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Outstanding video resume examples to get you hired.
- 29 Jul 2019
For the majority of workers out there, a video resume (AKA a video CV) seems like a scary prospect. But when you’ve been job hunting for a while, you start to yearn for ways to stand out, a simple solution for bottling your x-factor and dousing your potential employer in it.
Enter: video resumes .
But how do you make good video resume? And equally important, where do you find video resume examples to inspire and guide you?
Biteable is one of the most popular online tools for creating video resumes (as well as explainer videos ) and we’ve seen some cracking video resume examples recently. We gathered them all here, along with our favorite tips for making your own.
After you’ve soaked up all that inspiration, get started with one of the ready-to-edit video resume templates we included.
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What makes a good video resume?
A video resume (or video CV for you Brits and Aussies) isn’t a verbatim list of your accomplishments and employment history turned into an awkward movie. Paper resumes still do a good job of summing up your quantifiable achievements.
A video resume should make an impression and show off your undefinable qualities. It should convey the strengths you can’t put on a paper resume, qualities such as warmth, clear communication, charisma, humor, and your off-the-cuff chatter.
Here are some of our favorite examples of excellent video resumes.
The internet’s best video resume examples
Before you jump into making your own video resume, check out some video resume examples (or video CV examples, for those of you who speak the Queen’s English), to get you inspired.
1. A novel format
Alex creates a scenario in this video where she interviews herself all the while showing off her editing, storytelling and presentation skills, painting the story of a determined, aware and creative young person ready to work. If you’re trying to get into the video or creative industry, this approach can show off your creative thinking.
2. Precise (and concise)
Sajita doesn’t mince words, she’s well rehearsed and speaks clearly with limited vague business jargon because she knows this isn’t open mic night at the Chuckle Shack. Get it right, get it tight. Get the key points you’d like to discuss down on paper and avoid awkward pauses.
3. Skills on display
People are busy. Kristiyan Despodov gets to the point immediately with this punchy video resume that doesn’t even show his face. He gives you an introduction to his skills rather than the full suite of abilities and shows them in action. You want to intrigue the viewer, so only show the best bits.
4. Design prowess
Are you an in-front-of-the-camera or a behind-the-scenes person? Josep Maria Arroyo managed to make a video resume without actually using any video. He works his magic in post-production, formatting photography of himself into a video resume that shows off his design chops, with clean layouts and a minimal color palette.
5. Multimedia all the way
If there’s a way to include snippets of yourself actually working, do it! Laura Harris uses snippets of screen recordings to show her skills in-situ while also rattling off a list of development languages she’s familiar with. It’s a great way to emphasise your skills and will break the video up with different types of content.
6. Creative showcase
Cristina Castro took an even more creative approach to the video resume — she literally got crafty. It might sound cheesy but creative problem solving and self-expression will benefit you in almost all industries. And it’ll definitely benefit your resume.
Showing some creative flair in your video resume, even if it’s just a thoughtful intro screen (like the ones we make at Biteable ), can add an element of polish to your video resume.
7. Crystal clear CTA
In just one minute, Graeme Anthony tells you exactly who he is, what he’s good at, and what he’s trained to do. Then he links you off to his website to find more information which is something a lot of people forget – you have to give the viewer a path to find out more. Even though this video is only 60 seconds, it does the job, shows flair, and gives you somewhere to go.
Video resume templates
As promised, we’ve lined up some ready-to-edit video resume templates to help you in your quest for a job-search home run.
Perfectly polished
You don’t have to be a video editor to create tasty visuals. Achieve polished results with a professional template. Edit this Biteable video resume template with your own content and bada bing, bada boom — you’re the proud owner of a beautiful video resume.
Visual prompts
A good video never drags. Use visual prompts to accompany your points rather than monologuing to the camera. Complementary video footage (whether it’s stock imagery or video content you’ve shot yourself) can work together with text to convey more emotion and break up the dialogue of your video resume.
Not ready for a resume but #OpenToWork?
