This document discusses video resumes as an alternative to traditional written resumes. It provides benefits of video resumes such as showcasing verbal and nonverbal communication skills. It describes two types of video resumes - live video and animated. The document also discusses what recruiters look for in video resumes like relevance, professionalism and length. Sample video resumes are provided and analyzed on aspects done well and areas for improvement. Guidelines are offered for an effective video resume script and dos and don'ts.

1. An IIMB NSRCEL & Goldman Sachs Supported Firm
Video Resumes

2. Contents
 Video Resumes Introduction
 What Recruiters Look For
 Samples
 Do’s and Don’ts

3. Video Resumes Introduction
What is it?
– A short video highlighting a candidate’s key skills, experience and personal achievements. A Video CV can
be:
• Targeted to one or more job, function or industry; or
• A generalized profile outline with a broad appeal
Benefits
– Verbal communication skills and body language can be showcased
– Much more information can be conveyed than via a written document, so candidate has more freedom
– Candidates can build rapport with recruiters before they meet in person
Types of Video Resumes
– Live Video (Recommended)– The candidate speaks in first person into the camera. Typically shot live.
Candidate is typically recorded from the waist up in a standing position, or while seated behind a desk.
– Animated Resume- A fully animated resume with / without voiceover. Candidate not recorded, but
slideshow or video produced using specialized software with voiceover.

4. How do Recruiters Evaluate Video Resumes?
• Length
 Avoid losing the recruiters’ full attention by making a short, crisp resume- no more than 1.25
minutes long
• Relevance
 Do some research into your target companies and industries. Bring relevant skills or if you are doing
broader targeting have more of your transferable skills. Try to add some accomplishments.
• What will you bring to the job
 Answer the question “why me”- what makes you special?
• Professionalism
 Presence, tone, confidence, communication skills
 Keep your background uncluttered and professional.
 Be well dressed , well groomed
 Good lighting

5. Video Resumes Scripts
Video Guidelines
- Give yourself time to practice!
- Be pleasant and inviting, but professional in manner and dress
- Add logical structure to your video. The below is an example of a resume with a broad appeal:
- Introduce yourself (~5-10 sec.)
- Mention your background (~15 sec.)
- Mention 2-3 successes or stand-out stories and what skills you used for them (~30 sec.)
- What you are looking for (about the role, about the company, etc.) ~20 sec.
- How you would make a great addition to the employer’s team (~10-15 sec.)
- A more specific or targeted resume might have the following structure:
- Introduction (~10 sec)
- Specific role or industry you are targeting (~15 sec)
- Your background, with accomplishments, internships etc. relevant to that role or industry (~30 sec)
- Any successes or stand-out stories (relevant, if possible), and what skills you leveraged (~30 sec)
- Why you are the best candidate for this role (~10-15 sec)
Pro Tip: Mix and match elements from the above structures to make your own uniquely structured video!

6. Sample 1
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2RrqP6qA-M
Why it is good:
1) A clear background and simple format (addressing the camera)
2) She gave details of what she learnt, which internships she did, and what she wants to gain from the job
3) Confident, yet down to earth body language
4) Attention paid to lighting and sound quality
How it could be made better:
1) She could give a more clear sense of what kind of a role she wants, and in which sector
2) She could stress what makes her a great fit for that role, in line with what companies want (e.g. specific skills)
3) She could talk about some of her career highlights

7. Sample 2
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2eX1vTDyJg
Why it is good:
1) A clear background and attractive format (college branding, motion graphics to emphasize important points)
2) Gives details of skills, projects and areas of expertise that will be relevant to recruiters
3) Professionally dressed; professional quality video
How it could be made better:
1) A shorter script and better rehearsal so she isn’t seen “reading”
2) Video could reveal more about the student’s personality and what they would bring to the workplace
3) A more open body language and more vibrancy in voice would be better

8. Sample 3
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1uByEDS4YU
Why it is good:
1) A “real” background, seated position and camera angles to create a relaxed, more natural setting
2) Effective use of editing and minimalistic motion graphics to create separate “sections” of the resume
3) Addresses key points about what she has learned in the course, what she would bring to the job
4) Sufficient information about her personality and what would make her a good employee
5) Professionally dressed
How it could be made better:
1) Better language and pronunciation
2) Could have paid more attention to look into the camera
3) Could have brought some of her accomplishments

9. Sample 4
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzfCjb8MBzc
Why it is good:
1) Creative, stylish and personalized, relevant to the field (graphic design) that the student is advertising
2) Use of outdoor/live yet non distracting background adds dynamism to the resume but focus is on the student
3) Good choice of music, but sound quality is excellent so nothing is distracting
4) Great use of video editing to add other video clips and keep the video interesting
5) Effective flow of content to communicate important skill sets and personality traits
6) Perfect length resume
How it could be made better:
1) Music can be toned down

10. Some Do’s and Don’ts
DO!
– Decide on which type of video resume you want to make and give yourself plenty of time to get it right.
– Make a script and memorize it. The result will be a polished video
– Rehearse and review your content and style off camera. Remember, you are creating a “product
advertising” video where the product is you!
– Prepare for the video shooting. Arrange a neutral background, and adjust sound, light and camera angle
– Use a good camera and microphone to shoot your video. Buy or borrow a small label mic if required.
– Use video editing software to edit your videos. Many popular, easy to use software is available for free!
DON’T!
– Make videos which are too long. Absolutely nothing over 90 seconds!
– Don’t get too personal or too casual in the resume. Be natural, but keep it professional
– Don’t just repeat or read from your resume.