What to say in a video resume?

Find out now what to say in a video resume and essential tips for creating the perfect script!

Why are companies investing in video resumes?

Video is a more dynamic way to learn about a professional's interpersonal skills.

With a traditional CV, it is not possible to confirm the qualities, communication skills, feel the candidate's emotions or feel the truth in everything that is being presented on the sheet handed to the establishment manager or received by email.

Furthermore, because it is a modern tool, many companies choose to adopt the practice precisely to keep up with technology and innovation trends to increasingly improve their selection processes — is a way that allows you to see with greater precision the points that can contribute to choosing the best candidates to fill certain vacancies in the company.

Optimization of time and expenses

Another reason why companies are opting to invest in video CVs is that it is a way to reduce expenses and optimize time for both the candidate and the company.

After all, the candidate does not spend money or time traveling to the company, while the company reduces some of the steps and investments involved in the new hire.

SELECTION PROCESSES ➔

At which stage of the selection process can it be used?

Even though it is a very efficient tool, its use does not necessarily eliminate the need for a traditional curriculum at first.

The two tools can complement each other. However, it is necessary to understand the function of each one in order to direct you to the right step.

The traditional CV greatly optimizes recruiters' time, after all, they can search for keywords — especially those essential to the job's functions and activities — with a quick read, recruiters can already define which candidates have the most appropriate qualifications for the position.

The video, as we said before, is a way of making the professional's qualifications clear through their behavior during recording.

For selection processes that have several different stages, the ideal is to always analyze the traditional CV in the first stage of selection.

After this first phase, it is recommended that candidates send a video CV describing their professional and personal trajectory, if relevant to the vacancy, in an objective, innovative and clear manner.

From this stage onwards, it is possible to observe each person’s creative capacity.

In fact, there is no rule about the stages. The video resume can be adopted in the first stage of the selection process, depending on the company's profile and its strategy for hiring new talent.

HOW TO MAKE A RESUME? ➔

Preparing for the video resume

Producing a video is not an easy task. Think about a series or a film. Each scene filmed requires many days of planning.

In a video CV, not as much preparation is necessary, but there are some important points in common:

Clothing for video resume

It is very important to be well dressed, but always in accordance with the company culture.

A suit and tie is ideal for a law firm, but is it the best option for a marketing agency?

Framing

There are several ways to frame an image in cinema, however, in this case, it is better to use the foreground, that is, film only from the shoulder up and have some breathing space between your head and the “ceiling” of the image.

Bottom

Use a neutral background, such as a white wall or one without too many details.

You might think that using a work-related environment is a good idea, but it’s not. Do your best to keep the focus on you.

Camera and audio

Look for a quiet environment so the recruiter can hear you.

If you don't have a professional camera, the one on your cell phone is already good enough, but remember to clean it and position yourself in the direction of the light, never against it.

But after all, how do you make a video resume?

First of all, it is very important that the candidate asks the recruiter which video model should be followed, if they do not receive this guidance at the time they were requested.

After that, it was time to get in front of the camera and press record.

After all the preparation, it’s time to convince the recruiter that you’re the ideal candidate to solve all their problems. To increase your chances, check out our tips for creating a standout video resume:

Be careful with the size

Just as long resumes are hated by recruiters, videos are too. The ideal length for a video resume is approximately 1 minute and a half.

Of course you don't have to make it this exact size, but try to stay in that range.

Do not read

It's easy to tell when someone is reading a text, and this gives the impression that the message is not sincere. Study your resume, write a script and rehearse, but when it's time to record, don't read.

Speak clearly

Avoid repeating words and using random words, as this makes your vocabulary seem poor. Other things to avoid are long pauses and cacophonies — the combination of two different sounds in a non-harmonious way that could form another word.

Speak the company language

Research the company and the position in question to determine whether you want to make a formal or informal video. Regardless of the language used, don't overdo it.

Too much informality can be considered a weakness, while being too formal seems forced.

Be careful with facial expressions

Smiling shows that you are a charismatic person, but at the same time it can work against you.

If you're not used to talking to the camera, it's very easy to make mistakes and make your smile seem forced. Try to keep a neutral expression.

Avoid gesturing too much

The focus of the video is your face and what you’re saying. Talking with your hands can be distracting to the recruiter.

With all this and your video properly recorded, it's time to send it to the recruiter.

Upload the file via the platform provided and always rename it to your name + video resume. This way, the recruiter will know exactly what the file is about.