LinkedIn’s #OpenToWork feature helps connect job-seekers with recruiters by letting everyone know you’re…open to work. Stand out from the crowd with an #OpenToWork video that gets to the heart of who you are and what you offer in 30 seconds.
Show off your most hireable skills to a broader audience than your typical video resume, and watch as new connections make themselves.
Use a snappy, fun, and professional option like this one:
Or a more traditionally corporate-style video like this one:
Is a video resume right for me?
You might be left wondering if a video resume is the right move for you. Video resumes have been a ‘thing’ for years but some industries and employers still see them as wacky.
You need to decide if a video resume can help or hinder your chances by deep diving into the culture of the industry or company you’re trying to break into.
What are the cultural expectations? What is the average hiring manager like? Are they more traditional or do they embrace difference?
If you’re trying to get into the creative field, go for it. Don’t hesitate. Tech is also an area where a video resume would be a safe bet.
For more traditional industries (such as teaching, finance, and nursing) think about what angle your video resume could take that would give you an edge over the competition. It could be as simple as introducing yourself and saying hello or demonstrating your skills in-situ.
What are the benefits of a video resume?
Well. You’re watching the video resumes of these people but how often do you sit down to read people’s paper resume ? Literally never.
Video resumes are a potent tool if done well. Companies talk big game about merit-based employment, but when you’re faced with a pile of resumes that list equal achievements, awards, and all brag about conversational French, who has the edge? The culture match does. The person who will get the job done and elevate the office culture.
We don’t often let our personalities shine on our resumes but remember: there’s a person, not a robot, on the other side of the Seek link.
As simple as it sounds, that person will connect with you more by seeing your face and hearing your voice than reading your two-page, Arial, size 12 font description of your career. There’s a lot of unspoken cues you can take from the way a person speaks, moves, dresses, and the words they use that can indicate if they’d be a good culture fit.
Make a video resume with Biteable
Now you’ve seen what the competition is doing, go out and break a leg! But not really. Unless you’re applying for a job at Leg Breaking Inc. in which case carry on. Try out Biteable’s rejection-proof templates to get you started.
Biteable makes it easy for anyone to create a video with customizable templates and done-for-you editing features. Add your own footage (or record new footage directly in the app), or choose from over 1.8 million stock clips, images, and unique animations.
With Biteable, you’ll make your first video faster than they can say “you’re hired”.
Make stunning videos with ease.
Take the struggle out of team communication.
Try Biteable now.
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Video Resume Guide: How to Make a Good Video Resume (Tips & Examples)
- Noel Rojo ,
- Updated August 12, 2024 7 min read
Want to stand out from the crowd and get more job interviews? Depending on your industry, learning how to make a good video resume might be the way.
That’s because a video resume or video CV can allow you to highlight sought-after personality traits, such as charisma, humor, and confidence, which don’t often come across in a traditional resume.
If you have such traits and want to learn how to make a video resume, then this article is perfect for you.
Start with an engaging video introduction, get inspired from video ideas and create a job landing video profile!
Table of Contents
Click on a section to skip
What is a video resume and when to use one
How to make a good video resume, what should i say in a video resume, great video resume examples, more video resume tips, best video resume websites, editors and apps, tiktok resume.
Video resumes are more akin to a cover letter than a resume and should really be called video cover letters.
They are mostly used by those in creative professions, as it's a perfect way to demonstrate talents that would otherwise be hidden on a traditional resume. If your field of work requires strong communication skills, then a video resume might be a great way to showcase them. However, it’s important that you read the room properly and that you’re sure that a video CV is actually appropriate for the occasion.
As a video CV is normally kept short and it's an entirely different medium, there are a few video resume pros and cons, such as:
- Soft skills such as communication skills are put on display.
- Hard skills such as video editing are also showcased.
