CVs are the main tools in our job-seeking tool kit. We need to make them work hard for us and they must be well-written, clearly structured and provide the reader with easily accessible information. However, what a written CV struggles to do is to provide the reader (a hiring manager or recruitment agent) with an impression of you. This is where the video CV really comes into its own.
Why use a Video CV?
A video CV enhances and brings to life all those elements that you are proud of, it allows you to be in control of that vital first impression before any interview. Added to your written CV it provides you with the entirely new opportunity to show-case your drive, your energy and enthusiasm. Unlike the standard hard or soft copy written CV, a video gives you the chance to project your personality, flair and capabilities to a prospective employer before you meet. You can give the hiring manager or recruitment consultant an insight into who you are and whether they will like you. This is a huge advantage and, in a competitive employment marketplace, a potentially vital differentiator. The best thing of all about a video CV is that you are completely in charge of the message and it's delivery.
We are all influenced by primary factors when selecting people to work with and a key one is "liking" someone. Whilst we may not like to admit it, research has shown that first impressions last. For example, at an interview the first few moments will influence the whole selection process, including the outcome (see the work by Professor Cialdini - Influence, Science & Practice). A short, well rehearsed video of you, linked from your CV and streamed from a secure host can provide the hiring manager with the best first impression that you can prepare. Your CV will be much more memorable and stand out from the many he/she will have to review when filling a job.
Remember all employers have two things in common when they hire people
- they want that person to succeed in their organisation and fit in
- they prefer to hire someone that they like
Of course they need to find people with the appropriate qualifications and experience to be able to do the job, but these two criteria are universal.
How to make a video CV
30 to 60 seconds is enough to get 50 or 60 words across as well as that vital first impression. Any longer and you start to lose the advantage. In the same way the written CV only gets an average of 10 seconds of a recruiter's time, the video CV need to be concise to attract attention.
With today's technology, creating a video is relatively easy and streaming speeds are so high that the video can be seen instantly. However, the video should be hosted securely, preferably on a career website. Why? Because a hiring manager working in a corporate business or a recruitment agent cannot be found to be spending time on YouTube and you don't want to be associated with the seedier aspects of such sites. Everything you do in your job search reflects on you. By hosting your video CV on a career website you are stating that you are serious about your career. Use the AccendoCV tutorial to learn the many techniques and tricks to make an effective video. And practice, practice, practice - there is no limit to the number of times you can rehearse keep going until you are satisfied.
You are now ready to put a link on your CV which will stream your video to the reader. What hiring manager can resist clicking upon that link?
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