KNOW WHAT TO SAY IN THE INTERVIEW ➔

Examples of what to talk about in a video resume

In this topic, you will discover a special example of a video script. In it, you will find a step-by-step guide on what to talk about at each stage.

Check it out!

#Presentation

The first thing you should do in a video for interview is to introduce yourself. Greet, say your name, age and city where you live.

In your presentation, it is also important to set aside space to talk about your strengths, ambitions and areas for improvement.

Strengths and weaknesses: what should I talk about in the interview?

The presentation works as an introduction, so it should not be too long, that is, it needs to be objective.

In just a few minutes, you need to capture the recruiter's attention and show relevant information about the position you are applying for and the company.

If you don't capture interest and attention in the first few seconds of your video, your chances may decrease.

#Fell about your professional experiences

Start by talking about your professional life, how or when you identified with the area you want to work in.

It is very important to demonstrate passion for what you do, as well as experience and professional ability.

Therefore, next, mention important projects you have participated in or any achievements in the area.

You don't need to mention all the companies or projects you've contributed to. Just highlight the most important ones that are related to the job opening.

Make a script for this step so you know exactly what to say and in what order. You shouldn’t spend more than 20 seconds on this part.

So, rehearse and memorize what you have to say so you don't go over time or waste it on unnecessary speech or padding.

#Fale about your background

At this stage, you should mention your qualifications, technical courses, certificates, etc., however, focus only on those that are related to the vacancy.

The video should be short, so you should use it wisely and only mention facts that will make you stand out for the vacancy.

Do not spend more than 30 seconds on this step.

#Finalize your video resume

The last step of your video is also very important and can be one of the most difficult. How do you end it? What do you say at the end?

There's no big secret. How do you finish a resume? You'll do almost the same thing, but on video.

Finish by saying why you should be chosen to fill the position and how you will make a difference in the company's development, but be brief.

Then, make yourself available to the company for clarification and to proceed with the next steps of the selection.

Some companies tend to provide a time limit for the video, which makes it easier. Distribute the video time between the 4 steps presented here and reserve more time for the most important steps.

If it doesn't tell you how long the video will be, don't get carried away. Don't exceed 1 minute and a half, as already mentioned.

However, if you notice that it will be too messy, go a little longer than that, respecting the maximum time of 2 and a half minutes.

Be brief, objective and balanced. A very long video, for example, 5 minutes, can be boring and tiring, and may even be frowned upon.

So be careful with your time video resume.

How to make a good interview video?

In this text, you have already found many tips to make your interview video irresistible in the eyes of a recruiter.

So, shall we get down to practice?

First, grab a pen and paper and create your script. Think about the opportunity, consider all the details of the vacancy and also the main characteristics of the company.

Check that all the data in the script is correct to avoid the risk of passing on any incorrect information in the video.

Don't use difficult words that will make you lose your tongue when you're nervous. Swap them for simpler terms.

The next step is to practice. Practice the text with the camera off. When you have memorized the script, practice with the camera on.

Watch the video and see the volume, diction and presentation of the information.

If you feel it is necessary, ask someone else to help you judge your performance.

When recording the official video, be natural. You don't need to act like a robot that is just following a program.

The script is important so that you know what to say, when to say it and how to use the right time. However, try to be natural, after all, it is not fiction; it is your life, your interests and you will only say real things about yourself.

So, keep calm and act naturally and professionally.

Let's summarize how to make a good video resume?

Rehearse before recording;
Choose a suitable environment, with good lighting and no noise;
Test the equipment;
Wear appropriate clothing for a job interview, but it doesn't have to be too formal;
Adjust your language;
Train your diction and tone of voice;
Speak the company's language;
Be careful with facial expressions;
Avoid gesturing too much.

You can watch videos resumes from other professionals to get inspired. On the Peixe 30 platform you will find alternatives that can help you.

How to finish a video resume?

As we mentioned before, finishing the video is also very important. However, you shouldn't dwell on this step.

Be as brief and to the point as you were in the introduction. Everything the company wants to know about you has already been mentioned in the previous few seconds.

You can mention the difference you will make in development if hired. Also, mention your interest in being part of the company's team.

Finish by making yourself available to the company for new stages of the selection process, further clarifications or something similar.

If the company requests a video with specifications, try to follow everything that is being asked.

If nothing is specified, that is, the video can be free, use our tips, get organized and create your video resume.

This recruitment model is increasingly requested by companies, therefore, it is important to prepare to meet this new demand in the job market.

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Nathalia Silva November 24, 2022

Career