- Uniqueness can give you an edge against an equally qualified
- Shows dedication
- Not able to cram as much information
- Can be informal
- Can open you up to discrimination
- Hides your grammar skills
Related: Recruiter Reveals: Video Resumes, Pros and Cons & How to Make One
Let’s get the big red elephant out of the room first — a badly done video resume will kill your chances of getting hired.
If you’re to create a half-baked video resume, then stop here and just submit a regular resume. It’s often the best option anyways.
However, if you think your qualities will shine through in a video and are applying to an industry where a video CV can work, such as the entertainment, marketing, and design industries. Then let’s continue.
Just follow these 6 steps when creating your video resume:
1. Test your equipment
A clear picture and excellent quality audio is a must if you want to create a professional looking video.
2. Create a script
The last thing you want to be asking yourself while filming your video CV is, “what should I say in a video resume?” . Plan before you begin recording, create a script, but use it more as a guide and avoid reading it word by word.
As to what you should say in a video resume, it will depend on your industry. However, try to highlight personality traits which are otherwise hard to showcase on a traditional resume.
3. Dress appropriately
Although you want to show off your personality, try to keep your attire on the formal side. Treat it similar to a virtual job interview . No pajamas or stained/wrinkled clothing, etc.
4. Don’t recite your resume
A video resume is its own kinda beast. If you have nothing extra to show on one, then just send in your resume and call it good. Simply reciting your resume verbatim is likely to be a detriment to you instead of a plus.
5. Rewatch your video
It’s important that you don’t have any inconsistencies when submitting your video resume. Also, it’s easy to miss our own mistakes, if you can share it with a friend or family member. Even better, if you have a job mentor to share it with.
6. Edit your video
You want to make sure you cut any distracting noises or empty moments from your video. Now, how long is a video CV? Try to keep it between 90 seconds in length. There are many tutorials online that can help you make a professional-looking video edit .
Now that you know the practicalities on how to make a video resume, it's time to move on to the most important question, “ What should I say in a video resume? ”.
Apart from highlighting your personality traits, it’s important to have a clear message in mind when creating a video CV.
Knowing what you need to say is more akin to knowing what they need to hear. This is the key to creating a sound video resume script and an overall great video resume.
You can do so by dividing your video into these 5 parts:
- Self-introduction : Your name, the position you're applying for and experience level. Something as simple as, “Hello, my name is Matt and I'm a graphic designer with 7 years of experience in the travel industry" should be enough .
- Say why you're applying for the position: Tell them why you're interested in the role you're applying for and show your passion for the job. Make it specific, not generic.
- Include key accomplishments: Give a quick summary of relevant accomplishments throughout your career. Keep it brief (1-2 achievements) and make sure to quantify your accomplishments .
- Add recommendations (optional) . If you have good feedback from previous employers or clients, use a snippet as proof of the expertise and accomplishments you just mentioned.
- Closing : Re-iterate why you're interested on the position and re-share your contact information. Try adding this information on the screen, as it can be easily removed when uploading it publicly".
In the end, your script should look something along these lines:
Video resume script example
Video resume script.
Hello, my name is [your name] and i’m a [job title] with [X] years of experience in the [job industry] .
I’m applying for the [job position] role at [company name] because I believe my core values and skills align perfectly with what [company name] is searching for.
I’ve had a passion for [your career field] for as long as I can remember and have pursued this passion by volunteering at [name of organizations] , getting a degree in [career role] , [list certifications] , as well as many personal projects, such as [list related personal projects] .
Also, apart from meeting the requirements for the position, I can also bring other skills that are sure to benefit [company name] bottom line.
For example, [list of relevant quantified results and accomplishments throughout your career] .
Honestly, as you can see from the video I get excited from just talking about the possibilities of working for [company name] . It has always been a dream of mine.
Thank you so much for your time, and am looking forward to hearing from you.
Of course, a script is not enough when we're talking about video resumes.
Here are 5 great examples that will fuel your inspiration:
1. Visual designer video resume example
2. Internship video resume example
3. Student video resume example
4. Mass communication video resume example
5. film maker video resume example.
