Looking to put a face on that resume? Smart move. Maybe.
Creating a video resume is fast-becoming a solid strategy for job seekers to distinguish themselves in a sea of faceless applicants. But according to experts from job finding app ACareerJob, broadcasting oneself to potential employers can do more harm than good if one is not careful.
Here are 5 things job seekers should avoid when creating a video resume.
#1: Improvisation
The man or woman without a plan is doomed for failure. A video resume is not the time for stream of consciousness-like musings. Make an outline. Be concise. Know what you want to say and stick to the script. Practice. Let recruiters know exactly what you’re looking for and what you bring to the table. Also, keep it brief. Think of your video resume as a sneak peak to the show. No longer than 90 seconds is a good rule.
#2: Being Someone You’re Not
“Insist on yourself; never imitate. Your own gift you can present every moment with the cumulative force of a whole life's cultivation; but of the adopted talent of another, you have only an extemporaneous, half possession.” ~Self Reliance, Ralph Waldo Emerson
Or simply put, be authentic.
#3: Being Way Too Formal
Formality is the job of the traditional resume. A video resume is a great opportunity to add value. It’s a real life cover letter. Never repeat exactly what’s on your resume. Use the opportunity to tell a great story that highlights your skill. Relax. Speak as if you are talking with a friend.
#4: Taking Yourself Way Too Seriously
It’s not only about what you say—but how you say it. This is a chance to shine. Be creative with your presentation and don’t be afraid to incorporate (appropriate) humor.
#5: Not Closing
The way you close a video resume is just as important as how you open it. Make it easy for recruiters to contact you by ending with contact information: email address, LinkedIn profile, personal website and phone number. Briefly restate key goals. And thank viewers for their time.
The ACareerJob.net job finder app and video resume tool is a new solution for job seekers to connect with employers efficiently and in real time. The app’s built-in video resume feature allows hirers to see candidates quickly and up close, eliminating paperwork while the ticker feature guarantees job postings and interested candidates are up to date and relevant.
ACareerJob is the only job-matching app to offer a video resume feature in addition to a candidate profile and traditional resume attachment. When job seekers create a video resume summarizing why they’re qualified for a job it adds value and increases their chances of being noticed and contacted by employers.
For more helpful tips and to learn more about ACareerJob and to download the free job finder app for iPhone, Android or Blackberry go to http://www.acareerjob.net/.
About ACareerJob:
ACareerJob, a subsidiary of Theonera Inc., is a recruitment, assessment and outplacement firm based in Waterloo, Ontario Canada. The ACareerJob free job finder app offers a constant stream of current job opportunities, links to apply directly to the employer and two resume up-load options. Use the quick resume upload or, for greater job finding success, upload an enhanced profile and video resume.
For more information on ACareerJob. go to http://community.wooeb.com/acareerjob
