In the past, if you used a typical paper resume, you were seen as professional, but now, everyone has one. So what could you use to make yourself stand out from the crowd? What can you do to show off your great personality? What tool can you use to get an edge or stay ahead of other candidates? Well, we have a solution. It’s called a Video Resume. 
A Video Resume is the latest tool of technology available to job seekers. You simply record yourself talking about what makes you the perfect candidate for that particular job you are applying for. As we mentioned above, it gives the employer a chance to see what your personality is really like, something they wouldn’t be able to get from a piece of paper. But one question that some of you may be asking is, “Will the employer even open my video?” Well, in a recent internet article, entitled Do Employers Want Video Resumes? statistics show that “although most employers have not yet used this new technology as an evaluative tool, 89% of employers revealed that they would watch a video resume, should it be submitted to them.”
Another question that may have you nervous for submitting a video resume is if they even like the idea of a video resume. According to the same article, employers do like videos because it gives them “the ability to assess a candidate’s professional presentation and demeanor.” So it really is looking like video resumes are getting some pretty positive reviews.
There is one huge drawback to the video resume and that one thing is: unprofessionalism. And that goes from how you talk and present yourself in the video, to the way that you dress and conduct yourself. Many of the employers are receiving fairly unprofessional videos which turns them off to a potential candidate. This is where the lesson on interviews comes in handy. You have to imagine that while making the video, you are actually speaking to the employer, because the employer IS going to see it. If you wouldn’t wear something to an actual interview, then don’t wear it in 
the video.
You also need to speak clearly and take the video seriously, but don’t feel afraid to let your personality come out, because that is one of the main reasons for this video. As another matter of concern, “the other current employer complaint is the length of the video.” That is why we stress that your video should be 1 minute or less, you want it to be short and sweet. You don’t want to bore the employer, you’re not making a full length documentary, just a super short film discussing your qualifications.
For those applicants from out-of-town or out-of-state who are applying for a job, a video resume comes in very handy. This would eliminate travel and time lost as well as allow the employer to screen many more applicants.
With this knowledge at hand and all these tips available, you should make one smashing video. Have a great time with it and “Good luck!” △
Resources: About.com Human Resources, Video Resumes, Do Employers Want Video Resumes? by Susan M. Heathfield
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