Creating a video resume might sound like an innovative way to obtain interest, but you might want to dig a little deeper! Video resumes first took notice in the 1980’s with VHS recording. Job seekers would record their personal resume and plea for a job with their fresh hip mullet! However, it really didn’t catch on at the time. We now see video resumes all over the internet. I guess we can consider them to a throwback with a new twist!

Back in the 80s, VHS were in most homes, but they were extremely rare in business settings. However, a small percentage of job hunters jumped ahead of the curve. Instead of a drab boring old paper resume, they would record their achievements and skills in a video documentary. Of course, very few people were able to watch the resume in their office. Instead they would typically pitch the expensive production. However, they did work because some hiring managers would be amazed that someone would so creative. In some rare cases they would even take the video home and watch it on their own time.

Fast forward 30 years. VHS is gone. Home movies are all over the web from YouTube to Google. Hiring managers can watch most of these videos on just about any pc or laptop. This makes it much easier to get a video resume in front of the hiring manager. Unfortunately it makes it easier for you competition too. This means your video resume must leave a good impression on the potential employer.

Before you setup your webcam and start recording, there are a few things you must know about video resumes.

• Most people think anyone who would record and send a video resume is very arrogant.
• The majority of video resumes on YouTube look like failed attempts to start a sitcom. The goal of your video resume is not to get a contract as a producer in a major network.
• The goal of your video resume is to help you get a job.
• Be honest, be humble, and stay on topic.

If you could use a little humor, and a good example of what not to do, search for Aleksey Vayner on Google or Bing. This Yale graduate created a 7 minute video that covered everything from his bench press techniques to ball room dancing. Further, he “stretched the truth” a bit. Once the video was released on YouTube his falsehoods and arrogance quickly spread throughout the world.

Unfortunately, in his case it resulted in his disqualification from a great job. The morale of this story; be careful what you do or say in a video resume.

Related posts:

1. Job Search Basics
2. Resume Writing Tips, Do’s and Don’ts
3. Common Resume Mistakes
4. What’s the Objective of Your Resume?
5. Unique Resume Formats for Unique Situations