As you can see from these examples, some careers are a better fit for a video CV. However, regardless of your career, so long as you have qualities that shine through on a video, you should be good to go.
One thing to note is that even if you decide to create a video CV, it's important that you always accompany a video resume with a traditional resume.
Other video resume tips to keep in mind are:
- Use a video resume maker : Seriously, unless you’re a designer, using a tool specifically made for video resume is the way to go. The last thing you want to do is show your potential employer your bad editing skills.
- Talk clearly and slowly : Yes, you'll have less to say because of this. You just have to make sure you only add the best bits of information.
- Understand company culture : This is important because the overall tone of your video should change depending on the company and career field. Hard to keep an overly enthusiastic tone when you're applying as a data analyst. It just wouldn't be genuine.
- Add background music : I mean, don't add anything with vocals as it will distract from your voice. But adding a mellow background can help eliminate unwanted background noise.
And lastly, prepare, prepare, prepare. Create that script! Can't emphasize this enough.
Video not for you?
Get creative with a traditional resume.
There are a plethora of video CV applications on the web. Yet, not all are created equal.
Some are clunky to navigate, others overpriced and many of them are jacks of all trades that excel at nothing.
And as you’re aware, you might only get one chance to impress an employer. Hence, it’s important that you have the right software for the job.
Here are 10 of the best video resume apps that will ensure you ease of use so that you can concentrate on the actual message :
- Biteable
- Movavi Video Editor
- VistaCreate
Also, apart from these video resume editors, remember that in a creative field, many things are valid. You can even use your social media accounts, such as Instagram, Snapchat, or TikTok to deliver a job landing video resume.
It’s always good to keep up with the times. Just a few months ago the new social media giant launched a pilot program designed for recruitment and job discovery called TikTok Resumes.
TikTok teamed up with companies such as Chipotle, Target, Shopify and many others to invite job seekers to apply for entry-level to experience-level positions through its platform.
What a great way to showcase your creative video resume.
Here are a few TikTok resume tips if you decide to go the TikTok route:
- Avoid sharing personal information
- Create a video outline
- Film vertically
- Highlight key-points with text boxes
- Add soft music
Oh, and don't forget to use #TikTokResumes in your caption when publishing it.
FAQ: Popular questions about video resumes
Video resumes can be effective in distinguishing you from the rest. However, whether it makes an impact or not depends on the industry you work in. If you’re in the entertainment, marketing, or design industries, then it’s likely to be effective. Otherwise, it might not be as beneficial and might even be detrimental due to liabilities.
Video resumes are important because they allow employers to quickly glance at a potential employee’s personality, dedication, and other soft skills such as communication. It can also serve as a way to weed out fake applicants.
There are a few advantages you get when you create a video resume, such as having the ability to showcase your personality traits, your communication skills, as well as your ability to go above and beyond to get the job. However, it is important to keep in mind that a video CV does not replace a traditional resume and it’s more like an addition.
When creating a video CV it’s important to keep it relevant, specific, and to the point. Hence, a good video resume is rarely longer than 90 seconds.
Companies might ask for video resumes due to many factors such as wanting to know more about your personality and creativity.
Unless you’re applying as an impromptu comedian, the best way to sell yourself in a video resume is by preparing thoroughly. That means, creating a script, tailoring it to the job description, being brief, and showcasing traits that would otherwise remain hidden in a traditional resume.
First you need to be aware that a video resume is unlike a traditional resume and you should not attempt to recite your paper resume verbatim. Treat it more like a cover letter in which you summarise your best skills and qualities and reasons why you are the best fit for the role.
A documentary photographer and writer. Noel has worked for International publications like Deutsche Welle in Germany to News Deeply in New York. He also co-founded the global multimedia project Women Who Stay and collaborated as a journalist fellow with the University of Southern California. He went from traveling around the world to sitting on a couch thanks to the pandemic, but he got a nice job working for Kickresume thanks to that, so he won't complain.
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