What is a Video Resume

Article on frequently asked resume question "What is a Video Resume"

While most of us have a standard resume-one which lists in written form, our career experience, education, and any applicable skills-few of us have a video resume, or have even heard of one-for that matter. People are using video resumes more and more for various fields, careers, and industries. Depending on your situation, a video resume could be just the right way for you to approach and connect with potential employers; and get the interview, if not the job. In this section, we explain what exactly a video resume is, and what value it brings to your job search.

First off, a video resume is exactly what you might expect-a list of qualifications and experience but presented in video format. In the day of the ever popular YouTube and other online video sharing networking sites; many people prefer to see a potential candidate for a job-rather than read about them through a standard emailed or snail mailed resume. So, the candidate often gives a basic background of themselves, by presenting themselves on a short video-in person. They can offer all the information that they might, otherwise, include in a detailed resume; but in this manner, a lot can be understood about a potential candidate for a job-such as: personal demeanor, confidence, self-assuredness, professionalism, effectiveness, intelligence, and how they communicate any information to another individual or party. While these attributes can be important to many specialized industries-such as advertising and the like-they are also very important to all kinds of positions-as they are transferable skills.

If you choose to use a video resume, first inquire if a potential employer accepts them-and second, make sure that-as always-you make the first best impression. By addressing your potential employer on video, you are giving them an impression that can work for you or against you-so make sure, to only create one, if you are willing to do it as professionally and efficiently as possible.